III – Sumo

SUMO’s third album, III, is a sonic odyssey that cements the Miami trio’s place in the heavy instrumental space rock scene. Clocking in at nine tracks, this album blends post-rock, sludge, and psychedelic textures, delivering both tranquil beauty and crushing intensity. Recorded at Sound Artillery Studio with Jonathan Nuñez (Torche), III is a seamless journey through cosmic chaos and serene soundscapes.

The opener, “Alyssa,” kicks off with a Werner Herzog soundbite warning against Mars travel, followed by blistering riffs and thunderous drums. It’s a bold start, blending post-metal aggression with shoegaze shimmer, setting the tone for the album’s dynamic range. “IPCRESS” slows the pace, offering a meditative post-rock breather with reverb-soaked guitars that evoke Mogwai’s quieter moments. The lead single “Shadow of Antiope” is a highlight, its upbeat energy and sludgy, stop-start guitars channeling Torche and Pelican, with soundclips adding narrative depth.

Epic doom-infused meditation, letting waves of sound wash over the listener like a slow-motion supernova.

SUMO’s strength lies in their ability to balance heaviness with melody. “Eta Carinae” pulses with a bass-heavy, spacey vibe, building to a cinematic crescendo, while “Apophis” delivers a riff-driven monster, showcasing Chris Salazar’s 8-string guitar and Amado Ventura’s intricate bass work. Shorter tracks like “SETI3” and “SETI4” act as connective tissue, their ambient textures tying the album together without feeling out of place. The closer, “Enceladus,” is an epic, doom-infused meditation, letting waves of sound wash over the listener like a slow-motion supernova.

Production is pristine, with Nuñez capturing the band’s dynamic range—spacey reverb falls into crushing distortion with clarity. Influences from Russian Circles shine through, but SUMO’s sound remains distinct, blending cerebral post-rock with a post-doom outlook. The album’s lack of vocals might challenge some, but its instrumental storytelling is rich, leaving room for interpretation.

III isn’t just an album; it’s an experience, demanding undistracted listening. For fans of heavy, atmospheric rock, SUMO delivers a grand adventure that’s both pretty and punishing.

III is available for download here.

Label: Rikishi Records
Release date: December 13, 2024