Ryan McCombs

Ryan McCombs
Background information
Born	July 16, 1974 (1974-07-16) Muncie, Indiana
Genres	Hard rock, alternative metal, heavy metal, post-grunge, nu metal
Instruments	Guitar, Vocals, Bass guitar
Years active	1997–2004, 2005–present
Associated acts	Soil, Drowning Pool, D.E.M.
Website	www.drowningpool.com
Notable instruments
Vocals

Ryan McCombs (born July 16, 1974) is a heavy metal vocalist. From 1997 to 2004 he was the vocalist of the hard rock band SOiL. McCombs has also served as the vocalist for Drowning Pool from 2005 until his departure in 2011. He is now back with Soil.

1997-2004, 2011-Present: Soil

Ryan McCombs was discovered by SOiL through a compilation CD of unsigned bands. First with a metal band D.E.M. Then fronting a band named Maji, releasing the Mystery Machine album with his brother on bass in early 1997. He then joined the rock band Soil as lead vocalist in mid 1997. The band releasing three albums and one EP during his time in the group: El Chupacabra (EP) and Throttle Junkies, Scars, and Redefine. With heavy anthems like "Halo" and "Unreal," the band gained commercial recognition and international status with their second album, Scars, in 2001. Their 2004 follow-up would continue Soil's significant exposure; however, they were dropped from J Records due to disappointing sales. While touring for their latest album, McCombs suddenly decided to leave the band, which caused the cancellation of many scheduled performances alongside acts like Sevendust and Damageplan.

2005-2011: Drowning Pool

McCombs hiatus from music lasted one year. His family, most notably his wife, convinced McCombs to continue singing; however, by the time he returned to music, Soil had already found a new lead singer. McCombs's wife told him that if he was to be with a band to make sure it was with good people that he could trust. Around this time, Drowning Pool's second singer, Jason Jones, left to join alternative band A.M. Conspiracy. Rumors spread regarding the new singer of Drowning Pool's identity. The band announced that the new vocalist's identity would be released at Ozzfest in Dallas, Texas on August 25, 2005.

The first Drowning Pool song released with Ryan McCombs as the singer was, "Rise Up 2006," featured as a bonus downloadable track on WWE Wreckless Intent, and was the theme for WWE Friday Night SmackDown until 2008. The Saw III soundtrack contains a demo version of "No More," the second track with him on vocals. With McCombs, Drowning Pool recorded their third studio album, Full Circle, released on August 7, 2007. This features the single "37 Stitches" which went on to chart higher than any previous Drowning Pool song including their 2001 debut hit "Bodies." It was announced in November 2011 that McCombs and Drowning Pool would be parting ways, and that he would once again be the permanent vocalist for Soil.

Personal life

Currently, Ryan McCombs is divorced, and involved in a relationship. He has two sons. He resides between Louisiana and Indiana when not touring. Ryan is also an avid Purdue Boilermakers fan, a Cleveland Browns fan, and likes Black Label Society. Ryan attended Jay County High School in Portland, Indiana. He is originally from and grew up in Dunkirk, Indiana. As well he is close personal friends with Ray Polen, his former Stage Manager and life coach.