Without so much as a doubt, Job for a Cowboy has to be hailed as one of the most influential bands of our time especially when it comes to much of the new talent that has been coming out of the woodwork in the past decade. Their power and mastery over death metal with their chaotic and experimental yet extremely intoxicating approach is something that has only gotten sweeter with time, and the nine years since their last creation, “Sun Eater”, has been exceedingly long on the spirit. The news of their proper return was a moment of great rejoice, but it is with all that’s gone into “Moon Healer” that we see a return the likes of which can only be likened to returning to a land you once thought lost.

Every year is presented with a select few albums that people already know to keep their eyes peeled for, and “Moon Healer” was at the top of many peoples’ lists immediately upon its announcement, yet I don’t think any of us are truly ready for what these eight pieces of otherworldly, ungodly supremacy are prepared for in any capacity. Whereas we’ve been treated to tons of smaller acts doing their best to learn from these masters, time has been nothing but kind to Job for a Cowboy. There is very little in recent times that can compare to the mind-bending evisceration that’s brought to the table here. Already, before the album is even released, people are calling for this to be hailed as one of 2024’s immediate triumphs, and I’m inclined to side with those wild claims after spending an entire day in the swirling mass of collapsing stars that is propelling “Moon Healer” to a terrific fate not meant for human eyes. Unparalleled skill with their instruments alongside transcendent songwriting that puts much of what’s come forth in these past nine years to shame right out of the gate, it’s hard to gaze upon “Moon Healer” and not feel your knees melt into jelly as you crumble before the sheer glory that is the return of Job for a Cowboy. This album was always destined for greatness, but to actually witness it unfold in all of its unrelenting majesty is about as tear-jerking as death metal of this variety can become.

No matter what vein of death metal you think this qualifies as be it progressive, technical, or experimental, there’s no way to deny that Job for a Cowboy is one of those that have enabled the scene to make it this far in the first place. For all that they’ve done and all that they’ve helped create, “Moon Healer” stands as the triumphant return of one of the scene’s biggest sweethearts with every possible facet of this creation not just living up to the reputations of the modern legends, but cementing their status more than ever before as true gods of their craft.

“Moon Healer” releases on February 23rd via Metal Blade Records!

LISTEN to singles from “Moon Healer” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Job for a Cowboy on Facebook here.