Pathway to Ascension: Soul // Way Transcends Metal
Houston based, heavy metal instrumentalist band, Soul // Way are fated by the skies above become one of the next big progressive metal bands in Texas.
Photographs by @iknowthedevil_israel on Instagram
Introducing Houston’s metal band, Soul // Way formed in 2018 – composed of Richard Moffett on guitar, Aj Lara on bass, Angie Flores on vocals, and Rocky Conant on drums. The legacy of the state of Houston is known as the ‘Lone Star State and outer space exploration with its NASA homebase. However, its notoriety is best held in the spectacle of their culture and long withstanding music scene that all influenced the widespread rise of rock and roll. As if the stars aligned for the group, their experimental and metal sound gravitates listeners into another world to get lost in. Soul // Way are fated by the skies above become one of the next big progressive metal bands in Texas. The band’s signature sound is a combination of ryhthmic patterns, melodic leads, and breakdowns that cause a massive uproar.
As the starships are getting ready for launch, Soul // Way has already exceed expectations and are blasting off into the infinte atmosphere. Their sonic instrumentation and strong creative collaborative relationship has conducted them into a tight knit group to play at an extreme velocity. The band first released their first debut EP, “Spoken Into Existence” in Februrary 12, 2024 featuring six original compositions and one of their most popular release single, ‘Vishnu’ two weeks later.
Soul // Way has recently released two brand new tracks, ‘Lazarus’ in 2024 and their newest single, ‘High Priest’ in 2025. The pair of songs both commence the extension of the band’s ability to configure sonic arrangements that are belong in blockbuster action packed movie soundtracks. The heavy, distorted, and hell raising instrumentation could be the theme song of a villianous character set out for revenge as the world falls to their feet. Specifically, the track, ‘Lazarus’ obtains an airy and open guitar riff at the start that controls the instrumentation that feels expansive as if you’re being levitated upon the ground. The aggressive and sleek guitar screeches captures the intensity and tells its own story in a poetic manner. The flashy drums carries the strong withheld emotions that are constantly building up and down with sheer intensity and later pulled back into oblivion. Alongside the percussive and driving bass lines, it’s weight is carried within the high energy composition that highlights each instrument that vocalizes their own characteristic.
Soul // Way’s most recent single, ‘High Priest’ reminds me of the instrumental break throughs of Pierce the Veil’s , ‘Bulls In The Bronx’ and ‘Sowing Season’ (Yeah) by the Brand New with the drums lunging through the bass even without vocals the song has a dense beat, a vibe you can thrash to. The song itself doesn’t feel monotonous it flows well each artist having their own time to shine through the sound matching the rest of their discography as well.
Soul // Way, "Spoken Into Existence” (2024) - Tracklist: 1. Spoken Into Existence / 2. Dogma / 3. Ego Death / 4. Fervor / 5. Brahama / 6. Kali
With The Band Magazine had the chance to interview Soulway for an exclusive all access feature. We are incredibly thankful to collaborate with them for this amazing opportunity. You can read the full interview below!
WTBM: Do you have any upcoming projects we should be excited about?
“Soul way is actually becoming something new. We’ve been undergoing a major evolution as a band, and we will be rebranding under a new name soon. We’ve got a lot in store for the project as far as new and innovative music that expands on the identity we’ve already developed as soul way.”
WTBM: Who are your dream bands or artists to collab with?
“For me. I would really love to join forces with bands like “Stick To Your Guns”, “Moodring”, or “Currents”. I love those bands and it would be an honor to do anything, be it a show or a song or a split E.P.”
WTBM: When did you know you wanted to become a band? What's your backstory?
“So Soul Way started as a passion project between high school friends. With a different lineup and a different name. We were a byproduct of a large group of friends who shared a love for heavy music. For me personally, I always loved music but never played an instrument until I fell in with the right friends who encouraged me to pursue something I clearly loved.”
WTBM: As a alternative and metal based band in Houston. There are many numerous clubs and stages to play in, what's your favorite venue to perform at?
“In Houston, our favorite spot might just have to be White Oak Music Hall. It’s an amazing venue with an amazing staff and fans that always pull up and show big love.”
WTBM: Have you had any cool fan interactions, moments where you sit back and say we officially made it?
“Every show feels like a victory. We don’t settle for being half prepared, so when we get off the stage and receive praise, we feel on top on the world.”
WTBM: What advice would you give any aspiring musicians/band members that you would've wanted when you first became a band?
“Don’t give up and pull all stops. You are your own greatest enemy and also your own greatest asset. Don’t take any advice from anyone who hasn’t been in your position and always strive to be better in every facet of the industry.”