In the lively city of Austin, a visionary named Zach Black imagined a fusion of rock genres that would shake the musical landscape. Conceiving the idea in his college days at the University of Texas, Zach dreamt of a unique blend of punk, metal, psychedelic, and reggae-ska influences. Souls Extolled, an Austin-based psychedelic rock trio, emerged in 2019 from this vision, coming off like the intriguing offspring of Ozzy Osbourne and Rancid, on acid!
The story takes a fascinating turn when Zach, originally from Honolulu, momentarily puts his dream on hold, immersing himself in other musical projects. However, the lingering influence of classics like Paradise Lost and timeless rock and punk anthems rekindled his passion. In 2018, a chance meeting with JP Ortiz, a seasoned bassist with roots in East Austin, breathed new life into Zach's vision. JP, having honed his craft on 6th Street, was highly sought-after by blues and world music stalwarts. The two forged an immediate bond, driven by shared musical aspirations.
Zach's past held another puzzle piece in Joe Valadez. The two had crossed paths during their college years, with their bands sharing the stage. Joe, a Houston native who relocated to Austin for St. Edwards University, boasted a rich background in marching and jazz bands. His reputation as a formidable drummer made him a prime candidate when Zach and JP felt the urge to complete their trio. By late 2018, the stars aligned, and the trio began their exciting journey.
On New Year's Eve, Zach proposed the name "Souls Extolled" to his newfound bandmates. With unanimous agreement, they marked their presence with a riveting debut at a Hyde Park house party in February 2019. The year was an astonishing success. Their first album, 'Follow the Ghosts', echoed through iconic Texan venues, earned rave reviews, and saw them grace local radio stations and podcasts. Their popularity skyrocketed with signature events like "The Super Epic House Party" during SXSW and "The Restless Kind Boat Party" on Lake Travis.
While 2020 preyed upon the ambitions of many in the music industry, Souls Extolled found refuge in the studio where the band was able to pull from their creative depths, culminating in the much-anticipated release of 'Seraphic War.’ This album, a melting pot of proto-metal, psychedelic rock, and ska punk, reflected deep inspirations ranging from John Milton’s Paradise Lost to revolutionary political theories. In a commendable move, the proceeds from 'Seraphic War' were dedicated to the Police Oversight Project in Austin.
By 2021, the band's footprint expanded, with their first regional festival appearances and tours across the southwest. Now, nearly five years from their start, Souls Extolled's accolades are impressive. Their music reverberates across radio stations and streaming platforms, and has been featured in Broadway World, Indie-Music.com, and KUTX 98.9 to name a few. Their albums 'MMXXII' and 'Seraphic War' have dominated airwaves across the US, underscored by a national tour spanning 25 cities.
Today, Souls Extolled is unstoppable. They are on a relentless tour, headlining festivals, and preparing for their next album slated for 2024. They have shared the stage with such notable names as Vallejo, Dirty Wormz, Black Heart Saints, Trouble In The Streets, Ricky Duran, Viben & The Submersibles, Country Wormz, Audic Empire, Kairos, Peter Dante's Chosen Family, Ben Buck, and many more. With a growing fan base, fondly termed 'The Restless Kind', it's evident: Souls Extolled stands on the threshold of musical greatness.
