CowboyZ – We Are Here As One
The regional metal scene has thrived in recent years, with many excellent bands emerging from all possible parts of the Balkan Peninsula. Sadly, it seems that many of them are chasing a particular sound, as if they’re trying to reinvent the same old wheel crafted by the greats decades ago, overly exploiting their influences, or experimenting with their songs to the point where they’re unbearable. Thankfully, there are bands like CowboyZ, a Slovenian metal unit based on Slovenian coast, whose music shines with so many qualities that it’s nearly impossible to grasp everything in just listening. Their debut full-length, “We Are Here As One,” arrives with eight catchy, memorable, engaging, addictive, hypnotic, irresistible, and powerful compositions that will unquestionably appeal to anyone who appreciates wisely written, tastefully composed, and flawlessly performed music. Lyrically, the band shares their experiences and emotions, so the album talks about the topics that surround and shape us as humans. They cover various sentiments, moods, situations, and circumstances with such lyric depth and detail, making “We Are Here As One” a highly relatable material that will unquestionably resonate with the broader audience. Sonically, perhaps metal music briefly explains what their sound is all about, as this particular music genre dominates in these songs the most, but CowboyZ also explores various approaches, directions, techniques, and genres. They incorporate some of the finest properties of modern melodic metal, metalcore, groove metal, post-metal, thrash metal, deep diving into all these subgenres that undoubtedly define their sound. Still, the also band cleverly implements elements of trap, rap, and pop, spicing things up on an entirely new level. These additions are so subtle, yet they affect the trajectory of their sound, making “We Are Here As One” even more appealing to the ears. CowboyZ wisely uses all these additional sonic ingredients as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to uplift the entire material to an entirely new level, while simultaneously remaining true to the primary sonic direction. This album carries qualities that meet all the trends in modern music production, yet CowboyZ also included a subtle touch of nostalgia, evoking the early 2000s metalcore sound. This clever move definitely makes “We Are Here As One” even more appealing to the ears. Therefore, all these experimentations with various approaches, techniques, directions, and styles resulted in a comprehensive collection of catchy, memorable, powerful tracks that will not only resonate with longstanding metal fans but anyone who appreciates music performed with such precision and finesse.
Photo courtesy of the band.
This marvelous album is fully packed with bangers. From the opening notes of “To Your Death” to the closing beats of “Leave Me Alone,” CowboyZ shine in their brilliance by delivering one of the finest musical performances in recent years. These folks are not joking around with their music and they instantly prove it with the introductory piece, “To Your Death,” which entirely resonates with fierce vocal performance, bone-crushing riffs, intricate basslines, and excellent drumming performance. It’s a melodic, anthemic, groovy composition that immediately showcases what you might expect from the remainder of the material. Things become even more interesting with “Another Man,” another sonic barrage based upon only the finest elements borrowed from modern melodic metal, groove metal, metalcore, and other similar subgenres of metal music. The combination of all those aggressive shouts, growls, and screams perfectly pairs with melodic sing-alongs demonstrated on choruses. In the meantime, the guitar interplays build a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon, with all those heavy riffs blending with profoundly melodic, hypnotic, and irresistible leads, themes, melodies, harmonies, and other sonic maneuvers. The title track is truly a standout here, as its main theme immediately wraps around your listening apparatus, grabs you by the collar, and refuses to let go long after the last notes and beats end. CowboyZ further demonstrate their songwriting, composing, arranging, and producing abilities by bringing many profoundly detailed segments to the table. From excellent vocal performance and intricate guitar works to equally impressive low-ends and dynamic rhytchmic sequences, “We Are Here As One” exemplifies how metal music can still sound fresh, unique, innovative, and exciting. “A Part Of Me” carries those elements of pop and trap music, carefully implemented during the overture and verses. However, the band still relies upon all those tastefully assembled, flawlessly performed, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics; semi-distorted, vividly hearable, detailed basslines; and a comprehensive collection of tight riffs. The vocals command attention, elevate everything to new heights, and guide the listening apparatus from scratch to finish with such precission and finesse, making this track so catchy and memorable.
https://youtu.be/BiL22_Shwe0?si=Tiw7ASDhoxy9nu0q
“The Ones” returns to much heavier, aggressive, groovy waters by delivering another amalgam of impressive, abrasive, powerful guitar works, paired with more than enough leads, themes, and melodies. It’s one of those standout tracks that vividly showcase why CowboyZ are one of the finest bands to ever emerge from the Slovenian underground metal scene. Everything’s there: more than enough impressive rhythmic, sonic, and vocal maneuvers to satisfy even the pickiest metalhead. These experienced musicians are also capable of writing, composing, and recording more calming, soothing, relaxing, ethereal songs, like “Time To Go.” It’s a meaningful, otherworldly, ethereal modern rock ballad, empowered with marvelous vocal performance that guides listeners on this epic sonic voyage, a carefully assembled combination of acoustic chord progression and electric guitar riffs, chunky basslines, and another barrage of groovy beats. It vividly showcases the musical range of this band, which is more than capable of delivering music in any mood, ambiance, and style. “In Pain I Trust” is another banger that proves modern metalcore music can still sound fresh and unique. This song arrives like a whirlwind, pulling you deep into its sonic universe, built upon an ultimately precise rhythm section, crushing guitar interplays, and impressive vocal maneuvers. It’s one of those tracks that will unquestionably end up on your playlist, as it carries all those qualities that music enthusiasts have been chasing for years. This epic sonic journey comes to an end with “Leave Me Alone,” a powerful composition where the band sums up impressive musicianship, lyrical depth, creativity, and experience. It’s a song purposely left to decorate the end of this album, and it’s a wise move that invites you to spin “We Are Here As One” all over again. As you can see, CowboyZ poured heart and soul into this material. They shared their experiences with the listeners in a most genunine, honest, meaningful way, through carefully crafted and flawlessly performed music, packed with so many tremendous, fascinating, impressive moments. “We Are Here As One” collects eight compositions capable of satisfying even the pickiest metalheads, but not only that, it’s also inviting those listeners stumbling upon metal music for the first time to sit, listen, and grasp their songs, soak their emotions, and share their experience with others. Metal has always been a music genre welcoming people from all branches of life, and that’s what “We Are Here As One” does here. It showcases how everyone is welcome to join this listening experience, with open hearts and souls. CowboyZ successfully managed their intentions by recording one of the finest full-length albums to ever emerge from the Slovenian underground metal scene, and you should immediately head to your favorite streaming platform and listen to “We Are Here As One” as loud as possible.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2Mz7V1PfOAjT78oaVmlAov?si=GHZis0wQTsavCXUP8YaNwg
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