I have an appetite for the most Extreme Metal Music out there. Job For A Cowboy is without question, a healthy dose of Extreme Metal. Death Metal is this bands calling card. Playing every musical instrument in their band extremely fast and heavy is an understatement. Blast beats and the infamous cookie monster vocals are lathered all over the songs on “Ruination”, (released on Metal Blade Records, July 7, 2009). So, with all of the expected characteristics of being an Extreme – Death Metal band aside, Job For A Cowboy does prove to me one thing… they are more concerned about global and societal troubles than one might expect. I am not going to admit, I can actually make out the lyrics to these songs, from the vocals of Jonny Davy. Nope, instead, I have the assistance of the sacred liner notes, that come with the complete lyrics for every song on “Ruination”. For me, not understanding the words being pronounced from the Death Metal growls of Jonny Davy comes with the territory of this Metal genre. With this genre of Metal, the lead vocalist is just as equally important as any of the musical instruments being played. It is the anger driven vocals that gives the songs on “Ruination” their intended extreme force and purpose, if you will. Jonny Davy on vocals is equivalent to a wasp nest being disturbed by a broom stick. His vocals will swarm all over your Metal soul, clutching it, beating it into shape and then slapping you in the face with it. Job For A Cowboy delivers a lesson in Extreme – Death Metal whoop ass that has me saying… thank you sir, can I please have more?
Just when I thought that Cannibal Corpse’s “Evisceration Plague” was the lightning strike of an Extreme – Death Metal album of 2009, well, now I have my own personal Metal controversy. Between Cannibal Corpse and Job For A Cowboy, it is a pick ’em as to who punishes and obliterates my Metal senses more in 2009. “March To Global Enslavement” may be a bit much on the side of extreme paranoia, then again, this is Extreme Metal I am listening to here with “Ruination”. “Unfurling A Darkened Gospel” in my Metal interpretation is anti-war and anti-corporate handshakes, thus making for quite the anti theme song, an undisputed Death Metal barrage. It is an invigorating feeling to know that bands like Job For A Cowboy can speak their minds and serve up their opinions without any American government suppression or censorship. When you stop and really think about it, America really is the land of the free. (Thank you Dee Snider for making certain this Metal Music freedom remained for us all). This is what Metal is all about, creating the heaviest and most extreme music while shouting out about things that really irritate you.
“To Detonate And Exterminate” is a horrible reminder of what may come to pass if our nuclear powers ever decide to wage war. Nuclear War is not a cheery topic, it is a Death Metal topic though. Job For A Cowboy paints the morbid picture for us to envision, if stupidity ever engineers the decision for enacting a nuclear war. The Extreme – Death Metal scene is not a society of uneducated dopes. This genre has something to say every once in a while, therefore I do find substance and thought provoking topics of world concern, with the lyrics on “Ruination”. Job For A Cowboy enables me to stay in touch with the younger generation of Extreme Metal, these guys are part of the big picture of Metal Music, a band that is only going to enhance the future of this genre. I cannot ignore the viciousness and total annihilation that is the Metal Music on “Ruination”, this is total Metal brutality from Job For A Cowboy – I could not bestow a higher compliment.
Some extra info to nourish the Metal mind:
Job For A Cowboy, as they appear on “Ruination”: Jonny Davy on lead vocals, Bobby Thompson on guitar, Al Glassman on guitar, Brent Riggs on bass and Jon “Charn” Rice on drums. “Ruination” comes with a 24 page, full color booklet that is extremely cool. As I mentioned earlier, the lyrics for all 10 songs are in this booklet, with eye popping extended artwork, that fits right into the themes heard on “Ruination”. (As a side note, I purchased this CD on the day of it’s release, July 7, 2009, at Target… for $7.98! – on sale! – not a bad retail price for quality Metal these days – smart move Target). I wish all new CD’s were at this price point.
Back in 1985, The Firm released their self titled, debut album “The Firm”. I remember being very curious about this band… would the album be heavy? Would this album be a dud? Why is Paul Rodgers not with Bad Company? Is Jimmy Page going to scorch on “The Firm” album? So many questions were going on in my mind back then, about The Firm’s first LP. Well, in my Metal opinion, this album was/still is, one of the more commercially accepted, radio friendly, Rock albums that I will still listen to… even in the middle of my Thrash Metal and Death Metal moods. During one of my frequent thrift store visits this past Winter, I came across this actual album, in close to perfect condition too. The album jacket shows no wear at all, plus the vinyl itself plays without a hitch. Upon finding this album, I instantly grabbed it, there was no second thought about it. (At 50 cents, there was no risk involved, only reward). What makes The Firm and their debut album so appealing? 
If there is one band that I can identify the entire Death Metal genre with, it is Cannibal Corpse. Why do I adore Death Metal? I easily embrace the straight up approach and punishing sound that comes from this music. I really do not care in the least if I cannot make out the lyrics coming from lead vocalist George Fisher. Are the vocals still important? Of course, the cookie monster vocals are the trademark identity of what Death Metal is supposed to sound like! Therefore, if I was to choose my favorite Death Metal band, it is Cannibal Corpse. (Arch Enemy comes in a very, very, close second). Cannibal Corpse and the entire Death Metal genre will probably never receive mainstream media acclaim – who cares. Any Death Metal band could never expect any gratitude from anyone except their fans. That is what makes all Metal so special.
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