Soilent Green - Inevitable Collapse In The Presence of Conviction
Released: April 15th, 2008
Label: Metal Blade
Band Website:www.soilentgreen.net

Review by Nathan Dufour

Ben Falgoust is an abnormality of nature that surely does not sleep. Aside from fronting Soilent Green, the imposing figure also helms the equally impressive (for different reasons) Goatwhore and has endured more over the past few years than most ever will. He is the heavy metal postman; neither sleet nor snow nor van crashes nor wheelchairs nor hurricanes will keep this man, or his bands, from their appointed rounds and commandment to rip you and everyone else a new one.

Inevitable Collapse In The Presence of Conviction is the newest slab of grudge (grind/sludge, I just invented it) from Soilent Green and there are a few surprises in store. Continuing the tried and true formula of ludicrously long song titles, Falgoust and company quickly set to their work with trademark ferocity and knowledge of precisely how Soilent Green should sound. That is, like a bulldozer having engine trouble while navigating a swamp in the backwoods. Thankfully, that much is still intact from previous cranium twisting outings into the Soilent Green altered state of consciousness. What differs, though, is the overall structure of songs. They actually end, for the most part. Those familiar with Soilent Green will note that in most cases each song tends to end once Ben runs out of words. Not so with Inevitable Collapse In The Presence of Conviction. With leadoff single "Axiom," this assertion is made quite acute because although the song snakes its way through Bayou inspired slow dances of doom, there is an accessibility hitherto not seen on previous Soilent Green platters. The whole idea of a single is quite offputting to start with but the quality of the track is unavoidable. The title is short and sticks in the mind like a nail through the back of the head and the melody alone will do backflips in your inner ear for weeks. Elsewhere, more involved exploration of hoedown-like interludes seek to confuse the listener, unsure of whether to grab their partner or bang their head till tomorrow never comes. Rich, full production belies the immense groove this band has always possessed in spades while Falgoust still sounds absolutely consumed by some demonic power bent on making its presence known. "Superstition Aimed At One’s Skull" is at once an instant classic and encapsulates perfectly the aim of Soilent Green and of this newest album: they have taken aim at your head, smile for the bullet.

Visit Soilent Green's official website: www.soilentgreen.net