The prolific member of bands like Cave In, Old Man Gloom and Zozobra (which he also fronted) left us at the age of 39 (back in 2018) following a car crash in New Hampshire.
We put together this little list of "5 Essential Caleb Scofield Records". May Caleb's legacy live on.
"Until Your Heart Stops" (Cave In)
all begins here. Caleb was only just about 20 years old when Cave In's monumental debut full-length album was released, causing a massive effect on the underground Hardcore and Metalcore worlds and bring the band much well-deserved praise for their complex and chaotic, and yet very emotional and intelligent sound. Caleb's bass playing and tone gives the record a dense sound, and his ability to inject melody into the tracks is remarkable (such as in the middle section of the bonus track "Mr. Co-Dexterity", a track too good to not have made it into the final cut).
"Jupiter" (Cave In)
My personal favorite record with Caleb (and possibly one of my favorite records ever, period), "Jupiter" does many incredible things: it shows Cave In at the very top of their game and at their most inventive; it was an enormous commercial success for Hydra Head Records (the whole story appears on the "Blood, Sweat + Vinyl: DIY in the 21st Century" documentary); and it might have Caleb's most phenomenal playing of his whole career. His bass doesn't just have a monstrous tone, but it also drives the record in many ways, with inventive lines (and knowing with to add flourishes and when to keep it quiet and build tension) that not only contribute to the whole of the record, but also stand out when taken apart. I could give you an example, but the fact is that this can me heard all throughout the record, without exception. A career-defining achievement that any musician would sell their soul to have created.
"Christmas" (Old Man Gloom)
Supergroups are often a disappointing affair... but not Old Man Gloom. Here, Caleb joined forces with Aaron Turner (the project's original mastermind), Nate Newton and Santos Montano for a colossal barrage of sludgy and pummeling doom and gloom that feels like an experience to listen to from start to finish. The album's first track, "Gift", is an amazing introduction to the whole experience, and Caleb's harsh and powerful vocals on the track are just chilling.
"The Ape Of God" (Old Man Gloom)
Old Man Gloom's latest record is a double (triple, if you count with that hilarious fake album stunt that angered album-leaking members of the press) album extravaganza that continues on with the band's penchant for hulking Post-Metal monstrosities, as well as some more eerie soundscapes and drones. This was to be Caleb's final major release, and while no one could have guessed what was to happen to him, it ends up being an incredible final release, ending his carrer on a very high note.
"Bird Of Prey" (Zozobra)
Created and fronted by Caleb, Zozobra truly sees him taking the center stage with his highly resonant and powerful bass sound and throat shredding vocals. "Bird of Prey" is an very dynamic, fun and heavy record that serves as a testament to who Caleb was as an artist: not only incredible within the context of bands with equally talented and like-minded peers, but also a driving creature force himself.