As the countdown to Job for a Cowboy‘s forthcoming album release, Moon Healer, inches closer, bassist Nick Schendzielos offers a candid glimpse into the band’s creative process and evolution. In an exclusive interview with Montreal Rocks, Nick delves into the intricacies of their latest musical endeavour, shedding light on the challenges, inspirations, and thematic nuances that shape their sonic landscape.
Nick reflects on the arduous journey leading up to the album’s completion, acknowledging the myriad obstacles faced along the way. “It’s been a long, long time coming,” he remarks, alluding to the years of dedication and perseverance poured into the project. From navigating the demands of adulthood to weathering the disruptions caused by a global pandemic, the band’s resilience shines through amidst the trials and tribulations. “Everybody having full, real adult lives besides me…,” Nick quips, revealing the juxtaposition between his rockstar aspirations and the responsibilities of his bandmates.
Despite the challenges posed by geographical distances and divergent schedules, the extended timeline afforded Job for a Cowboy the opportunity for meticulous refinement. “It also allowed us to make essentially as many revisions as we wanted to make,” Nick explains, emphasizing the importance of honing each musical motif and lyrical motif to perfection. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the band’s commitment to delivering a cohesive and immersive listening experience, transcending the constraints of conventional songwriting.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “The Forever Rot,” emerges as a deliberate choice for the closing number, evoking a palpable sense of finality and introspection. Nick recalls the unanimous agreement among band members upon hearing the track for the first time. “We just knew off the bat…,” he recalls.
In discussing the album’s overarching themes, Nick delves into the delicate balance between hopefulness and ambiguity. “It has elements of hopefulness…,” he observes, acknowledging the underlying optimism that permeates their sonic tapestry. Yet, beneath the surface lies a layer of existential uncertainty, inviting listeners to explore the intricacies of the human condition and the quest for meaning in an ever-changing world. Through their music, Job for a Cowboy invites audiences on a transformative journey of self-discovery and introspection, challenging preconceived notions and embracing the complexities of the human experience.
Reflecting on the band’s evolution, Nick reminisces about his initial encounters with Job for a Cowboy as an outsider looking in. “At first, it was like these fucking kids…,” he recalls, recounting the skepticism that greeted the band’s meteoric rise in the metal scene. However, his perception underwent a profound transformation as he witnessed their growth and artistic maturation.
Following their critically acclaimed 2014 album, “Sun Eater,” “Moon Healer” signifies a vibrant collision of creativity, aggression, and introspection, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s trajectory.
Job for a Cowboy, featuring Jonny Davy as the lead singer, guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman, bassist Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Navene Koperweis, presents a reenergized lineup prepared to explore new sonic horizons while maintaining the unapologetic brutality that has become their trademark.
“Moon Healer” stands as a testament to the band’s sonic evolution, with Davy remarking, “The evolution of our sound has become a big part of the band. As we mature as musicians, our tastes and interests naturally expand. With age comes more experience and ideas we wouldn’t have considered in earlier years.” This maturity is palpable throughout the album, as Job for a Cowboy navigates themes of enlightenment, consciousness, and the human psyche with both ferocity and finesse.
Davy elaborates on the album’s conceptual underpinnings: “On Moon Healer, we unravel the dismal narrative of a close friend consumed by an unwavering pursuit of enlightenment. They achieve this through a compulsive embrace of hallucinogenic drugs.” This narrative thread, woven with intricate musicality and visceral intensity, offers listeners a glimpse into the tumultuous journey of self-discovery and existential reckoning.
“Moon Healer,” which Jason Suecof produced at Audiohammer Studios, is a sonic triumph demonstrating Job for a Cowboy’s capacity to create intricate compositions with visceral and intellectual resonance. The addition of session drummer Navene Koperweis adds a dynamic layer to the album, further cementing its status as a pivotal moment in the band’s discography.
Watch the full interview below:
Moon Healer is out on Metal Blade Records on February 23rd.
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