Genesis (Job for a Cowboy album)

Last updated
Genesis
JFAC Genesis.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 15, 2007 (2007-05-15)
RecordedBlue Light Audio Media in Phoenix, Arizona
Genre Death metal [1]
Length30:47
Label Metal Blade
Producer Cory Spotts
Job for a Cowboy chronology
Doom
(2005)
Genesis
(2007)
Ruination
(2009)
Singles from Genesis
  1. "Embedded"
    Released: May 15, 2007
  2. "Altered from Catechization"
    Released: January 25, 2008

Genesis is the debut studio album by American death metal band Job for a Cowboy. Released on May 15, 2007 through Metal Blade Records, it is their first concept album and is based on possible consequences of the VeriChip, along with the Book of Revelation and apocalyptic theories. It also sees Job for a Cowboy's change into a more straightforward death metal based sound with their previous release, Doom being within the deathcore genre.

Contents

Those who pre-ordered the album received signed copies in the days preceding its official release date of May 15, 2007. Genesis is the final release by Job for a Cowboy to feature founding member Ravi Bhadriraju. [2] This album also marked the last time the band would work with drummer Elliot Sellers, who announced that he would be leaving the band immediately after recording to go back to school. He was replaced by Jon Rice for the following tour and remained with the band until October 2013.

Lyrical themes

Job For A Cowboy Mayhem Fest Hartford, CT.jpg
RFID hand 1.jpg
Jonny Davy (left) penned the lyrics for the album, which were heavily inspired by a brand of microchips known as VeriChips, which were designed for human implantation (right).

Genesis is a concept album in which mentions the VeriChip, [3] an implantable microchip, that is embedded under human skin. [4] The device has generated controversy among certain religious groups, which have become against the possible use of it, as there is a Biblical prophecy where all persons must receive the Mark of the Beast "on their right hand or on their foreheads", described in Book of Revelation 13: 16–18, to participate in economic activity under the government of the Antichrist. [5]

Blabbermouth explained "Even though [Genesis] isn't being promoted as a concept effort, the songs clearly tell a story of technology, religion and corrupt government, and how they combine to lead to the end of civilization." [6]

Vocalist Jonny Davy said his interest in writing an album about the VeriChip came from his realization of being an atheist at a young age and that "over time, I read up on a lot of religions and religious conspiracies and conspiracies in general. The record is actually about a biochip called the 'VeriChip' that's being implanted [into people] and used for medical identification and money currency purposes. People feel it's an invasion of privacy, and the other aspect is religious leaders have come out against it for fear that this is going to be a fulfillment of a prophecy in the Book Of Revelations." He went on to say "On the religious side, you can turn on American Christian television and they'll be talking about [the VeriChip] on their little talk shows. Religious leaders fear that the Antichrist is going to use the chip to control every man and woman in America and later the whole world." [7]

Shortly after the release of Genesis, the band was victim to some controversy for allegedly containing an anti-Christian message found on the album, but the band members have denied these accusations.

We have nothing against Christians, though. We aren’t a satanic band or anything like that. We just think it's a cool concept so we ran with it, and I’m glad we did. I’m sure there will be some Christian backlash, but what can you do about it?

Guitarist Ravi Bhadriraju, talking about the album's themes. [8]

Musical style

Chad Bowar of About.com described the band's musical evolution, saying: "Job for a Cowboy's sound has evolved from deathcore to straight ahead death metal." [9] Bowar also praised the guitarists Ravi Bhadriraju and Bobby Thompson, saying that both have done a "good job at creating innovative riffs and play some quick but skillful solos." [9]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
About.com Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Blabbermouth.net Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Metal InjectionStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]
PopMatters Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]

On the day of the release, the album debuted at number 54 on the Billboard 200 and number 4 for Independent Albums [13] and sold nearly 13,000 copies in its first week, making Genesis the highest-charting heavy metal debut since Slipknot's self-titled record. [14] The music video for "Embedded" was directed by Grammy Award nominated Popcore films.

The album received generally positive reviews, with many critics praising the band's musicianship and their songwriting improvement when compared to Doom. Kerrang! magazine said that Genesis is "an album that quite literally obliterates everyone else currently residing within the death and grind scenes" and "one of the year's most essential metal purchases". [13] [15] Scott Alisoglu of Blabbermouth.net, praised the album saying that Genesis "is a strong modern death metal release". [10] Metal Injection heavily praised the guitar and bass riffs of Bhadriraju, Thompson and Riggs stating that the trio's "playing styles compliment[ sic ] each other wonderfully." [11]

PopMatters on the other hand was indifferent in their review, and stated that the album's best redeeming feature is that it will surely "convert young metalcore fans to death metal". [12]

The song "Embedded" is available as downloadable content for the Rock Band series. [16]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Job for a Cowboy

No.TitleLength
1."Bearing the Serpent's Lamb"2:50
2."Reduced to Mere Filth"2:58
3."Altered from Catechization"4:15
4."Upheaval" (instrumental)2:35
5."Embedded"3:36
6."Strings of Hypocrisy"2:25
7."Martyrdom Unsealed"2:36
8."Blasphemy" (instrumental)1:42
9."The Divine Falsehood"4:24
10."Coalescing Prophecy"3:26
Total length:30:47

Personnel

Job for a Cowboy
Production

Chart positions

Chart (2007)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [13] 54
US Billboard Independent Albums [13] 2
US Billboard Top Internet Albums [17] 25
US Billboard Top Rock Albums [18] 15
UK Indie Album Chart [19] 28
UK Rock & Metal Album Chart [19] 26

Release history

RegionDateLabelFormatCatalog
United StatesMay 15, 2007 Metal Blade Records [20] Compact Disc 3984-14614-2
April 15, 2008 Vinyl LP 3984-14614-1

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suffocation (band)</span> American death metal band

Suffocation is an American death metal band formed in 1988 in Centereach, New York, currently consisting of lead guitarist Terrance Hobbs, bassist Derek Boyer, rhythm guitarist Charlie Errigo, drummer Eric Morotti, and vocalist Ricky Myers. The band rose to prominence with their 1991 debut album Effigy of the Forgotten, which became a blueprint for death metal in the 1990s. Since then, Suffocation has recorded eight albums. These feature growled vocals with downtuned guitars, fast and complex guitar riffs and drumming, open chord notes and occasional breakdowns.

Metalcore is a fusion genre combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, that originated in the late 1980s. Metalcore is noted for its use of breakdowns, which are slow, intense passages conducive to moshing, while other defining instrumentation includes heavy guitar riffs often utilizing percussive pedal tones and double bass drumming. Vocalists in the genre typically perform screaming, more popular bands often combine this with the use of standard singing, usually during the bridge or chorus of a song. However the death growl is also a popular technique within the genre.

Symphonic metal is a cross-generic style designation for the symphonic subsets of heavy metal music subgenres. It is used to denote any metal band that makes use of symphonic or orchestral elements. The style features the heavy drums and guitars of metal with different elements of orchestral classical music, such as symphonic instruments, choirs and sometimes a full orchestra, or just keyboard orchestration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deathcore</span> Fusion of death metal and metalcore genres

Deathcore is an extreme metal subgenre that combines death metal with metalcore. The genre consists of death metal guitar riffs, blast beats, and metalcore breakdowns. While there are some precursors to the concept of death metal fused with metalcore/hardcore elements seen in the 1990s, deathcore itself emerged in the early 2000s and gained prominence beginning in the mid-2000s within the southwestern United States, especially Arizona and inland southern California, which are home to many notable bands and various festivals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Red Chord</span> American metal band

The Red Chord is an American extreme metal band from Revere, Massachusetts, formed in 1999. The group comprises vocalist Guy Kozowyk, guitarist/vocalist Mike "Gunface" McKenzie, bassist Greg Weeks and drummer Jon Rice. The band gained a fanbase with its 2002 debut album Fused Together in Revolving Doors. The second album, Clients, was released in 2005 and sold over 50,000 copies in the U.S. They released their third album, Prey for Eyes in 2007, which sold between 4,000 and 5,000 copies and debuted at No. 198 on the Billboard 200 chart. Their latest album, 2009's Fed Through the Teeth Machine, debuted at No. 180 on the Billboard 200 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Despised Icon</span> Canadian deathcore band

Despised Icon is a Canadian deathcore band from Montreal, Quebec. Formed in 2002, the band is noted for the talent of its drummer, Alex Pelletier, who makes frequent use of the blasting technique, as well as for its dual lead vocalists; Alex Erian and Steve Marois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gothic metal</span> Genre of heavy metal music

Gothic metal is a fusion genre combining the aggression of heavy metal with the dark atmospheres of gothic rock. The music of gothic metal is diverse with bands known to adopt the gothic approach to different styles of heavy metal music. The genre originated during the early 1990s in the United Kingdom originally as an outgrowth of death-doom, a fusion of death metal and doom metal. Lyrics are generally dark and introspective with inspiration from gothic fiction as well as personal experiences.

<i>Sacrament</i> (album) 2006 studio album by Lamb of God

Sacrament is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Lamb of God. Released on August 22, 2006, Sacrament debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 charts with first-week sales of 63,000. The album was the top-selling heavy metal album of 2006 and received the Album of the Year award from Revolver magazine. As of 2010, it has sold over 331,000 copies in the United States, and was certified Gold by the RIAA on September 27, 2019.

<i>III: In the Eyes of Fire</i> 2006 studio album by Unearth

III: In the Eyes of Fire is the third studio album by American metalcore band Unearth, released on August 8, 2006. The album entered the Billboard album charts at number 35, selling approximately 22,000 copies. The album had sold in excess of 105,000 copies in the US.

<i>Doom</i> (EP) 2005 EP by Job for a Cowboy

Doom is the debut EP and release by American death metal band Job for a Cowboy, released in December 2005 by King of the Monsters, an independent record label. Doom was later reissued by Metal Blade Records in 2006. The EP is noted for being their only deathcore release, as the band would later abandon the genre in favor of a modern death metal sound. Doom is also the only release to feature guitarist Andrew Arcurio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Job for a Cowboy</span> American death metal band

Job for a Cowboy is an American death metal band from Glendale, Arizona. Formed in 2003, the band's debut album Genesis was released in 2007, peaking at No. 54 on the US Billboard 200 and selling 13,000 copies in its first week of release. The second album, 2009's Ruination, sold 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week to debut at position No. 42 on the Billboard 200 chart. The band comprises vocalist Jonny Davy, guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman and bassist Nick Schendzielos. Davy is the only remaining founding member.

<i>Beautiful Tragedy</i> 2007 studio album by In This Moment

Beautiful Tragedy is the debut studio album by American rock band In This Moment. The album was promoted largely in part by an interview conducted on Sirius Satellite Radio's Hard Attack station, which performed several songs off Beautiful Tragedy and helped expose the band to the heavy metal scene.

<i>The Ills of Modern Man</i> 2007 studio album by Despised Icon

The Ills of Modern Man is the third studio album by Canadian deathcore band Despised Icon. It was released on May 22, 2007 through Century Media Records. The album sold more than 2,000 copies its first week, and peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers.

This is a timeline documenting the events of heavy metal in the year 2008.

Salt the Wound was an American deathcore band from Cleveland, Ohio, formed in 2001. The band is signed to Rotten Records and have released three full-length studio albums. After the release of their debut album, Carnal Repercussions the band would continuously tour to an overwhelming extent, which led to their disbandment during the first half of 2010. With later negotiations, the group reformed in 2011 with original as well as new members releasing their next full-length studio album Kill the Crown.

<i>Ruination</i> (album) 2009 studio album by Job for a Cowboy

Ruination is the second studio album by American death metal band Job for a Cowboy. The follow-up to their first studio album Genesis, Ruination was recorded and mixed at AudioHammer studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof. It was released July 7, 2009, through Metal Blade Records. The album sold around 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 42 on The Billboard 200 chart. It was the group's first album to feature drummer Jon Rice and guitarist Davis Stine and the last to feature guitarist Bobby Thompson, guitarist Ravi Bhadriraju and bassist Brent Riggs.

<i>Skepsis</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Through the Eyes of the Dead

Skepsis is the third studio album by American deathcore band Through the Eyes of the Dead. This is the band's first album to feature vocalist Danny Rodriguez, drummer Michael Ranne, and the only one to feature guitarist Chris Henckel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trigger the Bloodshed</span> British death metal band

Trigger the Bloodshed are a British death metal band from Bath, England, formed in 2006. The band comprises guitarist Rob Purnell, vocalist Jonny Burgan, bassist Dave Purnell and drummer Dan Wilding. Trigger the Bloodshed has released three studio albums and toured in Europe with Suffocation, Cannibal Corpse, Meshuggah among others.

<i>Until I Feel Nothing</i> 2011 studio album by Carnifex

Until I Feel Nothing is the fourth studio album by American deathcore band Carnifex. It was released worldwide on October 24, 2011, through Victory Records. It is the band's last album to feature lead guitarist Ryan Gudmunds.

References

  1. 1 2 Mason, Stewart (2007-05-15). "Genesis - Job for a Cowboy". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-11-04.
  2. "Job for a Cowboy confirms guitarist split, prepares to enter studio". Blabbermouth.net. 2008-12-13. Archived from the original on 2009-01-31. Retrieved 2011-11-04.
  3. Job for a Cowboy speaks on origins, new album - A & E Archived 2008-03-08 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Sweeney, Brian. "Job for a Cowboy Feature Interview". Blistering . Archived from the original on 2008-09-24. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
  5. "VeriChips Implanted at CityWatcher.com". Compliance and Privacy. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
  6. "JOB FOR a COWBOY Spreads Conspiracy Theory on 'Genesis'". 11 July 2007.
  7. "Job for a Cowboy Spread Conspiracy Theory on Genesis". Archived from the original on 2007-07-14. Retrieved 2017-11-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. http://media.www.thenorthernlight.org/media/storage/paper960/news/2007/06/26/AE/Job-For.A.Cowboy.Speaks.On.Origins.New.Album-2919669.shtml [ dead link ]
  9. 1 2 3 Bowar, Chad. "Job for a Cowboy - Genesis Review". About.com. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
  10. 1 2 Alisoglu, Scott. "Job for a Cowboy: Genesis (Metal Blade)". CD Reviews. Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on 2008-05-25. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
  11. 1 2 Metal Injection review
  12. 1 2 Begrand, Adrien (2007-08-29). "Job For a Cowboy: Genesis < PopMatters". PopMatters. Retrieved 2011-11-04.
  13. 1 2 3 4 "Artist Chart History - Job for a Cowboy > Albums". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  14. Epstein, Dan. "Interview with Job for a Cowboy". Revolver . Archived from the original on 2008-10-07. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
  15. "Job for a Cowboy's Debut Has "Exceeded Expectations"". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 2007-05-24. Archived from the original on 2009-01-31. Retrieved 2008-08-10.
  16. Official song listing Archived December 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine for the Rock Band series. Retrieved 2009-9-05
  17. "Top Internet Albums - Job for a Cowboy - Genesis". Billboard.com. 2007-06-02. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  18. "Top Rock Albums - Job for a Cowboy - Genesis". Billboard.com. 2007-06-02. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  19. 1 2 "Job for a Cowboy: Genesis U.K. chart positions revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 2007-05-31. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
  20. "Job for a Cowboy: Releases". Metal Blade Records. Retrieved 2008-08-08.