Sumac, the experimental metal trio, unveils their fifth studio album, "The Healer," on June 21, 2024, through Thrill Jockey. This sprawling, four-track opus clocks in at a substantial 76 minutes, making it their longest release to date. "The Healer" is a dense and invigorating journey through the band's signature blend of sludge, drone, stoner, noise, and doom metal, showcasing their dexterity and sonic adventurousness.
The album luxuriates in moods and atmospherics, with extended and feedback-heavy guitarwork taking center stage. Sumac masterfully weaves together long stretches of free improvisation with crushing doom riffing, creating a dynamic and unpredictable soundscape. The band's signature death vocals add a raw and intense element to the mix.
Throughout "The Healer," Sumac demonstrates an unexpected frailty, revealing a more introspective side to their music. The album is a sequence of shifting movements that undergo a constant process of expansion and contraction, keeping the listener engaged and on edge. From the wandering, static-laced noise of "World of Light" to the languid and heavy "The Stone's Turn," each track offers a unique and captivating experience.
Sumac's "The Healer" is a testament to their growth and evolution as a band, pushing the boundaries of their genre and delivering a powerful, immersive listening experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Vinylscout
