Sumac – The Healer

Review

Sumac's "The Healer," dropping into the world of metal on June 21, 2024, is truly something else. It's got that raw, avant-garde soul mixed beautifully with sludge and experimental vibes spread over just four grandiose tracks. You can't ignore how tracks like "World of Light" and "New Rites" wind along, soaking you in drone, almost pulling you into a trance before slamming into you with metal's raw, rough edge. The way they play with emptiness and space, only to jolt you back with power – it’s a signature touch. Aaron Turner’s gritty vocals collide in perfect chaos with Nick Yacyshyn's dynamic drumming, making moments you won't easily forget.

Dive a little deeper, and "The Healer" touches some profound themes of cycles in our human experience. It paints the ups and downs of life's forceful push and pull of creation and destruction that leave you different and, in some way, empowered. Sumac captures the strife and heart of humanity through challenges and transformation – giving the old tale of endurance an artful twist under their own light. These are tales not just of survival, but the weirdly beautiful things that sprout even from pain.

Sumac didn’t shy away from telltale grit nor polish under Scott Evans’s production prowess. The cohesiveness is apparent in every jarring transition and soothing murmur. Critics have tipped their hats to "The Healer" for its knack for fusing interactions with Keiji Haino from past endeavors. Memorable, that's one way to describe it, though it's got an edge – it’s usually praised for this cocktail of murderous riffs and catchiness they seem to miraculously stir together. Even in its looming wall of dissonance, somehow, breaking through the storm rewards the listener greatly. It’s an album for true adventurers of music; they’ll leave transformed by the tenacity of artistry applied by Sumac. - Raegan