Job For A Cowboy - Sun Eater review

Reviewer:
8.0

98 users:
7.71

Band:	Job For A Cowboy
Album:	Sun Eater
Style:	Death metal
Release date:	November 2014

01. Eating The Visions Of God
02. Sun Of Nihility
03. The Stone Cross
04. The Synthetic Sea
05. A Global Shift
06. The Celestial Antidote
07. Encircled By Mirrors
08. Buried Monuments
09. Worming Nightfall

I will admit that I was never a Job For A Cowboy fan. They were OK but I found them to be too noisy at times, too faceless at others and, very often, just average. Just another modern death metal band, for the most part.

And then they released Sun Eater.

This is one hell of an ambitious sounding album. It pushes Job For A Cowboy to a new level.

Firstly, this album sounds absolutely sumptuous. Death metal seldom sounds this great. The mix and production are extremely well balanced with every component fitting in perfectly. Even the drums are slightly lower in the mix and allow the guitars and bass to shine.

Nick Schendzeilos's bass playing is especially a treat. It harkens back to the formative age of progressive and technical death metal in the 1990s and evokes the likes of Tony Choy, Steve Di Giorgio and Roger Patterson.

Then there's those stunning guitar solos and riffage galore. Interestingly enough, at times the riffs and overall vibe are reminiscent of early Mastodon or Opeth's more brutal moments. Overall it still sounds like Job For A Cowboy, but more mature and more confident.

The music itself is more mid-tempo and melodic than many previous efforts. Unlike so many bands such as Revocation that flounder in mid-tempo stuff, Job For A Cowboy do it in style for the most part. Songs like "Encircled In Mirrors" are downright catchy, not a term used often with technical death metal.

As with anything, there are some minor criticisms. Some of these are related to general issues with modern death metal and especially the more technical side of it. Due to the massive variety of riffs within each song, it means that sometimes the songs tend to blur into each other. In the 1990s this was often avoided through instrumental interludes such as on Testimony Of The Ancients or Blessed Are The Sick, but this isn't really used much in the 21st century and certainly not on this album. In any case Sun Eater offers enough delicious music to make this a minor issue.

On Sun Eater, Job For A Cowboy have finally released an album that cements them not only as a top tier death metal band but perhaps even a top tier metal band. Even if the success of Sun Eater is nowhere close to the musings of this scribe, at least they have gained one new fan.

Rating breakdown

Performance:	10
Songwriting:	8
Originality:	8
Production:	10

Written by deadone | 08.12.2014

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Alex F Slick Dick Rick Posts: 3502 From: USA	Permalink 08.12.2014 - 18:20 Alex F Slick Dick Rick Posts: 3502 From: USA Wow. I'd say that's heavy praise for what essentially amounts to a mostly generic tech-death album. Definitely not my favorite genre, so I suspect those who do like the style will enjoy the album. Nice review though. Cool to see some new people on the front page consistently writing. Loading...
Ilham Giant robot Posts: 5161 From: Canada	Permalink 08.12.2014 - 18:32 Rating: 6 Ilham Giant robot Posts: 5161 From: Canada I listened to that weirdly melodic song they released a couple months ago, and I was like "is this the JFAC I know?", but looks like it fits with what I read now. It intrigued me and I might just as well try the album. Loading...
Fearmeister Account deleted	Permalink 08.12.2014 - 19:00 Fearmeister Account deleted Written by Alex F on 08.12.2014 at 18:20 Wow. I'd say that's heavy praise for what essentially amounts to a mostly generic tech-death album. Definitely not my favorite genre, so I suspect those who do like the style will enjoy the album. Nice review though. Cool to see some new people on the front page consistently writing. Pretty much my thoughts on it too. Its decent but its little more than a roller coaster where you go 'Ohhhh, ahhhh, look at this' but forget it all once the ride is done. Doesn't compel me to go back to it like the Cryptopsy or Cytotoxin sophomores Loading...
Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA	Permalink 08.12.2014 - 19:22 Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA This is something I've noticed with some deathcore bands blurring the line between deathcore and tech death, and eventually gravitating more towards the latter. I prefer such a trend much more with The Faceless though, I haven't listened to this one yet, but I'd say Planetary Duality and Autotheist top recent JFAC by a considerable margin ---- I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go. ~ II. VII Loading...
Uldreth Posts: 1150 From: Hungary	Permalink 08.12.2014 - 20:07 Uldreth Posts: 1150 From: Hungary Written by Auntie Sahar on 08.12.2014 at 19:22 This is something I've noticed with some deathcore bands blurring the line between deathcore and tech death, and eventually gravitating more towards the latter. I prefer such a trend much more with The Faceless though, I haven't listened to this one yet, but I'd say Planetary Duality and Autotheist top recent JFAC by a considerable margin This is not really the case with JFAC though, since the only material they released that was deathcore was Doom, which was one EP (!!!) early on in their career (well, and their demo, but that is much more Dahlia-ish, imo). Contrast this to FOUR studio albums and one EP that were released after Doom, which weren't deathcore at all, just standard/tech DM with modern production and some occasional breakdowns, which is not a deathcore trait at all, since tons of pure DM bands also do breakdowns. But hardcore/metalcore was almost completely absent from those releases, both musically and vocally, wheras Doom had tons of grind/deathgrind influences, as well as extensive use of stop-start dynamics and dissonant staccato riffing, as well as high-pitched screaming, which is a trait of early 2000s deathcore. I find it quite weird that people are still making deathcore references to JFAC, since if we consider LPs to be twice the "measure" of EPs, then basically only 10% of their released materials are deathcore (discounting that demo), and none for 9 years. What you say is true for The Faceless, Whitechapel (discounting the latest) and Carnifex for example, but I would not put JFAC there. Loading...
Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA	Permalink 08.12.2014 - 20:19 Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA Written by Uldreth on 08.12.2014 at 20:07 This is not really the case with JFAC though, since the only material they released that was deathcore was Doom, which was one EP (!!!) Oh damn, you're right, it was an EP, shit I thought it was a full length. Yeah, I remember a bunch of breakdowns and pig squeals on that one, but either way, if it's a relatively small amount of their discog then I suppose the deathcore label is a little unfounded now. ---- I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go. ~ II. VII Loading...
-DC-002- Mastercommander Posts: 1703 From: USA	Permalink 08.12.2014 - 22:50 -DC-002- Mastercommander Posts: 1703 From: USA OOOK, ill have to check this out. I liked the Doom EP back in the day but then they ceased to do anything original. I wont expect anything world-shattering but hey. ---- Coldgrits Loading...
Susan Smeghead Posts: 6941 From: USA	Permalink 09.12.2014 - 03:51 Susan Smeghead Posts: 6941 From: USA Well this review intrigues the fuck out of me!! ---- "A life all mine Is what I choose At the end of my days" --The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 09.12.2014 - 05:23 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK Written by Alex F on 08.12.2014 at 18:20 Wow. I'd say that's heavy praise for what essentially amounts to a mostly generic tech-death album. I'm not sure if you could call this tech death, it sounds more like death metal with some proggy and techy bits thrown in. ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
HeavyWork Posts: 31 From: USA	Permalink 09.12.2014 - 07:56 Rating: 8 HeavyWork Posts: 31 From: USA This album is fantastic. Creative songwriting, rememberable riffs, top notch musicianship. Loading...
Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA	Permalink 09.12.2014 - 23:55 Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA Written by LeKiwi on 09.12.2014 at 05:23 I'm not sure if you could call this tech death, it sounds more like death metal with some proggy and techy bits thrown in. ....or, in other words, tech death ---- I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go. ~ II. VII Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 00:25 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK Written by Auntie Sahar on 09.12.2014 at 23:55 ....or, in other words, tech death If you say so ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 00:36 Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA Written by LeKiwi on 10.12.2014 at 00:25 If you say so Well, I was just a bit confused, isn't "tech death" essentially indicative of death metal that's just super technical? I will admit that there is a difference between tech death and progressive death though. ---- I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go. ~ II. VII Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 09:25 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK Written by Auntie Sahar on 10.12.2014 at 00:36 Well, I was just a bit confused, isn't "tech death" essentially indicative of death metal that's just super technical? Pretty much, although I'd probably say that the technicality would have to come from speed, rather than complexity. ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
Fallen Ghost Craft Beer Geek Posts: 709 From: Norway	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 12:37 Fallen Ghost Craft Beer Geek Posts: 709 From: Norway Have been listening to this a couple of times, was a little surprised actually when I heard "Sun of Nihility", it sounds very promising. But I feel that the album overall sounds a little "samey". Loading...
Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 16:26 Auntie Sahar Drone Empress Posts: 5934 From: USA Written by LeKiwi on 10.12.2014 at 09:25 Pretty much, although I'd probably say that the technicality would have to come from speed, rather than complexity. That's probably how most people would envision it, yes, but then something doesn't always have to be fast to be technical. Look at Meshuggah ---- I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go. ~ II. VII Loading...
!J.O.O.E.! Account deleted	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 16:35 !J.O.O.E.! Account deleted Anata were never that fast and they're undeniably tech death. Same with some Gorod stuff. Loading...
Alex F Slick Dick Rick Posts: 3502 From: USA	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 16:36 Alex F Slick Dick Rick Posts: 3502 From: USA Written by LeKiwi on 10.12.2014 at 09:25 Pretty much, although I'd probably say that the technicality would have to come from speed, rather than complexity. From a purely theoretical standpoint, technicality doesn't have to come from speed at all. Varying time signatures, vast tempo changes, and unconventional chord progressions can all create "technical" music, although it may not sound like most "tech death" bands. I think this album is definitely tech death, but from more of a "look at me play my guitar" standpoint than a "look at how much musical theory I can cram into each measure" one. I think the term "technical" can actually be subjective in some instances though, however it isn't an issue I've pondered very much. Loading...
!J.O.O.E.! Account deleted	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 16:39 !J.O.O.E.! Account deleted Written by Auntie Sahar on 10.12.2014 at 16:26 Look at Meshuggah Look at Confessor Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 16:42 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK These are some good points you three have made, but then where do you draw the line between technical and progressive/avant-garde/math? I think they way you perceive technical is literal: difficult to play. I don't think that definition would prove useful in most cases given that the average listener has little knowledge of instrumental technicality. ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 16:58 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK Personally, I wouldn't bother calling Meshuggah technical since math metal is inherently technical. ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
Marcel Hubregtse Grumpy Old Fuck Posts: 40071 From: The Netherlands	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 16:59 Marcel Hubregtse Grumpy Old Fuck Posts: 40071 From: The Netherlands Meshuggah are actually techno (tech) thrash. Only later were they renamed math or even djent. ---- Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.) 05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996 Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 17:01 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 10.12.2014 at 16:59 Meshuggah are actually techno (tech) thrash. Only later were they renamed math or even djent. Later as in...? ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
!J.O.O.E.! Account deleted	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 17:03 !J.O.O.E.! Account deleted I don't recall them being called djent during Catch 33. I would probably say Obzen era. Loading...
Marcel Hubregtse Grumpy Old Fuck Posts: 40071 From: The Netherlands	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 17:05 Marcel Hubregtse Grumpy Old Fuck Posts: 40071 From: The Netherlands Written by LeKiwi on 10.12.2014 at 17:01 Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 10.12.2014 at 16:59 Meshuggah are actually techno (tech) thrash. Only later were they renamed math or even djent. Later as in...? djent from Obzen till now and math also around that same time. Math is mostly used for bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan. ---- Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.) 05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996 Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 17:06 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK Interesting...I still wouldn't call Meshuggah djent at any point. To me, they've always been math metal + progressive thrash since DEI. ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 17:08 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 10.12.2014 at 17:05 djent from Obzen till now and math also around that same time. Math is mostly used for bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan. Dillinger play mathcore, which is similar to math metal. Car Bomb play math metal and they sound quite a bit like Meshuggah. Edit: everyone please excuse my off-topic posts. ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
Uldreth Posts: 1150 From: Hungary	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 19:33 Uldreth Posts: 1150 From: Hungary Written by LeKiwi on 10.12.2014 at 17:08 Dillinger play mathcore, which is similar to math metal. Car Bomb play math metal and they sound quite a bit like Meshuggah. Edit: everyone please excuse my off-topic posts. Car Bomb is as mathcore as you can be. Djent is also pretty much the same as "math metal" except djent also implies guitar tone, while "math metal" does not, though I'd say "math metal" is hardly a well defined thing (unlike djent, which, is, despite the hate the term gets, it is relatively well defined). Mathcore, is different in the sense, it is built on erratic, rapidly shifting movements, unlike the relatively uniform, monotonous, and slowly changing structure of djent/later Meshuggah. I do say though that on Chaosphere, Meshuggah was quite mathcore-ish tho, but still would not classify it as such. Loading...
LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 21:45 Rating: 8 LeKiwi High Fist Prog Posts: 4038 From: UK Written by Uldreth on 10.12.2014 at 19:33 Car Bomb is as mathcore as you can be. Djent is also pretty much the same as "math metal" except djent also implies guitar tone, while "math metal" does not, though I'd say "math metal" is hardly a well defined thing (unlike djent, which, is, despite the hate the term gets, it is relatively well defined). Mathcore, is different in the sense, it is built on erratic, rapidly shifting movements, unlike the relatively uniform, monotonous, and slowly changing structure of djent/later Meshuggah. I do say though that on Chaosphere, Meshuggah was quite mathcore-ish tho, but still would not classify it as such. You make a good point, I didn't pick a very good example. My point was, remove the core elements, lower the guitar tone, and you essentially have Meshuggah. I would agree that there are some strong similarities between math metal and djent, but that's far from saying that the only difference is guitar tone. Math metal is far more erratic and utilises guitar chords - often those of dissonant nature - as often as staccato notes. Djent, on the the other hand - other than specifying a guitar tone - also implies that a majority of the guitar work is centred around single staccato notes and, as you say, has more structure with respect to the songwriting. ---- Most Talented Vocalists In Metal Tasty Stuff Not Currently Featured On MS So I Heard You Like Opeth... Loading...
Lit. Account deleted	Permalink 10.12.2014 - 23:10 Lit. Account deleted Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 10.12.2014 at 16:59 techno (tech) thrash. That's a new way of hearing it for me. Loading...