Ryan McCombs (born July 16, 1974) is an American musician best known for being the vocalist of alternative metal bands Soil[1] and Drowning Pool.[2]
Ryan McCombs | |
|---|---|
 McCombs performing with Drowning Pool in 2010 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | July 16, 1974 Muncie, Indiana, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active |
|
| Member of | |
| Website | soiltheband |
Career
editSoil (1997–2004, 2011–present)
editMcCombs was discovered by Soil through a compilation CD of unsigned bands. He joined the band as lead vocalist in mid-1997. Soil released three albums (Throttle Junkies, Scars and Redefine) and two EPs (Soil and El Chupacabra) during his time in the group. With heavy anthems like "Halo" and "Unreal", the band gained commercial recognition and international status with their second album, Scars, in 2001. Their 2004 follow-up would continue Soil's significant exposure. While touring for their latest album, McCombs suddenly decided to leave the band,[3] which caused the cancelation of many scheduled performances alongside acts like Sevendust and Damageplan.
In 2011, McCombs rejoined Soil. The band played various venues throughout the UK including Download Festival at which it played a live acoustic set for the first time. The band released their new album Whole on August 16, 2013 (worldwide) and August 20, 2013 (North America).
Drowning Pool (2005–2011, 2023–present)
editAfter his departure, McCombs took a one-year hiatus from the music business. By the time he returned to music, Soil had already found a new lead singer, A.J. Cavalier. Around this time, Drowning Pool's second singer, Jason Jones, left to join A.M. Conspiracy. Amidst rumors spreading about who would be Drowning Pool's next singer, the band confirmed the new vocalist's identity at Ozzfest in Dallas, Texas on August 25, 2005, to be McCombs.[4]
The first Drowning Pool song released with McCombs as the singer was a remake of their song "Rise Up", originally performed with Jason Jones as lead singer. The song was titled "Rise Up 2006" and featured as a bonus downloadable track on WWE Wreckless Intent, and was the theme for WWE SmackDown until 2008. The soundtrack to the film Saw III contains a demo version of "No More", the second track released with McCombs on vocals. Drowning Pool recorded their third studio album, Full Circle, released on August 7, 2007. It featured the hit single "37 Stitches". "Shame", which was released as the album's last single, was featured in the Saw IV soundtrack.
In 2010, the band released their self-titled fourth studio album. It once again features McCombs as vocalist, thus being the first Drowning Pool album not to feature a new lead singer.
In November 2011, it was announced that McCombs and Drowning Pool would be parting ways, and that he would once again be the permanent vocalist for Soil.
On March 16, 2023, Drowning Pool announced that McCombs (while continuing his vocal duties with Soil) had rejoined, replacing the previous vocalist Jasen Moreno. This marks his return to the band, since leaving in 2011. [5][6]
Personal life
editMcCombs has three children.[7] He married his second wife Chantale Coady in 2017.
McCombs suffered a stroke in 2014 a couple of days after playing at The Bierkeller in Bristol.[8]
Discography
editSoil
edit- Soil (EP, 1997)
- El Chupacabra! (EP, 1998)
- Throttle Junkies (1999)
- Scars (2001)
- Redefine (2004)
- Whole (2013)
- Play It Forward (2022)
- Restoration (2023)
Drowning Pool
edit- Full Circle (2007)
- Loudest Common Denominator (live album, 2009)
- Drowning Pool (2010)
References
edit- ^ Monger, James Christopher. "Biography: Soil". Allmusic. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
- ^ Harris, Craig. "Biography: Drowning Pool". Allmusic. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
- ^ "SOIL Confirm Singer's Departure". Blabbermouth.net. September 17, 2004. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
- ^ "It's Official: Former SOIL Frontman Joins DROWNING POOL". Blabbermouth.net. July 28, 2005. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
- ^ "DROWNING POOL Rejoined By Singer RYAN MCCOMBS". Blabbermouth.net. March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
- ^ "Drowning Pool Reunite With Frontman Ryan McCombs, Part Ways With Jasen Moreno". Ultimate Guitar. March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
- ^ "Favorite triplet in the world. ❤️". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
- ^ "Ryan McCombs Stroke Recovery". November 4, 2014.