Voluntary Mortification, the Christian deathcore band from Lansing, Michigan, just dropped a savage new single — a blistering cover of Job for a Cowboy’s iconic track “Entombment of a Machine.” This is no ordinary cover. It’s a raw, wild tribute that rips through the original’s brutal riffs and guttural growls while weaving in a higher spiritual message.
The original “Entombment of a Machine” is a cornerstone of deathcore history. Released on Job for a Cowboy’s 2005 debut EP Doom, the track features crushing riffs and bone-rattling breakdowns that helped define the genre. Voluntary Mortification respects that legacy but adds their own bold twist: a Christian perspective that transforms the song from a secular deathcore anthem into a battle cry of faith and spiritual struggle.
Visually, the cover art captures this blend perfectly. A horned skull dominates the image — a nod to Job for a Cowboy’s infamous iconography — but it also symbolizes reclaiming heavy metal’s dark imagery for a higher purpose. The band stands grounded in front of a crumbling building, symbolizing death, destruction, and the promise of rebirth through faith.
Bassist Jon James explained the heart behind the release: “Job for a Cowboy is a huge inspiration for us. This song is one of those that everyone in the genre knows, and we hope it leads listeners to follow us and find God’s message in our current music and upcoming EP.” That upcoming EP, Mortem Cultus, is expected to drop in 2025 and will dive deeper into these themes of death and resurrection.
Voluntary Mortification has been carving out a unique space in deathcore with their faith-driven lyrics and relentless heaviness. Their previous single, “Death Cult,” earned praise for its brutal riffs and unapologetic Christian message, while their debut album Suffer to Rise set a high bar for combining extreme metal aggression with spiritual depth.
For deathcore fans — whether longtime followers or newcomers — this cover is a powerful link between the genre’s secular roots and a new, faith-infused future. It honors the original’s intensity but also points listeners toward something beyond the chaos: redemption and hope.
It’s rare to hear a cover that respects the original so much yet reclaims it with such a distinct voice. Voluntary Mortification doesn’t just mimic Job for a Cowboy’s style; they channel its raw power and infuse it with a message of spiritual warfare and victory. The growls remain guttural, the breakdowns heavy and punishing, but the lyrics and atmosphere invite reflection on faith amidst destruction.
This approach challenges the stereotype that deathcore is only about darkness and despair. Voluntary Mortification proves the genre can also be a vehicle for hope, perseverance, and divine truth — all while keeping that sonic brutality intact.
The single’s cover art is more than just metal aesthetics. The horned skull front and center recalls Job for a Cowboy’s iconic imagery, yet here it’s a symbol of reclaiming the genre’s dark visuals for a kingdom purpose. The crumbling building behind the band visually echoes the themes of death and decay but also hints at the resurrection and renewal that faith offers.
This art sets the tone for the music — heavy and raw, yes — but also deeply meaningful.
Job for a Cowboy’s “Entombment of a Machine” helped shape deathcore’s sound in the mid-2000s. The track’s relentless riffs, guttural vocals, and punishing breakdowns made it a staple of playlists for fans of the genre. Voluntary Mortification’s cover pays homage to this legacy while transforming it with their own spiritual lens.
It’s a daring move to take a defining secular deathcore anthem and saturate it with Christian themes. But that’s exactly what makes this release so compelling.
The band’s upcoming EP Mortem Cultus is highly anticipated, promising to build on the momentum of their recent singles and debut album. Fans can expect more of that signature brutal deathcore sound combined with lyrics that wrestle with faith, mortality, and redemption.
Voluntary Mortification also continues to tour and connect with fans at shows, bringing their intense live energy and message to a growing audience.
Voluntary Mortification’s cover of “Entombment of a Machine” isn’t just a rehash of a classic deathcore track. It’s a statement — that deathcore can carry a message of hope and faith without losing its edge. It’s a wild, heavy ride that invites listeners to look beyond the noise and find something higher.
For anyone who loves deathcore or is curious about Christian metal, this single is a must-listen. It stands as a bridge between the raw power of the genre’s roots and a future where faith and fury collide.
Out now on all streaming platforms.