Remembering Jason From Solace
For some reason, I don’t usually put music with an obituary or a remembrance for someone who’s passed away. In this case, that’s extra ridiculous. So much of what you ever knew about Jason — and it was only Jason; his last name was Limpantsis, but you never saw it printed on their records, promo materials or anything else, and if you asked, they’d give you the runaround; he was just Jason — was his voice. When I read last night that he’d died, this song immediately started to play in my head:
A tear, listening to the arrival of that culmination. That scream, gutted out and no put-on from the throat. His whole body is in it. “From Below” closes Solace’s 2010 third album, A.D. (review here), and is both the most elaborate/grandiose and the most heartwrenchingly raw vocal arrangement I ever heard Jason record. There are six or more layers blasting at you full intensity and it still carries even more weight in the emotional expression than in the impact of the song itself — this was a person with an exceedingly rare gift, a sweet heart and a deep shadow.
I don’t remember when I met Jason for the first time — Brighton Bar? some show? — but the last time I saw him socially (I would see him on stage again) was at Solace guitarist Tommy Southard’s wedding in Oct. 2011. Dave Sherman (R.I.P. 2022) was there too. Solace played as I recall and we were all as drunken gods. The revelry. It was Asbury Lanes, so also, bowling. Anyhow, I’d been writing about the band at that point for the better part of a decade and had done shows opening for them in the band I was in, and at one point in the evening, a markedly intoxicated Jason came up to wherever I was sitting, kind of cornered me, and let me have it.
Dude went on. Mostly about the writing. How much he appreciated what I’d said about him, especially about A.D., for which I retain the softest of soft spots, and that he’d been affected by the work I’d done related to Solace. It was a humbling experience. I won’t go too much into it, but in the social pecking order, nobody’s holding up music journo-types as paragons. Nobody remembers who wrote the review that inspired them to hear an album. They remember the album, and reasonably so. Same with me. So you get somewhat used to people talking smack about lazy reviewers or people getting things wrong, being on a low rung of the social pecking order, whatever. This was the opposite of that, and though liquid courage was an element in making it happen in the first place — because even semi-sober Jason would’ve been far too reserved for that kind of thing — he wasn’t any sloppier than all of us at the time, and it was his quiet sincerity that hit me hardest.
Somehow the same is true of “From Below.”
But with no reason to beyond the fact that he could, Jason took time to be kind. He was famously inconsistent, and I’d imagine at times infuriating to be in a band with. Stories abound of his unreliability, and by all accounts much of the reason Solace took eight years to make A.D. after their debut, 1999’s Further (discussed here), and their 2002 follow-up, 13 (discussed here), was attributable to his taking so long to finish the vocals. I’m not saying this to air dirty laundry at all; it was part of who he was. But when he got on stage and opened his mouth, you stopped and you listened. He had the look, charisma, the voice — of all the frontmen I shared a stage with, I envied his voice most — and the depth of soul behind it.
I know he struggled. As forceful as he could be singing, he was wounded, somehow. Like he felt smaller in himself than he was. We hadn’t spoken since that night when Tommy married Jenn, and he wasn’t the type to keep in touch after his time with the band was done. The last words he said to me were kind. I think he was often alone, I’m sad he’s gone, and I’ll treasure his work all the more for the rest of my days for having known him for the time I did. Rest in peace.
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Thank you for reading. This is going to be it to close out the week, i.e. no Friday Full-Length. Follow one of the links above and listen to Solace instead. That’s always why I put them there, but more so in this case. Either way, have a great and safe weekend. Tell someone you love them.
Tags: New Jersey, Sad shit, Solace
Thanks for the tribute. You nailed it. He was a great dude with an amazing talent and absolutely humble about all his gifts.
Thanks for this personal and candid reflection of Jason:)
That was a very nice write up and memory about Jason. He was undeniably one of the best vocalist in heavy rock/doom/metal, that there ever was. I was very sad when I heard the news yesterday. One of my buddies texted me and then I saw it on Facebook. Solace will always remain one the greatest bands ever, in my opinion. A big reason for that was Jason’s voice on those first four recordings. Thanks again for writing this beautiful dedication. My condolences to all of his friends and family. RI.P.
Further came out in 1999 and 13 came out in 2002. You have them reversed in the article.
I’m heartbroken over this news. I chatted with Tommy yesterday and the first song I mentioned was From Below; easily one of their most underrated songs. I know the reason your words resonated with him – you write from the heart and have clearly listened to and thought about the music you’re writing about. Jason was such a brilliant singer, I just wish there was more from him to listen to. Condolences to the entire Solace family and those who were moved by his terrific work, RIP
Terrible news. He was a good man and will be missed.
Beyond gutted to hear that “The Man of Mistery” is gone. I was honored to share the stage (and beers, bowls & time) with him in my time with Solace – intensely creative, humble, funny person who was always a joy to be around. Was trying to reach out to him for the past few months just to catch up but couldn’t find any way to contact him. Ironically, I just filmed a couple of drum play through videos of a couple Solace tracks yesterday morning. Thoughts and prayers to Jen & his family – Love you, bro & see ya on the other side.
Terrible news. He was a good man and will be missed.
My condolences to all his family and friends.
Jason was unrivalled as a lyricist in my opinion and everything he put to tape with Solace carries the weight of a billion suns, the undeniable anger, passion and sincerity is something that always resonated with me.
Truly one of the greatest talents in metal history and although living in Australia I never had the fortune to see Solace live I’ll always treasure the albums Jason made with the band.
Solace will always be a special band to me, and it is because of a truly amazing frontman with such an amazing, powerful voice and the intellect to write such great poetry.
Such a sad day.
RIP Jason.
Fuuuuuuuuuck just fuck
This is what he showed up for time for
FUCK
Thank you for this. Jason gave an energy to Solace’s music on a level few other singers have ever been able to achieve. I would have never known any of this info you’ve shared had you not posted.
I just wanted to add to my above comment that although I never knew Jason his music and words had a profound effect on my life and his passing has me absolutely gutted.
I’ve spent the day playing Solace at volumes my neighbours are unlikely to enjoy and drank way too many beers in the heat.
My absolute best to those fortunate enough to know Jason. May his soul rest in peace and my absolute best to you all.
sonofabitch
RIP Jason, my condolensces to everyone affected.
Thank you for your kind words about Jason. I truly appreciate them.
Thank you, Pat, and I’m sorry for your loss.