Drowning Pool
Encyclopedia
Drowning Pool is a four-piece alternative metal
band from Dallas, Texas.
during an Ozzfest
tour. Their 2001 debut album, Sinner
was certified platinum within six weeks. On August 14, 2002, the band's lead singer Dave Williams
was found dead inside his tour bus.
A spokesperson for the medical examiner from the Northern District of Virginia said he suffered from a form of heart disease
. When asked if the band had any unreleased songs, according to a 2002 Blabbermouth article, drummer Mike Luce replied that "only 3–4 songs were done, including one called "Heroes," which is a tribute to dead rock musicians such as Layne Staley
. I don't know if we will ever release them."
to replace Williams and released the album Desensitized
in 2004. During this era, Drowning Pool also experienced a considerable shift in visual style: rather than the dark, grimacing, anti-social demeanor seen with Williams as the frontman, they shifted toward rock star vanity and sex appeal. Despite the success of the album's lead single, "Step Up
," the album was not nearly as successful as Sinner.
Jones' departure from Drowning Pool was publicly announced on June 14, 2004, due to irreconcilable differences. Almost immediately, rumors started swirling concerning the new singer's identity, like Pat Lachman of Damageplan
but the biggest buzz of the rumors was about former Soil singer Ryan McCombs
. Drowning Pool announced that the new singer would be formally announced at Ozzfest in Dallas
, Texas
, where Drowning Pool did a one-off performance on the main stage.
On July 20, 2005, the website SMNNews received word from close sources that McCombs was indeed the new singer. According to their manager, McCombs was "really good" and someone the band had wanted when they first set out to replace original vocalist Dave Williams nearly two years prior.
. In October 2006, the new song "No More" was announced to be released on the Saw III soundtrack
, their first track (besides the second version of "Rise Up") with McCombs on vocals.
On February 26, 2007, the band announced it signed a new deal with Eleven Seven Music
. It was also confirmed that Drowning Pool would have a new management company, Tenth Street Entertainment.
The band's third album, Full Circle
, was released on August 7, 2007 and met with moderate success, though some fans pointed out that they favored McCombs' vocals over previous vocalist Jason Jones. Two songs on the album were produced by Funny Farm Records, owned by Mötley Crüe
bassist Nikki Sixx
and former Beautiful Creatures
guitarist DJ Ashba
. The remaining tracks have been recorded with producer Ben Schigel
at the Ohio-based Spider Studios.
as special guests of Saliva
. On July 26, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa
, Drowning Pool played at the Dubuque County Fair alongside the bands Sick Puppies
and Seether
.
In September 2008, McCombs said in a statement that Drowning Pool will be recording its next album after it finishes touring with Saliva
. According to an article from the El Paso Times, Drowning Pool has written material for its new album, and the band will be in the recording studio following the holidays.
On December 9, 2008, bassist Stevie Benton was quoted by the Associated Press
as considering it an honor that the U.S. military was using Drowning Pool's music to bother captured prisoners.
On December 13, 2008, Stevie Benton issued an apology on Drowning Pool's MySpace page about his comment on musical torture, stating his comment had been "taken out of context".
On March 3, 2009, the band released its live album, Loudest Common Denominator
, which featured two bonus tracks of acoustic versions of "Shame" and "37 Stitches".
According to a blog posted by the band members on the website SMNNEWS, they have hinted at having six songs already completed, and they just need to finish the other half of the album. McCombs dropped teasers of possible titles to two of the songs, "L.O.M.L" and "Regret". Guitarist C.J. Pierce also said he is bringing back some effects used on debut album Sinner, but not on the previous two albums.
Drowning Pool finished recording their latest album with Kato Khandwala producing at House of Loud in New Jersey, which will be the first album in the band's history featuring the same vocalist twice since Dave Williams, who recorded two pre-Sinner albums as well as Sinner itself.
The first single off the band's upcoming self-titled album, titled "Feel Like I Do", is available as a free download on their official website, and the album will be released on April 27, 2010. Also as free downloads on their official website are "37 Stitches" and "Enemy" (link is not currently shown, but the song queues after 37 Stitches). On April 12, 2010, the band began pre-sale of the album on their official website alongside exclusive packages featuring autographed guitars and a military-based package. They are currently on tour, in support of the upcoming album, with Sevendust
and Digital Summer
.
Drowning pool played at the Washington county Fairplex in Hillsboro, Oregon at Rock Fest 14 sponsored by Portland rock station 101 KUFO on Aug 29, 2010, alongside Godsmack, Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, Sevendust, My Darkest Days, and 10 Years.
On November 29th it was announced that Ryan McCombs has left the band. Drowning Pool is currently writing new material for a 5th studio album and looking for another vocalist.
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s. Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.-Origins:...
band from Dallas, Texas.
Early days (1996–2002)
Drowning Pool rose to fame while playing along with Ozzy OsbourneOzzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
during an Ozzfest
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
tour. Their 2001 debut album, Sinner
Sinner (Drowning Pool album)
Sinner is the debut studio album by metal band Drowning Pool. The album is considered the band's most successful, reaching platinum only six weeks after its release. This was most likely due in part to "Bodies" which remains the band's most well-known song. This was the second overall album and...
was certified platinum within six weeks. On August 14, 2002, the band's lead singer Dave Williams
Dave Williams (musician)
David W. "Dave" "Stage" Williams was the lead singer for the band Drowning Pool. He grew up in Princeton, Texas living with his parents Charles Edward and Jo-Ann Williams. During the 1990s he was a fixture in the Dallas music scene, often playing in well-known clubs. In 1999, he joined Drowning Pool...
was found dead inside his tour bus.
A spokesperson for the medical examiner from the Northern District of Virginia said he suffered from a form of heart disease
Heart disease
Heart disease, cardiac disease or cardiopathy is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases affecting the heart. , it is the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, accounting for 25.4% of the total deaths in the United States.-Types:-Coronary heart disease:Coronary...
. When asked if the band had any unreleased songs, according to a 2002 Blabbermouth article, drummer Mike Luce replied that "only 3–4 songs were done, including one called "Heroes," which is a tribute to dead rock musicians such as Layne Staley
Layne Staley
Layne Thomas Staley was an American musician who served as the lead singer and co-lyricist of the rock group Alice in Chains, which was formed in Seattle, Washington in 1987 by Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell. Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the...
. I don't know if we will ever release them."
Jason Jones (2003–2004)
After Williams' death, the band tried to carry on and begin searching for a new singer. Many were considered, such as Ben Schigel of Switched, Vince Mullins of Haji's Kitchen, Robb Flynn of Machine Head and many others. But in 2003, the band decided on Jason 'Gong' JonesJason Jones (singer)
Jason "Gong" Jones is a Singer-songwriter born in Columbia, South Carolina. Originally a tattoo artist, he was the frontman and vocalist of heavy metal band Drowning Pool from 2002 to 2005, providing vocals for the band's 2004 album Desensitized after Dave Williams's death...
to replace Williams and released the album Desensitized
Desensitized (Drowning Pool)
-Chart positions:-Singles charts:-Credits:Drowning Pool* Stevie Benton - Bass* Jason "Gong" Jones - Vocals* Mike Luce - Drums* C. J. Pierce - GuitarProduction* Produced and Recoded by Johnny K* Mixed by Randy Staub...
in 2004. During this era, Drowning Pool also experienced a considerable shift in visual style: rather than the dark, grimacing, anti-social demeanor seen with Williams as the frontman, they shifted toward rock star vanity and sex appeal. Despite the success of the album's lead single, "Step Up
Step Up (Drowning Pool song)
"Step Up" is a single by hard rock band Drowning Pool. It was originally released on The Punisher: The Album in March 2004 and appeared in the film's end credits. It was included on Drowning Pools second studio album, Desensitized, the following month...
," the album was not nearly as successful as Sinner.
Jones' departure from Drowning Pool was publicly announced on June 14, 2004, due to irreconcilable differences. Almost immediately, rumors started swirling concerning the new singer's identity, like Pat Lachman of Damageplan
Damageplan
Damageplan was an American heavy metal supergroup from Dallas, Texas that formed in 2003. Following the demise of their previous group Pantera, brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott wanted to start a new band. The pair recruited former Halford guitarist Pat Lachman on vocals, and later...
but the biggest buzz of the rumors was about former Soil singer Ryan McCombs
Ryan McCombs
Ryan McCombs is a heavy metal vocalist. From 1997 to 2004 he was the vocalist of the hard rock band Soil. Since 2005, however, McCombs has served as the vocalist for Drowning Pool.-1997-2004: Soil:...
. Drowning Pool announced that the new singer would be formally announced at Ozzfest in Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, where Drowning Pool did a one-off performance on the main stage.
On July 20, 2005, the website SMNNews received word from close sources that McCombs was indeed the new singer. According to their manager, McCombs was "really good" and someone the band had wanted when they first set out to replace original vocalist Dave Williams nearly two years prior.
New beginning (2006–2007)
In spring of 2006, Drowning Pool announced that they had parted ways with Wind-up RecordsWind-Up Records
Wind-up Entertainment, Inc. is a record label based in New York City. It was formed in 1997 by Alan Meltzer, former owner of CD One Stop, following his 1996 purchase of Grass Records. Wind-up is currently the largest independently-owned record label in the world...
. In October 2006, the new song "No More" was announced to be released on the Saw III soundtrack
Saw III soundtrack
Saw III: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the soundtrack for the film Saw III. It was released on October 24, 2006 by Artists Addiction...
, their first track (besides the second version of "Rise Up") with McCombs on vocals.
On February 26, 2007, the band announced it signed a new deal with Eleven Seven Music
Eleven seven music
Eleven Seven Music is a record label founded by Allen Kovac, who is the CEO of 10th Street Entertainment.Eleven Seven has recently enjoyed success with the rejuvenated Buckcherry, whose label debut has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe and Sixx:A.M...
. It was also confirmed that Drowning Pool would have a new management company, Tenth Street Entertainment.
The band's third album, Full Circle
Full Circle (Drowning Pool album)
-Personnel:Drowning Pool* Ryan McCombs - Vocals* Stevie Benton - Bass* C. J. Pierce - Guitar* Mike Luce - Drums-Chart positions:-Singles charts:Production* Produced by Ben Schigel, Except "Reason I'm Alive" Produced by Nikki Sixx and DJ Ashba...
, was released on August 7, 2007 and met with moderate success, though some fans pointed out that they favored McCombs' vocals over previous vocalist Jason Jones. Two songs on the album were produced by Funny Farm Records, owned by Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil...
bassist Nikki Sixx
Nikki Sixx
Nikki Sixx is an American musician, songwriter, author, fashion designer, radio host, and photographer, best known as the co-founder and bassist of the band Mötley Crüe. Prior to forming Mötley Crüe, Sixx was a member of Sister before going on to form London with his Sister band mate Lizzie Grey...
and former Beautiful Creatures
Beautiful Creatures (band)
Beautiful Creatures are a hard rock band formed in 1999 by guitarist DJ Ashba, formerly of BulletBoys, and singer Joe Lesté of Bang Tango. The group's current lineup is composed of Lesté , Delta Starr , Anthony Focx , Lance Eric and Justin Sandler...
guitarist DJ Ashba
DJ Ashba
Daren Jay "DJ" Ashba is an American musician, producer, songwriter and CEO of Ashba Media. He is the lead guitarist in Guns N' Roses and Sixx:A.M. He is also known for his work with hard rock bands BulletBoys and Beautiful Creatures...
. The remaining tracks have been recorded with producer Ben Schigel
Ben Schigel
Ben Schigel is an American musician, record producer and vocalist from nu metal band, Switched.He has produced for such bands as STEMM, Drowning Pool, Walls of Jericho, Chimaira, Breaking Point, Allele & many more at his home studio . He also has a up....
at the Ohio-based Spider Studios.
Loudest Common Denominator and Self-Titled Album (2008–present)
In January 2008, the band members announced that they would be touring North AmericaNorth America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
as special guests of Saliva
Saliva (band)
Saliva is an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in September 1996 and currently under Island Records. Saliva released their self-titled debut album on August 26, 1997, under Rocking Chair Records....
. On July 26, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque is a city in and the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. In 2010 its population was 57,637, making it the ninth-largest city in the state and the county's population was 93,653....
, Drowning Pool played at the Dubuque County Fair alongside the bands Sick Puppies
Sick Puppies
Sick Puppies is an Australian rock band, formed in 1997. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Shimon Moore, bassist Emma Anzai and drummer Mark Goodwin....
and Seether
Seether
Seether is a post-grunge/alternative metal band from Pretoria, South Africa, formed in 1999. The band is currently signed to Wind-up Records...
.
In September 2008, McCombs said in a statement that Drowning Pool will be recording its next album after it finishes touring with Saliva
Saliva (band)
Saliva is an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in September 1996 and currently under Island Records. Saliva released their self-titled debut album on August 26, 1997, under Rocking Chair Records....
. According to an article from the El Paso Times, Drowning Pool has written material for its new album, and the band will be in the recording studio following the holidays.
On December 9, 2008, bassist Stevie Benton was quoted by the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
as considering it an honor that the U.S. military was using Drowning Pool's music to bother captured prisoners.
On December 13, 2008, Stevie Benton issued an apology on Drowning Pool's MySpace page about his comment on musical torture, stating his comment had been "taken out of context".
On March 3, 2009, the band released its live album, Loudest Common Denominator
Loudest Common Denominator
-Personnel:Drowning Pool* Ryan McCombs - Vocals* Stevie Benton - Bass, Backup vocals* C. J. Pierce - Guitar, Backup Vocals* Mike Luce - Drums, Backup vocalsProduction* Produced by Drowning Pool* Tracks 1-11 recorded live in San Diego, mixed by Tye Robison...
, which featured two bonus tracks of acoustic versions of "Shame" and "37 Stitches".
According to a blog posted by the band members on the website SMNNEWS, they have hinted at having six songs already completed, and they just need to finish the other half of the album. McCombs dropped teasers of possible titles to two of the songs, "L.O.M.L" and "Regret". Guitarist C.J. Pierce also said he is bringing back some effects used on debut album Sinner, but not on the previous two albums.
Drowning Pool finished recording their latest album with Kato Khandwala producing at House of Loud in New Jersey, which will be the first album in the band's history featuring the same vocalist twice since Dave Williams, who recorded two pre-Sinner albums as well as Sinner itself.
The first single off the band's upcoming self-titled album, titled "Feel Like I Do", is available as a free download on their official website, and the album will be released on April 27, 2010. Also as free downloads on their official website are "37 Stitches" and "Enemy" (link is not currently shown, but the song queues after 37 Stitches). On April 12, 2010, the band began pre-sale of the album on their official website alongside exclusive packages featuring autographed guitars and a military-based package. They are currently on tour, in support of the upcoming album, with Sevendust
Sevendust
Sevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
and Digital Summer
Digital Summer
Digital Summer is an American hard rock band from Phoenix, Arizona, formed in 2006.-Formation:Digital Summer is a hard rock band from Phoenix, AZ. They formed in 2006 when brothers Kyle and Ian Winterstein's enlisted long time friends and former band-mates Anthony "Guido" Hernandez and Johnmark...
.
Drowning pool played at the Washington county Fairplex in Hillsboro, Oregon at Rock Fest 14 sponsored by Portland rock station 101 KUFO on Aug 29, 2010, alongside Godsmack, Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, Sevendust, My Darkest Days, and 10 Years.
On November 29th it was announced that Ryan McCombs has left the band. Drowning Pool is currently writing new material for a 5th studio album and looking for another vocalist.
Tours
- Ozzfest 2001 and 2002 Tour
- Music as a Weapon 1 Tour
- Sinner Tour
- Desensitized Tour
- Full Circle Tour
- This Is For The Soldiers Tour 2007
- Know Your Enemy Tour 2008
- Ozzfest 2008
- 2008 World Tour
- Escape From the Studio TourEscape From the Studio TourThe Escape from the Studio Tour was a 2009 concert tour by metal band Korn, although the name of the tour was borrowed from Metallica, who also had a tour by the same name in 1995. It included 65 confirmed dates and spanned across country to Europe. It was the second Tour to feature Ray Luzier....
(opening for KornKornKorn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
) - Spring/Summer Tour 2009
- Crue Fest 2
- Ozzfest 2010
- Liver Die Tour 2010 (with SevendustSevendustSevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
) - Opening for Godsmack and Five Finger Death Punch from September 28, 2010 to November 4, 2010
- JJO Band Camp, Madison, WI with Dope, Sevendust, Red, etc
Members
- C.J. Pierce – guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, backing vocals (1996–present) - Stevie BentonStevie BentonStevie Benton is an American bass guitarist performing in the heavy metal band Drowning Pool. He also provides backing vocals for the group. Benton has been in Drowning Pool since its formation .-Comments on torture:In Spins December 2006 issue, the magazine confronted Benton with information...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals (1996–present) - Mike Luce – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
, backing vocals (1996–present)
Former members
- Dave WilliamsDave Williams (musician)David W. "Dave" "Stage" Williams was the lead singer for the band Drowning Pool. He grew up in Princeton, Texas living with his parents Charles Edward and Jo-Ann Williams. During the 1990s he was a fixture in the Dallas music scene, often playing in well-known clubs. In 1999, he joined Drowning Pool...
: lead vocals (1996–2002) - Jason JonesJason Jones (singer)Jason "Gong" Jones is a Singer-songwriter born in Columbia, South Carolina. Originally a tattoo artist, he was the frontman and vocalist of heavy metal band Drowning Pool from 2002 to 2005, providing vocals for the band's 2004 album Desensitized after Dave Williams's death...
: lead vocals (2003–2005) - Ryan McCombsRyan McCombsRyan McCombs is a heavy metal vocalist. From 1997 to 2004 he was the vocalist of the hard rock band Soil. Since 2005, however, McCombs has served as the vocalist for Drowning Pool.-1997-2004: Soil:...
– lead vocals (2005–2011)
Discography
- SinnerSinner (Drowning Pool album)Sinner is the debut studio album by metal band Drowning Pool. The album is considered the band's most successful, reaching platinum only six weeks after its release. This was most likely due in part to "Bodies" which remains the band's most well-known song. This was the second overall album and...
(2001) - Desensitized (2004)
- Full CircleFull Circle (Drowning Pool album)-Personnel:Drowning Pool* Ryan McCombs - Vocals* Stevie Benton - Bass* C. J. Pierce - Guitar* Mike Luce - Drums-Chart positions:-Singles charts:Production* Produced by Ben Schigel, Except "Reason I'm Alive" Produced by Nikki Sixx and DJ Ashba...
(2007) - Drowning PoolDrowning Pool (album)-Personnel:* Ryan McCombs - vocals* C. J. Pierce - guitar* Mike Luce - drums* Stevie Benton - bass-Chart positions:-Singles charts:...
(2010) - Fifth Album (2012/2013)