This is not the typical metal, punk, or hard rock review on here, but since it is from our good friends at Rottweiler, I am sure there is some goodness that will appeal to our readers. The Comancheros play a cross of heavy metal and country in their self-defined genre of Heavy & Western and this release commemorates the first decade of the band’s history. The compilation pulls together recent singles, old EPs and never released tracks to give listeners an audio montage of their history.
The Comancheros was founded by friends Tanner Jones and R. Michael Cook (A Hill To Die Upon) who enjoyed both heavy metal and country. Now you can see the connection to metal. They released a debut EP on Treehoss Records called “Four Horsemen” that showcased a dark country approach in the style of Johnny Cash. They then moved from the acoustic to an amplified sound, blazing forward in Heavy & Western style with their “I Stare At Trains” EP. The momentum continued with live shows, touring, and three full length albums and a live album. My interest was piqued when they cited bands such as Lynyrd Skynrd and 38 Special as inspirations in their promo sheet.
“The Day George Jones Died” starts it off with an appropriately bluesy honky-tonk southern rock song with all the trappings, like slide guitar, which pays respects to one of country’s best musicians through a remembrance of the day he died. A great introduction to the band with a tasty radio-friendly tune. Pushing to the heavy side, “We Own The Night” is a Skynrd-inspired southern rock road anthem with hints of metal coming through with the palm muted chugging chords. Based off of these two tracks, I was hooked to this Heavy & Western style. “Too Old To Die Young Now” shows a bit of folksy wit with an acapella song to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne.” “Lonesome Old Singer” is an acoustic song that was from an early career split cassette with local band Gorbza. This song shows more of their old school western roots and is unfortunately a lot quieter making the flow a jarring for an otherwise nice acoustic interlude.
The next four songs constitute the “I Stare At Trains” EP which is their follow up to their debut EP. This is the first complete release in Heavy & Western starting with the ZZ Top inspired “Crazy as Hell.” This has great energy and pairs well with the opening tracks. “Comanche Brave” keeps the energy high, but is muddied by low frequencies in the mix. Otherwise another really good song showcasing how well the band can play. “I Stare At Trains” is the ballad in this stretch, making use of a riff reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” The semi-acoustic track is a well-timed change of pace. “Jesse James” is the finale of the EP and picks the energy back up with galloping guitars supporting wild west theme of exacting justice. Fiddle and twin guitars make appearances, hearkening to the roots of Americana music and heavy metal.
The next six tracks is the “Four Horsemen” EP. Our illustrious John Jackson reviewed this one, so I won’t go too deep. These tracks are acoustic and in an old school country style with a melancholic dark edge. My only complaint is the character of these songs is in contrast with the other Heavy & Western songs and kills the momentum built up over the previous tracks. However, these tracks stand well on their own as dark western. The final two tracks are live recordings from the band in Spain. I am often amused thinking how popular American country music is outside of the US. Both of these tracks are great recordings that show the band firing on all cylinders in a live setting.
Pulling everything together, I think that this shows very clearly where the band started and where they are going. I get the feeling they have morphed from a country band into a band that is bringing country to the punk and metal community. When the Heavy & Western is flowing, the band plays the part of mischievous country rascals storming the stage at the local dance hall with muscled-up cars parked out front to give the fans a rip-roaring good time. I wish there was more of that, however for a decade retrospective, the boys should be proud of “A Decade In The Mirror.”
Rating: 8.0/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – The Day George Jones Died
2 – We Own The Night
3 – Too Old To Die Young
4 – Lonesome Old Singer
5 – Crazy As Hell
6 – Comanche Brave
7 – I Stare At Trains
8 – Jesse James
9 – White Stranger
10 – Cold And Hungry
11 – Don’t Forget My Name
12 – Black Wizard
13 – O Death
14 – It’s Too Late
15 – We Own The Night (Live)
16 – If I Could Pick A Way To Go (Live)
The Comancheros is:
Tanner Jones – vocals and guitar
Jon Green – vocals and bass
R. Michael Cook – drums
Hired Guns:
Beckie Cook – vocals on “Cold and Hungry”
Katie Hobbs – fiddle on “Don’t Forget My Name,” “Cold and Hungry,” and “O Death”
Stephanie Taylor – vocals on “O Death”
Release Date: March 22, 2025
Record Label: Rottweiler Records
Discography:
Four Horsemen – EP (2015) [review]
I Stare At Trains – EP (2016)
Heavy & Western (2018)
Too Old To Die Young Now (2020)
Memphis To Mexico (2022)
No Quarter (Live From Duke’s Indy) (2023)
A Decade In The Mirror (compilation) (2025)
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Video for We Own The Night