By: Ashley Parrish Otteman
After much anticipation and what felt like a century-long hiatus, Job for a Cowboy has finally graced us with “Moon Healer,” their latest album released by Metal Blade Records on February 23, 2024. Coming nearly ten years after "Sun Eater," this eagerly awaited LP not only continues the narrative from their previous release but also showcases the band's evolution from their initial deathcore roots on MySpace to a sophisticated, technical, and progressive death metal sound. "Moon Healer" serves as a testament to the band's growth, ongoing relevance, and capacity for innovation within the metal genre.
Thematically, the album explores the dualities of existence, delving into the interplay between the real and spiritual world, supported by the music's atmospheric and harmonious qualities, giving it a cerebral feel.
Each band member's technical skill is evident throughout the LP. With Navene Koperweis stepping behind the drum kit, the album gains a rhythmic complexity that locks in seamlessly with Nick Schendzielos’ deep, resonant bass lines. His bass tone, in particular, enriches the album's sound with its depth and fullness, standing out as a significant highlight for me. Al Glassman and Tony Sannicandro's guitar work integrates smoothly, featuring exceptional solos that enhance the album. Jonny Davy's dynamic vocals add emotional depth, reinforcing the album's atmospheric themes.
The album's highlights include the track "Forever Rot," which impressed me with its unique composition, intricate bridge section, and excellent guitar work, culminating in a memorable outro. "Beyond the Chemical Doorway" starts with a nice groove and progresses into an impressively layered and full sound. "The Sun Gave Me Ashes" showcases the band's capacity to blend brutal riffs with harmonious guitar work and chord changes, creating an otherworldly vibe.
While the album sometimes revisits familiar territory, with certain tracks bearing similarities to others, I found this didn’t detract from the overall experience. Instead, it underscores the band's cohesive vision, which is both refined and unmistakably theirs. The superior production quality ensured that each note and nuance was heard, making "Moon Healer" a cerebral journey of technical and instrumental mastery.
In essence, "Moon Healer" stands as a testament to Job for a Cowboy’s evolution and their knack for innovation and reflection. Building upon the groundwork laid by "Sun Eater," it offers a blend of technicality, brutality, and melody that manages to be both familiar and innovative. Although it may not pioneer new ground in the genre, it affirms the band’s significant role in modern metal with its exceptional musicianship, thoughtful composition, and thematic depth.