Soilent Green Bio

Unlike most bands who show little but talk a good game, New Orleans' SOILENT GREEN lay all their cards on the table. A quick listen makes it obvious that they're not bluffing.

SOILENT GREEN began to take shape circa October, 1988. Guitarists Brian Patton, Donovan Punch and drummer Tommy Buckley joined forces, hooked up with a bassist and vocalist, and set about building their legacy in the fertile soil known as the NOLA (New Orleans, LA) extreme scene, and in what has become their second home - Texas.

In 1992, Scott Williams stepped in on bass and Brian accepted a "side" gig with the infamous EYEHATEGOD, jumping into their hectic recording and touring schedule. A year later, vocalist Ben Falgoust joined the SOILENT GREEN fold. Shortly thereafter, SOILENT cut their only demo, which garnered them a deal with the fledgling label Dwell, and churned out their debut full-length 'Pussysoul' in mid-1994. 'Pussysoul' was met with equal parts delight and horror. Some rejoiced in their potent molotov cocktail of all things metallic, while others were repulsed by the absolute hatred of it all.

SOILENT GREEN sporadically played gigs around Brian's hectic EYEHATEGOD schedule, and ultimately managed to join the Southeastern and Texas portions of EXTREME NOISE TERROR's summer 1995 U.S. tour. The group also recorded a split 10" w/ GRIEF, and made an appearance on the 'Cry Now, Cry Later' double 7" compilation (both issued by Pessimiser/Theologian).

1996 saw the band remain relatively inactive while Brian fulfilled EYEHATEGOD commitments, but '97 kicked into gear almost immediately when SOILENT linked up with PANTERA and CLUTCH for a run of dates throughout Texas. Shortly thereafter, the group entered Festival Studios with engineer Keith Falgout (CRISIS, CROWBAR) and laid down the tracks which would eventually comprise 'A String of Lies.' The remainder of 1997 saw the group complete more Eastern U.S. dates with the likes of CRISIS, ANAL CUNT and CHOKE that ultimately led to another string of dates throughout the Southeastern U.S. with PANTERA in early 1998.

February 1998 brought 'A String of Lies,' the first chapter in the SOILENT GREEN/Relapse Records story. 'A String of Lies' unloaded a thirteen-minute blitzkrieg of brutal metal-grind madness. Vicious, multi-faceted vocals, a rhythm section with drill-team precision, frantic guitar runs, wicked breakdowns and funeral dirge swamp-grooves comprised this teaser EP, but the best was yet to come.

Upon the release of 'A String Of Lies,' the band hit the road on a venomous three-week tour of the Eastern U.S. with labelmates BRUTAL TRUTH, impressing upon audiences the raging fury and intensity that SOILENT GREEN brings to each and every live performance. Immediately following this jaunt, the band returned to Louisiana and dove right back into writing material for their next release. After completing the new tracks, "the GREEN" played a stunning set at the 1998 Milwaukee Metalfest delighting all in attendance. The new songs, coupled with the band's ability to pull off the intricate riffs live, and vocalist Ben Falgoust's absolutely commanding stage presence, served as a much-needed wake-up call. Soon after, SOILENT joined up with buddies CROWBAR and EYEHATEGOD as part of the "Nawleans Swamp Tour," a two- month swing which included a blistering appearance at the '98 World Series Of Metal in Cleveland.

Carefully blending guitar runs of seemingly every variety, 'Sewn Mouth Secrets' further developed the group's patchwork metal-grind mixture, effortlessly blending the most extreme elements of metal, sludge and hardcore, resulting in a record that redefined the sound SOILENT GREEN had become known for. From the surprising opening of "It Was Just An Accident" to the fly-by suddenness of "Openless" and the mellow, luring intro of "Her Unsober Ways," 'Sewn Mouth Secrets' was an overwhelming display of creativeness and confidence delivered by a band that had only just begun to realize their potential. In response to 'Sewn Mouth Secrets,' Rolling Stone called SOILENT GREEN "One of the ten best hard and heavy bands" in existence, a claim that was magnified by the fact that the remainder of the list was comprised of BLACK SABBATH, PANTERA and others.

A U.S. tour with NAPALM DEATH and ISIS in May/June 2000 let fans experience a taste of what the band's new recording 'A Deleted Symphony for the Beaten Down' had in store. The incomparable SOILENT GREEN has expanded on their unique mixture of hardcore, sludge, and swampy metallic blues with 'A Deleted Symphony....' Burying the conventions of their peers, SOILENT GREEN took their sheer musical force and Falgoust's commanding vocals to new heights. SOILENT's oscillating, intricate guitar work collided with masterful tempo changes -- the schizophrenic rhythmic patterns are furious yet inventive in their splendor.

'A Deleted Symphony for the Beaten Down' is an absorbing effort, showcasing SOILENT GREEN's immense talent while solidifying their place amongst extreme music's elite.

While touring on the Extreme Music For Extreme People tour (alongside MORBID ANGEL, EXHUMED and ZYKLON) near tragedy was avoided in late 2001 when SOILENT GREEN's van rolled numerous times on an icy, snow-covered stretch of Eastern Washington highway. Patton and Williams suffered broken bones in the shoulder area while Buckley and the crew escaped with minor injuries. Falgoust bore the brunt of the injuries and was forced to endure not only numerous surgeries, but also rehabilitation to learn to walk again. Due to the accident the band was forced to cancel their remaining tour dates.

After an extended period of recovery, the band, remaining focused through all the adversity, hit the road for a short "Comeback" tour which saw SOILENT GREEN levelling stages in 26 cities through August 2003. This tour saw the addition of Tony White (guitar) and Scott Crochet (bass) to the fold. Since then, the revamped and revitalized SOILENT GREEN have been busy working on new material for their next Relapse release.