The band's debut album wasn't released until 1995, when Pussysoul came out on Dwell Records. The following four albums were released by Relapse Records, until they signed with Metal Blade Records for their 2008 album, Inevitable Collapse in the Presence of Conviction.
The band have had their share of tribulations, even violence. On 26 April 2004, bassist Scott Williams was killed in an apparent murder/suicide by his roommate. Then, in September 2005, former singer Glenn Rambo was killed in Hurricane Katrina.
Coverage of the band has been positive. In 2006, Soilent Green was featured in Grindcore, Crustcore Maniacs magazine in an article about the New Orleans metal scene. In 2009, they were featured on the first episode of season four on the Adult Swim show Squidbillies, episode 41, entitled "Lerm". They performed the main title theme in a cowpunk/sludge style
Soilent Green was also featured in Rolling Stone as one of the top 25 most influential metal bands.
The band consists of
Ben Falgoust – vocals (Goatwhore)
Brian Patton – guitars (Eyehategod)
Gregg Harney – guitars (Spickle)
Tommy Buckley – drums (Crowbar)
Scott Crochet – bass (Hostile Apostle)
Former members include
Scott Williams – bass
Donovan Punch – guitars
Glen Rambo – vocals (Nuclear Crucifixion)
Ben Stout – guitars (Goatwhore)
Tony White – guitars (Paralysis)
Official site - http://www.soilent-green.com
Mental Acupuncture
Soilent Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another technique
Bury the dead
Before plague makes it's name
Dealing with the world of authority
Step back and take that breath
No arguing over the quality
Apply to these corrective habits
Plainly the wish of the numb
Worked hard to beat the system
Victimized and still won
Over the hump, it's my turn now
I've fought hard to turn this around
Here's a tip that'll blow your mind
Carbine stock for keeping this calm
Force feed the ideas of positive awareness
Lending this strength to penalized stages
Now affixed to these perverted actions
Devoted plenty to this practical goal
Words must die in fated force
The life of this becoming now laid to rest
Evaluated for further development
In causing this outbreak
Antagonist that is hopeless in satisfaction
A contribution to this stagnated expansion
Retracted this violence instead of overreacting
Normal in the eyes of reason, an overrun anthem
Sometimes my silence can exhaust the confusion of others
Reminders of the way we have embraced our retribution
In time my devotion will lend bleeding truth to our oath
Repetitive behavior on the verge of personal completion
Wished and burnt it all away
Slamming doors with an attitude breached
Is this forgiveness that I have kept a quiet disease?
Kept this secret
For burning bridges
Only to swallow
Words of my own hope.
Soilent Green's "Mental Acupuncture" speaks about taking charge of one's life and fighting back against the corrupt systems and authorities that seek to control individuals. The first stanza calls for accountability and action, urging listeners not to wait for a crisis to occur before taking preventative measures. The second stanza contemplates the process of rebelling against established systems, acknowledging the difficulty in challenging authority and the importance of regaining control. The third and final stanza speaks about personal growth and accepting the consequences of one's actions, even if it means burning bridges with the past.
The lyrics are metaphorical, with the title itself referencing a practice of using needles to relieve physical or mental tension. The use of language and imagery, such as "carbine stock for keeping this calm" and "words must die in fated force," create a sense of urgency and empowerment. The song's message centers on taking responsibility for one's own growth and well-being, rather than relying on external factors to change.
Line by Line Meaning
Time to assign the blame
It's time to find someone to blame for the current situation.
Another technique
Another method to deal with the problem.
Bury the dead
Put the past behind us and move forward.
Before plague makes it's name
Before things get worse and harder to handle.
Dealing with the world of authority
Navigating the rules and regulations set by those in power.
Step back and take that breath
Pause and take a moment to compose oneself.
No arguing over the quality
Don't waste time bickering over minor details.
Apply to these corrective habits
Adopt positive behaviors to fix the problem.
Associated timeline of regression
A cycle of decline that is linked to specific events.
Plainly the wish of the numb
Those who are indifferent to the situation wish for it to be resolved quickly.
Worked hard to beat the system
Tried to overcome the obstacles created by the system.
Victimized and still won
Despite being the victim, still managed to come out on top.
Over the hump, it's my turn now
Finally made it past the tough part and it's time to take control.
I've fought hard to turn this around
Put in a lot of effort to change the situation for the better.
Here's a tip that'll blow your mind
A piece of advice that will surprise and impress you.
Carbine stock for keeping this calm
A tool to help stay calm and focused.
Force feed the ideas of positive awareness
Introduce and reinforce positive thoughts and behaviors.
Lending this strength to penalized stages
Using one's strength to help overcome difficult obstacles.
Now affixed to these perverted actions
Now linked to these twisted behaviors.
Devoted plenty to this practical goal
Spent a lot of time and effort working towards a practical objective.
Words must die in fated force
Some words need to be silenced with force.
The life of this becoming now laid to rest
The end of something is now inevitable.
Evaluated for further development
Being considered for further improvement.
In causing this outbreak
Responsible for starting the problem.
Antagonist that is hopeless in satisfaction
Someone who enjoys causing problems for no good reason.
A contribution to this stagnated expansion
A factor that is hindering progress.
Retracted this violence instead of overreacting
Decided not to react with physical violence.
Normal in the eyes of reason, an overrun anthem
What is considered normal in a logical sense may be out of control.
Sometimes my silence can exhaust the confusion of others
Choosing not to speak can sometimes help clear up confusion.
Reminders of the way we have embraced our retribution
Acknowledging how we have taken revenge in the past.
In time my devotion will lend bleeding truth to our oath
In time, my dedication will prove the truth of what we vowed to do.
Repetitive behavior on the verge of personal completion
A behavior that is being repeated but is close to achieving the ultimate goal.
Wished and burnt it all away
Wanted something so badly but ultimately lost it all.
Slamming doors with an attitude breached
Reacting angrily and aggressively.
Is this forgiveness that I have kept a quiet disease?
Is my forgiveness actually causing more harm than good?
Kept this secret
Not revealing something important.
For burning bridges
For causing irreparable damage to relationships.
Only to swallow
Ultimately not being able to express oneself.
Words of my own hope.
Words of encouragement I have given myself.
Contributed by Christopher I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.