Sumac's Doom Metal: Clashing Sounds, Claustrophobic Journeys

Sumac, the trio featuring Aaron Turner, adeptly crafts minimalist doom metal by recalling the elements fans adored in Isis. Their latest release, 'What One Becomes,' presents a sound that is both more unified and deconstructed than their debut, 'The Deal.' This evolution reflects the band's focused development as a cohesive unit over the past year.

The band challenges listeners with a deliberate slowness that can evoke feelings of claustrophobia. Faster passages, less frequent than on their debut, become more impactful when they disrupt the prevailing atmosphere. Leadoff track "Image on Control" exemplifies their intense approach with dissonant guitar work and a blend of blastbeats and doom.

"Clutch of Oblivion" offers a rare flicker of melody, a four-minute passage before giving way to intensity. Drummer Nick Yacychyn, also of Baptists, provides a crucial grounding force, making 'What One Becomes' sound cohesive. His playing on the 17-minute "Blackout" navigates its varied sections with steady precision.

'What One Becomes' feels more improvisational, a characteristic that sets it apart from the members' previous projects, including bassist Brian Cook's work with Russian Circles. Sumac is pushing the boundaries of metal into an uncomfortable, open-ended space that questions the genre's definition. This exploration marks some of Aaron Turner's most compelling work since Isis's dissolution.