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Drowning Pool is an American rock band formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1996. The band was named after the 1975 film The Drowning Pool.[1] Since its formation, the band has consisted of guitarist C.J. Pierce, drummer Mike Luce and bassist Stevie Benton, as well as a revolving cast of vocalists.

Key Information

After the release of their debut album, Sinner (2001), original vocalist Dave Williams was found dead on August 14, 2002,[2] from heart disease. Jason Jones, who replaced Williams in 2003, recorded one album, Desensitized (2004), but left in 2005 due to musical differences.[2] Ryan McCombs of Chicago-based band SOiL, later replaced Jones and released two albums, Full Circle (2007) and Drowning Pool (2010), making it the first time Drowning Pool did not switch singers after just one album.[2] McCombs left the band in November 2011 to rejoin SOiL,[2] and was replaced by Jasen Moreno, who performed on three albums with Drowning Pool – Resilience (2013), Hellelujah (2016) and Strike a Nerve (2022), making him the band's longest-serving vocalist. Moreno left Drowning Pool in March 2023 and was replaced by a returning McCombs.

History

[edit]

Early years (1996–2000)

[edit]

Drowning Pool formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1996. Guitarist C.J. Pierce and drummer Mike Luce formed Drowning Pool after relocating from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Dallas. There, they found and recruited bassist Stevie Benton. For a few years they stuck to performing as an instrumental trio, but this all changed in 1999 with the arrival of vocalist Dave Williams.[3] After recording a demo, Drowning Pool hooked up with Sevendust which got Drowning Pool in touch with Hed PE and Kittie. After touring with these bands, Drowning Pool got their demos enough radio play to get signed by Wind-up Records. The band made music with producer Jay Baumgardner.[4]

Sinner, death of Dave Williams, and Desensitized (2001–2005)

[edit]

Drowning Pool rose to fame with their debut album and played at the Ozzfest in 2001.[4] Their 2001 debut album Sinner was certified platinum within six weeks.[5] A number of songs from the album were featured at various WWE events that year, and three tracks would be included on the soundtrack for the Funimation dub of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge in early 2002. The album featured "Bodies," which would become the band's most popular song.

On August 14 that year, Dave Williams was found dead inside his tour bus.[1] He died from an undiagnosed heart condition, now known to be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.[6][7][8] 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."[9]

In 2003, Jason 'Gong' Jones replaced Williams as Drowning Pool's vocalist[10] and the band released the album Desensitized in 2004. Despite the success of the album's lead single, "Step Up", the album was not nearly as successful as Sinner, and it was publicly announced on June 14, 2005, that Jones had departed from the band, due to "irreconcilable differences".[11]

Full Circle (2006–2008)

[edit]
Drowning Pool's third vocalist, Ryan McCombs, performing with the band in November 2010

The band announced that their replacement singer would be formally announced at Ozzfest in Dallas, where the band did a one-off performance on the main stage. On July 20, 2005, the website SMNNews[12] revealed that Ryan McCombs, then former singer of SOiL, was the new vocalist. The band initially wanted McCombs to join Drowning Pool as the replacement of Dave Williams, nearly two years prior.[13] In spring of 2006, the band announced that they had parted ways with Wind-up Records.[14] In October 2006, a new song "No More" was announced to be released on the Saw III soundtrack, their first song (besides a re-recorded version of "Rise Up") with McCombs. The bands recorded version of "Rise Up", was used as the theme song for WWE SmackDown from September 30, 2004 – September 26, 2008.[15] The band signed a new deal with Eleven Seven Music[16] and also announced a new management company, Tenth Street Entertainment.[17] The band's third album, Full Circle, was released on August 7, 2007. 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 songs were produced by Ben Schigel at the Ohio-based Spider Studios.[18] The band then toured with Saliva in North America and also Sick Puppies and Seether in support of the album.[19][20]

Drowning Pool and departure of Ryan McCombs (2009–2011)

[edit]

Later in the year, work on a fourth album was announced.[21] On March 3, 2009, the band released a live album, Loudest Common Denominator, which featured acoustic versions of "Shame" and "37 Stitches" from Full Circle.[22] The band finished recording their self-titled album with producer Kato Khandwala at House of Loud in New Jersey.[23] It was the first studio album in the band's history not to feature a change of vocalist from the preceding album. The album's first single "Feel Like I Do", was released as a free download on their official website, and the album was released on April 27, 2010.[24] On November 7, 2011, C.J. Pierce and Mike Luce announced a new project with former Nonpoint members Zach Broderick and Ken McMillan titled Voodoo Corps.[25] In November 2011, McCombs left the band to reunite with SOiL for touring and a new album. The band, now once again without a singer, began writing new material for a fifth studio album while holding vocalist auditions.[26]

Resilience and Hellelujah (2012–2016)

[edit]
Former vocalist Jasen Moreno performing with the band in 2013. Moreno released three studio albums with the band, until his departure in 2023.

In July 2012, Jasen Moreno, from The Suicide Hook, was announced to be the band's new vocalist.[27] On August 14, the 10th anniversary of Dave Williams' death, the band released a song in tribute of him, their first with Moreno titled "In Memory Of...".[28] Two further singles were released with Moreno, "Saturday Night" in November 2012,[29] and "One Finger and a Fist" in December 2012, before the band released their fifth album, Resilience, on April 9, 2013.[30] On September 10, the band announced that they would celebrate the thirteenth anniversary of Sinner with a U.S. tour starting from October 22, in which they plan to dig deep into the songs from their debut album.[31]

In 2013, the band was featured in an NME article titled "28 Nu-Metal Era Bands You Probably Forgot All About".[32] They released a reissue of their album "Sinner" called the "Unlucky 13th Anniversary Edition" one year later in 2014.[33]

The band signed to eOne Music in August 2015.[34] On October 13, it was announced the band's sixth album titled Hellelujah would be released January 22, 2016, via eOne Music with producer Jason Suecof;[35] the date was later postponed to February 5. "By the Blood" was released as the first single from the album.[36]

On May 17, 2016, the band announced that they would be taking part in the Make America Rock Again super tour on select dates throughout the summer and fall 2016. The tour featured other artists who had success throughout the 2000s, including Trapt, Saliva, Saving Abel, Crazy Town, 12 Stones and Tantric, Fuel, Puddle Of Mudd and P.O.D.[37]

Strike a Nerve (2017–2023)

[edit]

In December 2017, it was reported that Drowning Pool had begun writing their seventh studio album. In an interview with 97.1 The Eagle, guitarist C.J. Pierce stated, "We're working on new songs right now, which is awesome. We're working on tunes for the next record. We have a bunch of stuff on the plate. Everybody's brought amazing stuff, material. The thing with this is just to try and go through and see what we're gonna do on the next record. So we'll hash out all the ideas and songs and then start narrowing it down. So it's nice to have more than enough to go through."[38] The band began recording their new album in February 2019.[39] Within the next three years, there had been no news regarding the state of the album. On February 16, 2022, Drowning Pool announced Strike a Nerve as the name of their seventh studio album, which had already been completed by early 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant that its release date was then postponed.[40]

Prior to the release of Strike a Nerve, Drowning Pool embarked on the North American tour Brothers in Arms with Ill Niño and (hed)p.e. in early 2022,[41] and during this tour, they played two tracks from the upcoming album: "Strike a Nerve" and "Hate Against Hate".[42] On August 5, 2022, the band announced the album would be released on September 30.[43]

Reunion with Ryan McCombs (2023–present)

[edit]
Drowning Pool performing for U.S. military personnel in 2023

On March 16, 2023, Drowning Pool announced that Ryan McCombs (while continuing his vocal duties with SOiL) had rejoined the band after a 12-year absence.[44][45] Although they had planned to release new music with McCombs before the end of 2023, the year ended without any.[46]

Drowning Pool released their first song with McCombs in 14 years, "Revolution (The Final Amen)", on September 20, 2024.[47] This was followed in April 2025 by another one-off single, "Madness".[48] The band also plans to release a new album in 2026.[49]

Controversy

[edit]

The band has faced some controversies and criticism due to the alleged misinterpretation of the lyrics to their most well-known song "Bodies". In 2011, the song was associated with the assassination attempt of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.[50] Shortly after the shooting, the band made a statement addressing the link: "We were devastated this weekend to learn of the tragic events that occurred in Arizona and that our music has been misinterpreted. 'Bodies' was written about the brotherhood of the moshpit and was never about violence." The band also added: "For someone to put out a video misinterpreting a song about a moshpit as fuel for a violent act shows just how sick they really are. We support those who do what they can to keep America safe. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families of this terrible tragedy".[50]

"Bodies" was used consistently by interrogators at the Guantanamo Bay detention camps in 2003, and was consistently played over a 10-day period in 2006 during interrogations of Mohamedou Ould Slahi while he was "exposed to variable lighting patterns" at the same time.[51][52]

Musical style and influences

[edit]
Drowning Pool performing in 2013

Drowning Pool's style has been considered alternative metal,[53][54] nu metal,[55][56] hard rock,[57][58] and post-grunge,[59] as well as being part of the new wave of American heavy metal. The band's influences include Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Anthrax, Testament, Slipknot, Alice in Chains, SOiL, Opeth, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Black Sabbath, Slayer, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, the Beatles, Pantera, Sepultura and Suicidal Tendencies.[51][60][61]

Band members

[edit]

Timeline

[edit]
  • C.J. Pierce
  • Mike Luce
  • Stevie Benton
  • Ryan McCombs

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Drowning Pool discography

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Drowning Pool

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Drowning Pool is an American rock band formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1996 by guitarist C.J. Pierce, drummer Mike Luce, bassist Stevie Benton, and original vocalist Dave Williams. The group achieved breakthrough success with their debut album Sinner (2001), propelled by the high-energy single "Bodies," which peaked at number six on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earned platinum certification for the album. Following Williams' death from an undiagnosed heart defect on , , during a tour, the band recruited new vocalists including Jason Moreno and later , enabling them to release subsequent albums such as Desensitized (2004) and Full Circle (2007) while maintaining a core lineup of Pierce, Benton, and Luce. Known for their aggressive nu-metal and style emphasizing powerful riffs and crowd-chanting anthems, Drowning Pool has sustained a touring presence, including appearances and military base performances, though "Bodies" sparked backlash for its post-9/11 radio ban by Clear Channel and later associations with interrogation tactics at , from which the band distanced itself.

History

Formation and early years (1996–2000)

Drowning Pool was formed in , in 1996 by guitarist C.J. Pierce and drummer Mike Luce, who had relocated from New Orleans, along with bassist Stevie Benton. The trio, who have remained the band's core instrumental lineup since inception, recruited vocalist Dave Williams to complete the original configuration. Drawing their name from the 1975 film The Drowning Pool, the group emerged amid the local heavy metal and circuits, where venues like Deep Ellum hosted frequent performances by regional acts. In their initial years, the band focused on grassroots efforts, playing numerous small gigs in the area to hone their sound and attract audiences without external support. They self-recorded their first demo at a friend's home studio, distributing copies informally to build visibility and secure opening slots. This independent approach involved logistical hurdles, including self-financing recordings and transportation for shows, typical of pre-label nu-metal and alternative acts navigating competitive local scenes dominated by established draws. The demo garnered interest from industry contacts, notably reaching members of , whose guitarist lived in and recommended the band to their management after attending a performance. By late 1999 into 2000, Drowning Pool released a second demo following extensive regional touring, which climbed into the top ten on station KEGL's rotation, signaling growing fan engagement despite limited resources. These efforts, reliant on word-of-mouth promotion and persistent networking rather than major promotion, established a dedicated following but highlighted the challenges of sustaining operations through sporadic bookings and minimal revenue in an era before widespread . The band's pre-major label phase underscored self-reliant persistence amid a saturated market, setting the stage for broader recognition without compromising their aggressive, riff-driven style developed through live repetition.

Breakthrough with Sinner and commercial success (2001)

Drowning Pool's debut album, Sinner, was released on June 5, 2001, through . The album debuted and peaked at No. 14 on the chart, reflecting strong initial commercial traction in the nu-metal genre. By August 27, 2001, Sinner had been certified platinum by the RIAA for one million units shipped, marking rapid sales growth driven by aggressive promotion and alignment with contemporary trends. The lead single "Bodies" emerged as a defining nu-metal anthem, securing heavy rotation on MTV and peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, which amplified the band's visibility amid a competitive field of aggressive rock acts. Its raw, chant-like structure resonated with audiences, contributing to the album's momentum through radio and video exposure. Participation in Ozzfest 2001, headlined by Ozzy Osbourne and featuring acts like Black Sabbath and Slipknot, provided critical platforming, with live performances of "Bodies" capturing festival energy and drawing broader attention. This breakthrough fueled extensive U.S. touring, including slots on 's multi-city run, transitioning the band from regional club shows to arena-scale audiences and solidifying fanbase expansion through direct empirical metrics of attendance and merchandise sales at escalating venue sizes.

Death of Dave Williams and band hiatus (2002)

On August 14, 2002, Drowning Pool's original lead vocalist Dave Williams was discovered deceased on the band's tour bus in , during a stop on the tour. Williams, aged 30, had performed the previous evening in . An conducted by the Prince William County determined the as acute with biventricular enlargement, a form of in which the heart muscle thickens and enlarges, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition, which Williams had not been diagnosed with prior to his death, resulted in classified as natural causes. reports confirmed the absence of drugs or alcohol in his system, refuting initial speculation about substance-related factors. In the immediate aftermath, Drowning Pool canceled all remaining dates and subsequent tour commitments, effectively halting operations. Band members described profound grief, with guitarist C.J. Pierce later recalling the shock of finding Williams unresponsive and the ensuing emotional devastation that prompted serious discussions about disbanding permanently. A public service attended by over 2,000 people was held on August 18 in Williams' hometown of . This period marked the band's entry into an indefinite hiatus, as the loss of their frontman amid rising success from the album Sinner left the group reevaluating its future.

Transition period and Desensitized (2003–2005)

Following the death of original vocalist Dave Williams in August 2002, Drowning Pool held auditions for a replacement singer throughout late 2002 and early 2003, approaching candidates such as frontman Robert Flynn, who declined due to commitments with his band. Other musicians, including former Neurotica singer Kelly Shaefer, also auditioned for the role. The band ultimately selected Jason "Gong" Jones, a and , as an interim vocalist in 2003, viewing the position as temporary amid ongoing lineup instability that hindered long-term cohesion. This choice reflected pragmatic recovery efforts but introduced vocal style shifts that diverged from Williams' raw intensity, contributing to fan disconnection post-tragedy. With Jones on vocals, Drowning Pool recorded Desensitized from December 2003 to March 2004 and released it on April 20, 2004, via Wind-up Records. The album debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200, selling 42,000 copies in its first week—far below Sinner's peak performance amid evident attrition from the prior lineup trauma and nu-metal market saturation. Key track "Step Up," initially appearing on the The Punisher soundtrack in March 2004 before the full album, served as the lead single on June 22, 2004, but failed to replicate "Bodies'" viral traction. The band supported the release with tours, including live performances testing Jones' fit, yet production quality suffered from rushed integration and stylistic mismatches, underscoring how vocalist turnover disrupted the core aggression defining their debut. By mid-2005, escalating internal tensions—rooted in creative clashes and unaligned visions—prompted Jones' departure, announced on , 2005, just before a Dallas show. The split was publicly attributed to musical differences, though later reflections highlighted financial disputes and band dynamics strained by the post-Williams void. This instability causally limited Desensitized's momentum, as the album's modest reception evidenced challenges in recapturing audience loyalty without a stable frontman, setting the stage for further changes.

Full Circle and initial lineup changes (2006–2008)

In 2005, following vocalist Jason Jones's departure in June due to irreconcilable musical differences, Drowning Pool enlisted —previously the frontman of the Chicago-based band —as their new singer the following month. This lineup shift stabilized the core rhythm section of guitarist C.J. Pierce, bassist Stevie Benton, and drummer Mike Luce, allowing the group to refocus on recording after the underwhelming reception of their prior album, Desensitized. McCombs's integration emphasized a heavier, more aggressive vocal style drawn from his Soil tenure, though early live performances in 2006 revealed adjustments in stage dynamics to align with the band's established nu-metal foundations. The band entered the studio to produce Full Circle, their third studio album and first with McCombs on lead vocals, released August 7, 2007, via Eleven Seven Music. It debuted at No. 64 on the , moving 10,000 units in its opening week—a modest figure compared to the platinum success of their 2001 debut Sinner, reflecting diminished mainstream momentum post-hiatus and vocalist transitions. The album's sound retained aggressive riffs and melodic hooks but incorporated McCombs's gruff delivery, which reviewers praised for adding intensity to tracks like "Reborn" while critiquing occasional softer production that diluted the raw edge of earlier material. Promotion centered on the single "37 Stitches," a mid-tempo rocker that peaked in the top 20 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, gaining traction on rock radio without broader crossover appeal. Drowning Pool supported the release with extensive touring, including U.S. headline dates and European festival slots such as Nova Rock in Austria, logging over 140 concerts in 2007 amid support bills for acts like Korn and Disturbed. These efforts sustained fan engagement through verified high-energy sets but yielded no resurgence to arena-level attendance or sales, underscoring the band's adaptive resilience amid lineup flux rather than a return to peak commercial viability. No further core changes occurred through 2008, as the quartet prioritized solidification under McCombs before subsequent shifts.

Self-titled album and Ryan McCombs' first tenure (2009–2011)

Drowning Pool released their self-titled fourth studio album on April 27, 2010, through Eleven Seven Music. The album featured vocalist , who had joined the band in 2006 following the departure of Jason Jones, and marked the second release under his tenure. Produced by the band alongside engineer Johnny K, it maintained the group's and sound with aggressive riffs and anthemic choruses, though it received mixed reviews for lacking the raw energy of earlier works like Sinner. The self-titled album debuted with first-week sales of approximately 12,000 copies in the United States, a significant decline from the platinum-certified Sinner's over one million units. It achieved modest chart performance, peaking lower than prior releases such as Desensitized at No. 17 on the Billboard 200. Singles "Feel Like I Do" and "Let the Sin Begin" reached the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, with "Feel Like I Do" hitting No. 4, but overall radio play diminished compared to the band's early 2000s hits like "Bodies," reflecting reduced mainstream traction. During McCombs' first tenure from 2009 to 2011, Drowning Pool issued two studio albums (Full Circle in 2007 and the self-titled effort) alongside live releases, but empirical metrics indicated stagnation, with combined sales falling short of pre-2005 benchmarks amid a shifting rock landscape. The band toured extensively to support the album, including performances at military bases, yet creative tensions surfaced internally. On November 28, 2011, Drowning Pool announced their parting with McCombs, stating the need for a new vocalist to inject fresh energy for fans and . While the official statement avoided specifics, McCombs later attributed his exit in a 2013 to a personal "seven-year itch" and broader disillusionment with industry's practices, maintaining amicable ties with the members. The departure halted album promotion and necessitated tour adjustments as the band sought a replacement, contributing to a period of lineup uncertainty.

Resilience, Hellelujah, and Jasen Moreno era (2012–2022)

In early 2012, Drowning Pool recruited Jasen Moreno, formerly of the Texas band Suicide Hook, as their new lead vocalist following ' departure. The band officially announced Moreno's addition on July 26, 2012, after he had already begun touring with them that spring. With Moreno fronting the group, Drowning Pool released their fifth studio album, Resilience, on April 9, 2013, via Eleven Seven Music. The album sold 6,300 copies in its first week in the United States, reflecting sustained but diminished commercial momentum compared to the band's early peak. It peaked at number 17 on the Official Albums Chart. The band maintained fan engagement through extensive touring, including multiple USO-supported performances at U.S. military bases worldwide. In 2013, Drowning Pool conducted a USO tour in , performing for troops at locations such as Storck Barracks in . By 2016, they embarked on their fifth USO tour, visiting in and bases in , underscoring their enduring appeal to service members despite limited mainstream radio play or crossover success. On June 5, 2016, Drowning Pool independently released their sixth , Hellelujah, through eOne Music, produced by ; the effort featured heavy riffs and anthemic tracks but did not achieve significant chart placement, with singles like "By the Blood" reaching number 33 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Drowning Pool's seventh album, , arrived on September 30, 2022, distributed by T-Boy Records and , marking the heaviest output of the Moreno era with themes of . Throughout the decade, the core lineup of C.J. Pierce, Stevie Benton, and Mike Luce remained stable alongside Moreno, enabling consistent live performances that sustained a dedicated rock audience, particularly in niche markets like military entertainment, even as broader industry metrics showed declining album sales and minimal top-40 crossover. Moreno exited the band at the end of 2022, citing a desire to pursue other personal endeavors, as stated by Pierce.

Reunion with Ryan McCombs and recent developments (2023–present)

In March 2023, Drowning Pool announced the reunion with vocalist , who had previously fronted the band from 2008 to 2011. The band performed their first shows with McCombs on March 17 at Club L.A. in , and March 18 at the inaugural Throwdown At The Campground festival. This marked a return to the lineup following the departure of Jasen Moreno in 2022, signaling renewed creative momentum with McCombs contributing to new material. On April 11, 2025, Drowning Pool released the single "Madness" through SBG Records, their first new music of the year featuring McCombs on vocals. The track, produced by the band's core members, emphasized their aggressive nu-metal style and was accompanied by an official . In September 2025, the band filmed a for an additional unreleased single, further evidencing ongoing production efforts. Drowning Pool entered the studio to record a new EP slated for 2026 release via SBG Records, alongside preparations for a full-length . Concurrently, C.J. Pierce confirmed plans for a 2026 tour commemorating the 25th anniversary of the band's debut Sinner, including performances of the full record and rare tracks. A deluxe of Sinner with unreleased content is also scheduled for 2026.

Artistry

Musical style

Drowning Pool's music is characterized by a fusion of nu metal and post-grunge elements, featuring aggressive guitar riffs, drop-tuned heavy guitars, and anthemic, hook-driven choruses that emphasize rhythmic groove and intensity. Early works like the 2001 album Sinner showcase this through tracks such as "Bodies," where pounding, syncopated riffs combine with shouted vocals to create a high-energy, mosh-pit-oriented sound. The rhythm section provides a driving, percussive foundation, often employing down-tuned bass and double-kick drums to amplify the aggressive texture. Lyrical content recurrently explores themes of aggression, personal resilience, and emotional , delivered via raw, confrontational phrasing that mirrors the instrumental aggression. For instance, "Bodies" employs imagery of physical confrontation and endurance ("Let the bodies hit the floor"), evoking communal release in live settings without explicit narrative resolution. This aligns with broader conventions, prioritizing visceral impact over melodic subtlety. Comparisons to contemporaries like Disturbed highlight shared traits in aggressive vocal delivery—marked by guttural shouts and dynamic shifts—and a propulsive that prioritizes groove over complexity. Over time, the band's sound evolved toward cleaner production and harder rock structures in albums such as Resilience (2013), reducing nu metal's layered aggression in favor of streamlined, groove-oriented metal riffs.

Influences and evolution

Drowning Pool's foundational influences drew heavily from the heavy metal scene, particularly , whose aggressive style and local prominence in Arlington shaped the band's early aspirations. Founding bassist Stevie Benton stated that the group "always wanted to be ," reflecting a desire to emulate their raw intensity and riff-driven approach rather than fully embracing nu-metal tropes. Guitarist C.J. Pierce and Benton also cited metal acts like Metallica for riff structures and for melodic elements, which informed the band's emphasis on heavy, anthemic grooves over rap-infused experimentation common in contemporaries. The band's sound evolved in tandem with vocalist changes and the post-2001 decline of nu-metal's commercial dominance, shifting from groove-heavy aggression on Sinner (2001)—characterized by mid-tempo riffs and screamed choruses—to a more melodic edge on Desensitized (2004) under Jason Jones, incorporating experimental vocal layers amid a market saturated by the genre's early oversaturation. With Ryan McCombs' 2005–2011 tenure, albums like Full Circle (2007) and the self-titled release (2010) adopted a harder, straight-rock edge, emphasizing intense, riff-centric tracks that aligned with radio's pivot toward active rock formats as nu-metal waned. This adaptation correlated with broader industry trends, where post-grunge and metalcore influences supplanted nu-metal's dominance by the late 2000s, allowing Drowning Pool to sustain touring viability through polished production on later works like Resilience (2013). Subsequent eras under Jasen Moreno (2012–2022) further refined this into modern with atmospheric builds reminiscent of ' subtler dynamics, as noted in member reflections on blending heaviness with accessibility to counter genre fatigue. The 2023 reunion with McCombs has maintained this evolved polish, prioritizing organic songwriting that builds on core influences while adapting to contemporary playlists, evidenced by new material's focus on natural band chemistry over stylistic reinvention.

Band members

Current members

As of 2025, Drowning Pool's active lineup includes on lead vocals, who rejoined the band in 2023 after previously serving from 2005 to 2011. The founding instrumentalists remain: C.J. Pierce on guitar since 1996, Stevie Benton on bass since 1996, and Mike Luce on drums since 1996.
MemberInstrumentTenure
Lead vocals2005–2011, 2023–present
C.J. PierceGuitar1996–present
Stevie BentonBass1996–present
Mike LuceDrums1996–present

Former members

Dave Williams served as Drowning Pool's original lead vocalist from the band's inception in 1996 until his death on August 14, 2002, at age 30. He performed on the debut album Sinner (2001), which featured the hit single "Bodies." Williams died from an undiagnosed heart condition, specifically , while the band was on tour in . Jason "Gong" Jones joined as in 2003 following Williams' death and departed in 2005. During his tenure, Jones recorded vocals for the album Desensitized (2004) and contributed to singles such as "Step Up." His exit paved the way for ' initial stint with the band, though specific reasons for Jones' departure remain undocumented in primary sources beyond mutual parting. Jasen Moreno fronted the band as lead vocalist from 2012 to early 2023, spanning three studio albums: Resilience (2013), (2016), and (2022). Moreno's departure was described by guitarist C.J. Pierce as a decision for change after a decade together, with the band opting to reunite with McCombs for his iconic vocal style on key tracks like "Bodies." The split was amicable, allowing Moreno to pursue other projects.

Timeline of lineup changes

The instrumental core of Drowning Pool—guitarist C.J. Pierce, bassist Stevie Benton, and drummer Mike Luce—has remained unchanged since the band's formation in 1996.
  • 1999: Vocalist Dave Williams joins the lineup, enabling the recording of the debut album Sinner (2001).
  • August 14, 2002: Williams dies of cardiomyopathy while on tour, leaving the band without a permanent vocalist.
  • 2003: Jason "Gong" Jones joins as vocalist, contributing to the album Desensitized (2004).
  • June 13, 2005: Jones departs the band on the eve of a Dallas performance.
  • July 2005: Ryan McCombs joins as vocalist, performing on Full Circle (2007) and the self-titled album (2010).
  • November 28, 2011: McCombs leaves to rejoin Soil.
  • Spring 2012: Jasen Moreno joins as vocalist, leading recordings of Resilience (2013) and Hellelujah (2016).
  • Early 2023: Moreno departs; McCombs rejoins as vocalist.

Discography

Studio albums

Drowning Pool's debut studio album, Sinner, was released on June 5, 2001, through . It peaked at number 14 on the chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA on August 23, 2001, for one million units sold in the United States. The band's second album, Desensitized, arrived on April 20, 2004, via and debuted at number 17 on the . Full Circle, their third release, came out on August 7, 2007, under Eleven Seven Music. The self-titled fourth album followed on April 27, 2010, also through Eleven Seven Music. Resilience was issued on April 9, 2013, by Eleven Seven Music. The sixth studio album, , appeared on February 5, 2016, via eOne Music. Their most recent album, , was released on September 30, 2022, through T-Boy Records/UMe. No other albums have received RIAA certifications.

Singles and EPs

Drowning Pool's singles have primarily supported their studio albums, with "Bodies" from Sinner (2001) marking their commercial breakthrough, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart and number 12 on the Alternative Songs chart. The track was released as a promotional single in multiple formats, including radio airplay and CD single, contributing to over 1 million album sales. Following the band's reunion with original vocalist in 2023, they issued standalone singles ahead of new material. "Revolution (The Final Amen)" debuted on September 20, 2024, via SBG Records, serving as their first original song with McCombs in 14 years. "Madness" followed on April 11, 2025, also through SBG Records, emphasizing the band's aggressive nu-metal style with themes of inner turmoil.
SingleRelease DateLabelNotes
Bodies2001Wind-upPeaked at No. 6 Mainstream Rock
Revolution (The Final Amen)September 20, 2024SBG RecordsFirst post-reunion original
MadnessApril 11, 2025SBG RecordsStandalone single
The band has one prior , though details remain limited in discographic records; a new EP is in production for release in 2026 via SBG Records, featuring recent singles and additional tracks.

Controversies and military association

Use of "Bodies" in military contexts

The song "Bodies" by Drowning Pool became popular among U.S. military personnel for motivational purposes during deployments in Iraq and beginning around 2003. Troops frequently played the track from personal devices to build adrenaline and focus prior to missions, drawn to its high-energy rhythm and aggressive chorus repeating "Let the bodies hit the floor." In addition to its use for troop motivation, "Bodies" was employed in interrogation sessions at as part of enhanced techniques aimed at . Declassified detainee accounts and military reports document the song being blasted repeatedly at high volumes, often combined with strobe lights, to disorient and exhaust prisoners; for instance, detainee described exposure to the track during prolonged sessions in 2003 that disrupted his rest. The lyrics' intense, repetitive nature aligned with the method's goal of psychological pressure without the band's involvement or approval in those applications. On July 4, 2017, Drowning Pool performed "Bodies" live at Bay's "Freedom Fest" event, entertaining U.S. troops stationed there in a non-interrogation context. The concert, organized by base leadership with prior awareness of the song's past associations, highlighted its enduring appeal among service members despite earlier controversies.

Band's response and support for troops

Drowning Pool bassist Stevie Benton expressed pride in the 's adoption of "Bodies" as a motivational for troops, rejecting characterizations of its use as . In a , Benton stated, " assume we should be offended that somebody in the thinks our is annoying enough to break the ... I take it as an honor to think that perhaps we could contribute from our little corner of the world to the out there. Our fans in the tell us they love the , and it's become an for them." He emphasized voluntary enthusiasm among service members over isolated reports, noting the song's role in providing support to soldiers. The band has demonstrated ongoing commitment through extensive performances for U.S. troops, including multiple USO entertainment tours beginning in 2005. Their inaugural USO tour featured shows at Camps Virginia, Buehring, and Arifjan in from November 1–3, 2005. Subsequent tours included a 2006 visit to with a performance at Storck Barracks in on May 5, and stateside shows at bases like in 2013. By 2016, they completed their fifth USO tour, performing at in and in . Additional appearances, such as at Army Base in 2010, underscore alignment with a patriotic fanbase comprising many who embrace the band's music during deployments.

Other criticisms and public backlash

In January 2011, following the Tucson shooting perpetrated by , which killed six people and injured U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, media reports highlighted that Loughner had featured Drowning Pool's song "Bodies" in a YouTube video he posted, prompting public scrutiny and association of the track with the violence. Investigators found no evidence linking the song to Loughner's motives or actions, and the band issued statements expressing devastation while emphasizing that the track was not intended to endorse real-world violence. Some outlets described "Bodies" itself as a "violent song" due to lyrics like "Let the bodies hit the floor," amplifying backlash over its aggressive themes, though the band maintained it originated from mosh-pit energy in live performances rather than promoting harm. The 2002 death of original vocalist Dave Williams, found unresponsive on the band's tour bus after a concert in on August 13, fueled initial rumors of amid the nu-metal scene's reputation for substance issues. results released on September 25, 2002, confirmed (enlarged heart) as the cause from natural heart disease, with revealing only insignificant, non-contributory levels of alcohol and prescription drugs, debunking speculation of foul play or intoxication. Critics, including advocates and musicians, have condemned the use of "Bodies" at high volumes in detainee interrogations as a form of psychological torment akin to , arguing it inflicts auditory distress and . Such applications drew broader backlash against aggressive lyrics for enabling coercive tactics, though U.S. guidelines frame prolonged as a non-lethal psychological operation rather than physical , prioritizing disorientation over injury. The band has not directly addressed these specific claims in the context of backlash, focusing instead on the song's concert origins.

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