Inevitable Collapse in the Presence of Conviction marks a new chapter for Soilent Green. After releasing a few albums on Relapse Records, the N.O.L.A. super group; which consists of Eyehategod, Goatwhore and Crowbar members, has found a new home on Metal Blade. Regardless of the group jumping ship to Metal Blade, Inevitable Collapse in the Presence of Conviction displays all the familiar features associated with the group. This is still the same ole’ southern swamp groove and grind laid out in their 1995 debut full-length, Pussysoul.

Soilent’s latest album contains little surprises in its well-worn formula, but after twenty years as a band, this album is a testament to the band’s perseverance. The consistency of guitarist Brian Patton, vocalist Ben Falgoust and drummer Tommy Buckley has led to a finely-honed product. Another improvement comes in the production values. They made a wise choice in bringing Erik Rutan for a second round, as Rutan previously worked with the band on their last album Confrontation. The clear production on Inevitable Collapse makes the album friendlier on the ears, which may also explain a greater ease in discriminating Falgoust’s lyrics.

The boys from the bayou also show considerable improvements in the song writing department. Tommy Buckley’s vivacious drumming keeps the group working in cohesion. His role is especially important when considering the numerous temple changes experienced in each track. Regardless of the sharp twists and turns, Patton and Crochet check his every flick of the wrist. Buckley’s blasts during the grind parts impress, but his furious fills during transitional moments impress the most.

Falgoust’s scorching voice appropriates the aggressive tone transmitted in the band’s music, but relates much better in a live setting. Falgoust’s manic energy is a bullet point for catching the band on tour, but is the least impressive facet of a domestic listen. The guitar riffs and bombastic drums rule the day on a home or car stereo. “Antioxidant” is a fine example of the band’s expertise on the subject of musical transition. This track includes punk/grind grooves, southern blues string work, blasting grind, guttural death growls swamped in doom chords and even a Steve Harris-like bass solo. Acoustic guitars open “Love Sick” and “In the Same Breath,” allowing listeners to heal their bruises before being assaulted by another Buckley flurry.

Soilent Green is living proof that perseverance can indeed be rewarding. The group has experienced many hardships including the death of two members (Scott Williams and Glen Rambo), numerous hurricanes, lineup changes, lack of tour support and a van accident while on tour. After two decades, though, three-fourths of the band remains, and the group has a new record contract that has led to more time on the road. Soilent Green obviously recognizes this is their time, and they are not going to let it slip away because Inevitable Collapse in the Presence of Conviction shows the band at their best.

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