Review Summary: Job for a Cowboy’s Demonocracy is another logical step in the right direction, although swimming in a pool growing stale.
Demonocracy is Job for a Cowboy’s third full-length album, and once again offers an increasingly mature and solid album. However, despite this, the band is plagued with unoriginality in a genre which is slowly becoming stale. Do not be fooled, Demonocracy will in no way offer revolutionary music.
There is no denying that guitarists Al Glassman and Tony Sannicandro are adept at playing their instruments. They offer technical riffs, reminiscent of many modern Technical Death Metal bands today. If it had not been for the mass of similar bands in the genre there is no doubt the guitar-work would be highly praised. However, Al and Tony’s guitar-work is simply not impressive enough to be prominent in a genre crowded with superiority. Technicality and prowess is only a prerequisite for success in this modern genre, memorability and distinctiveness is what sets great bands apart from run of the mill bands and this is where Job for a Cowboy gets it wrong. With that said, the twin guitarists definitely have their moments; creating a handful of memorable riffs and occasionally performing outstanding solos. Nevertheless this aptitude is not shown throughout the album, rather only in infrequency, which brings the album down a notch. Meanwhile, Nick Schendzielos is not utilized to his potential on bass, a flaw which appeared to be dying out of the Death Metal genre with bands like Spawn of Possession leading the way. Job for a Cowboy, however, has reignited the cliché, bringing about questions of the role Nick plays in the band.
Jon Rice is a major positive for the band, employing rapid blast beats and double bass in juxtaposition with slower groovy beats. Jon also shows he is not there simply to accompany the other instruments, often taking the spotlight for himself in songs such as Nourishment Through Bloodshed and The Manipulation Stream. Vocalist Jonny Davy has always been a highlight of the band. Some may argue his vocals are irritating, but at best Jonny brings a unique vocal style to the genre by means of his variation and range. While highly criticized, it is disappointing Jonny has deserted his former signature pig-squeal. When used in moderation, it brought yet another range and variation to the table and further established Jonny as a unique vocalist in the Death Metal genre.
Job for a Cowboy has created a solid Death Metal release, showing potential for future releases. However, they are congested in a dull genre, and seem to find it difficult to be distinct.
Recommended Tracks:
• Children of Deceit,
• Nourishment Through Bloodshed,
• Tarnished Gluttony,
