Whole

Released in 2013, Whole marks a pivotal moment in SOiL's history as the first album to feature original vocalist Ryan McCombs since 2004's Redefine. Following McCombs' departure from Drowning Pool, his return was facilitated by a successful Kickstarter campaign, highlighting a strong, direct-to-fan connection. Produced by Ulrich Wild, the album deliberately moves away from the more polished, radio-rock leanings of the AJ Cavalier era, pivoting back to the gritty, blues-metal hybrid found on their breakthrough record, Scars. The inclusion of Staind guitarist Mike Mushok on 'Wake Up' adds a layer of technical pedigree to the record's otherwise straightforward aggression. Critics noted that while the album doesn't reinvent the genre, it serves as a robust 'spiritual successor' to the band's most beloved work, successfully recapturing the dark, hook-laden energy that defined the early 2000s Chicago metal scene.