SUMAC Members, Gear & Sound

SUMAC is an experimental metal powerhouse hailing from the Pacific Northwest, formed in 2014. The trio comprises Aaron Turner (guitar, vocals), known for his work with Isis and Old Man Gloom; Nick Yacyshyn (drums), who also performs with Baptists; and Brian Cook (bass), a member of Russian Circles and Botch. SUMAC's music traverses the realms of doom metal, sludge metal, and noise rock, creating an intense blend that is both punishing and immersive. Their compositions are characterized by dynamic shifts in tempo and texture, often incorporating ambient elements that add atmospheric depth to their sound.

SUMAC's sonic landscape is defined by its crushing heaviness and raw, visceral intensity. The guitar work of Aaron Turner often employs a mix of aggressive distortion and ambient reverb, a balance achieved using tools like the Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay. The bass, wielded by Brian Cook, cuts through the mix with a deep, growling presence, enhanced by gear such as the Ampeg SVT-3PRO 450-watt Bass Head. Nick Yacyshyn's drumming is powerful and intricate, driving the band’s complex rhythms and sudden shifts. Together, these elements create a sound that is both menacing and hypnotic, appealing to those drawn to the darker, more experimental edges of the metal spectrum.