Job For A Cowboy – Gloom

Another Job Done

One of the biggest hurdles in music is putting out enough material to satisfy the fans. Writing an album, recording it, and then touring to promote it means releasing a new record every 2 years, at best. In this age of rapid consumption, that can spell death for a band. The solution? The oft-overlooked EP, of course. Lay down 4 tracks, release it to the masses, and finish up the full-length while the fans enjoy. Arizona death metal band Job For A Cowboy have done that once again with their newest release, Gloom.

Job For A Cowboy know what they’re good at and they give us more of their traditional death metal here. Opening with “Misery Reformatory,” the band pummels the listener with chaotic blast beats and demonic guitars. It’s apparent from the start, too, that vocalist Johnny Davy is playing with his style on this record, opting for more black metal-style shrieks than the standard death roar. “Plastic Idols” sounds almost like an early cut by Amon Amarth, utilizing that band’s particular harmonic structure, and really letting drummer Jon “The Charn” Rice stretch out. By the time we get to “Execution Parade,” the group is in full swing, and recalling their deathcore roots a bit, showcasing a mighty dual guitar solo courtesy of Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman. Finally, the EP closes with “Signature Of Starving Power,” and with good reason: the swirling atonal harmonies and agile solos are adeptly anchored by Rice, and wonderfully complemented by Davy’s gurgling grunts, making it the standout track.

Jason Suecof (All That Remains, Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder), who also worked on JFAC’s previous outing, Ruination, produced Gloom. As such, the sonic textures of the two are quite similar. Really, there’s nothing special to mention, other than the fact that the EP sounds fantastic, with everything in its place. There’s a reason the band chose Suecof again.

It’s a fine record, to be sure. It’s certainly nothing mind-blowing, but the songs are still heavy, and the execution is still flawless. Fans of the band will definitely want to give it a listen, but should be prepared for the change in Davy’s vocal delivery. Job For A Cowboy sound like they might be setting up for a slight change in style, so keep an ear out for their next full-length.