Metal Centre

This year SOILENT GREEN released “Inevitable Collapse in the Presence of Conviction.” In many ways, the new album marked a new era for the group. It not only signified their twenty-year anniversary, thanks to Metal Blade’s backing and SOILENT GREEN’s nose-to-the-grind work ethic, it also marked a new-found success. 2008 has definitely been SOILENT GREEN’s year. Their video for “Antioxidant” has become part of the normal rotation on MTV2’s Headbangers Ball.

Also, the group has embarked on a number of high profile tours including stints with HATE ETERNAL, DETHKLOK, DEATH ANGEL, GOD FORBID and CHIMAIRA. Upcoming tours reveal the group touring with SCUM OF THE EARTH and KINGDOM OF SORROW. They also join OZZY, METALLICA, KING DIAMOND, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, and HELL YEAH on Ozzfest this weekend. Vocalist, Ben Falgoust will pull double duty, screaming his brains out to both GOATWHORE and SOILENT GREEN.

Life hasn’t always been so sweet for SOILENT GREEN, though. The N.O.L.A. (New Orleans Louisiana) supergroup consisting of members of EYEHATEGOD, GOATWHORE and CROWBAR have suffered their share of setbacks and tragedy. The group experienced two van crashes in two consecutive years, causing injuring and slowing the band’s tour momentum. In 2003, former bassist Scott Williams was found dead, allegedly a victim of a murder/suicide. In 2005, SOILENT GREEN was dealt another crushing blow. While dealing with the damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina on family members and friends, ex-vocalist Glen Rambo was found dead in his home.

Tragedy has played a vital role in the career of SOILENT GREEN, but 2008 marks a whole new chapter filled with hope. Like a sweaty, swamp bird version of the Phoenix, SOILENT GREEN has risen from the ashes reborn. Band founder and master of sludge-filled, grinding riffs—Brian Patton spoke with Metal Centre about the tough times and the bright future “Inevitable Collapse in the Presence of Conviction” brings.