Canadian alt-metal/heavy rock crossover stars SUMO CYCO will drop their unstoppable upcoming full-length album, Initiation, on May 7, 2021 via Napalm Records. Skye “Sever” Sweetnam tells us Sumo Cyco’s main influences and the band’s essential songs to hear.
CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW WITH SKYE “SEVER” SWEETNAM OF SUMO CYCO IN OUTBURN #93—ON SALE NOW!
SUMO CYCO’S INFLUENCES
Skindred: “Nobody”
“Those new to Sumo Cyco may not know it, but this song and Skindred’s album Babylon were the catalyst of Matt and I starting the band. Matt and I had lost touch, and when we met up again, he played me this record. I told him I wanted to be in a band like Skindred. A party band that’s heavy as hell but makes you dance! Sumo Cyco was born!”
No Doubt: “Just A Girl”
“Gwen doing push-ups on stage during this song is everything I ever wanted to be. Effortlessly cool, speaking her truth, and kicking ass while doing it. The fact that No Doubt built a career from being a fringe ska punk band to one of the biggest bands on the planet is a huge inspiration.”
Refused: “New Noise”
“This song and record’s impact can’t be overstated. The way Dennis screams is my initial inspiration to scream in the style I do.”
SUMO CYCO’S ESSENTIAL SONGS
“Bystander”
“This song is a great mix of everything we are as a band, there’s punk rock, fast flows, heavy riffs and hooky melodies. If you understand this song you’ll understand who we are at our core.”
“No Surrender”
“This track shows a bit more of the deeper emotion in lockstep with riffs and a driving beat that hopefully can suck in the audience to our world.”
“Undefeated”
“Here’s a fan favorite that is one of my personal favorites as well. It has three distinct styles from hardcore verses, dancehall pre-chorus and sing-along rock chorus.”
