Rating: 8/10

Job For A Cowboy’s Moon Healer is a brutal, chaotic ride that balances raw intensity with technical finesse—This one has aged well so far this year.

Job For A Cowboy’s latest album brings death metal fans a fresh wave of gritty intensity with a hint of experimentation that might just redefine what we expect from these seasoned veterans. Released in February 2024, this album already feels like a staple in their discography, marking what many are calling their best release yet.

Right off the bat, the production quality hits home—crisp and balanced, with Jonny Davy’s guttural vocals standing out in the mix, delivering graphic and visual lyrics that evoke a cinematic brutality. There’s a refined intensity in his voice, a rawness that commands each track without overshadowing the instrumental heft that lies beneath. Guitarists Al Glassman and Tony Sannicandro bring an aggression to the record, though some tracks veer into chaotic territory—a byproduct of tech death that’s not for everyone but keeps the sound distinctly theirs. The tracks do maintain a groove in the breakdowns, most notably on “Grinding Wheels of Ophanim,” where rhythm and riffs find a satisfying consistency.

The album’s flow is thoughtful, unfolding with the cohesion you’d expect from a concept album, and that cohesion adds to the album’s replay value, even if some moments feel like they’re made more for background listening. As a whole, it strikes that delicate balance between being engaging yet digestible in one sitting—a nice feat in a genre that often prides itself on constant assault.

Though a few erratic compositions halfway through may keep it from reaching perfection, there’s no doubt this album is a respectable one among this year’s releases. From the thunderous bass lines by Nick Schendzielos to the relentless drum work, Job For A Cowboy knows exactly what they’re doing here, flexing their experience with confidence and letting fans hear the unrelenting brutality they’ve come to love.

Overall, it may not reach genre-defining heights, but it’s undeniably a solid entry that will satisfy new fans and the die-hard death metal faithful alike.

Essential Metal Merch

Moon Healer

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