Job For a Cowboy – Moon Healer (Metal Blade Records)
Monday, 26th February 2024
There are albums being released, and then there are events. In the case of Job For a Cowboy and their new album Moon Healer, one could argue that this is both. It’s been 10 years since Sun Eater, a record that quite frankly was a sonic kick to the chin. So, what’s the story with this one?
Right from the first notes of opener “Beyond the Chemical Doorway” it feels like these guys never were gone. At the same time, it’s painfully obvious how much they were missed. There’s almost this very tangible sense of urgency to the music, in particular the guitar playing of guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman. This continues with “Etched In Oblivion”, one of my favorites since the day I got the record. Bassist Nick Schendzielos and drummer Navene Koperweis are beyond locked in the pocket and just be warned: your head may be spinning when this one is over!
“The Sun Gave Me Ashes So I Sought Out the Moon” is another outstanding track whose title paints a picture that must be heard to be believed, while “Into the Crystalline Crypts” once again shows off the absolute tightness of the band; hard to believe they’ve been away so long. There is a slight gear shift at the start of “A Sorrow-Filled Moon” before it settles into familiar territory. “The Agony Seeping Storm” comes at you with a musical blitzkrieg and closer “The Forever Rot” brings the hammer down one last time, just in case you needed reminding.
All told this is a fantastic album from start to finish. Job For a Cowboy truly came to play on Moon Healer and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Like I said at the beginning of this writing, this is not just a new album release…this is an EVENT.
Standout Tracks: All of Them
