Next on the Master's Chopping Block: The Unstoppable Sound of Sumo Cyco

Welcome loyal headbangers, I'm starting a new ongoing series on the site where I'll be introducing you to hard rock and metal bands that deserve more attention, love, and exposure. No filler, no bullshit, just pure ass kicking talent that should be on everyone's radar. First up on the chopping block is a band that refuses to be ignored: Sumo Cyco! 

Sumo Cyco are an alt-metal/ punk band from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The band has four members: lead singer Skye Sweetnam, guitar player Matt Drake, bass player Oscar Anesetti, and drummer Joey Muha. Their sound mixes driving alt-metal riffs with punk attitude and pop hooks. It makes for a catchy, driving, and fun sound. The music gets you moving around with enough heavy groove to make you wanna bang that head and jump in the pit. It really makes for a fresh sound that helps to set them apart from a lot of their contemporaries.

I was introduced to them earlier this year by someone who not only also hails from Canada, but has great taste in music and knows mine well. So when she told me to check them out I did just that. And, they immediately caught my attention. Pretty much instantly I became a fan and put them into heavy rotation, especially in the last couple of days. And, might add, they are a great band to workout to! I have used them several times and, man, do they ever get this gym loving metalhead going and all pumped up!

Sumo Cyco was formed in March 2011. A month later, they played their first show opening up for Hollywood Undead. It didn't take them long to get recognition and awards. As a year after that, they won Best Female-Fronted Band at the Toronto Independent Music Awards. On October 20, 2013, they won at Indie Week Toronto.

On June 10, 2014, they released their debut album Lost in Cyco City. Two years later that album's kick ass track "Fighter" was used for the World Dart Association (WDA). March 31, 2017 saw their sophomore release, with Opus Mar. It featured a collab with Benji Webbe of Skindred for the single "Move Mountains". That song has such a good and energetic groove. May 7, 2021 saw their third album come out in the form of Initiation, with a deluxe version coming out October 8, 2021. It featured the driving and thunderous single, "Sun Eater".

On October 24, 2025, their latest album, Neon Void, was released, with a physical retail and colored vinyl coming out on November 7 of the same year. It's their best work yet. Their sound as its tightest with what is overall their best sounding and written music, yet. Add some solid and clear production by guitarist Matt Drake and Salvatore Sam Guiana, a mix of fun and aggressive tunes, and you have an album that is incredibly energetic to listen to. It is a real winner from start to finish. It might just be the best album you didn't listen to last year, but most definitely should have. 

Once you hear their music you simply will not be able to stop. In a very short period of time, they became a band that I love to put on. They get me moving (hence why they are so fucking good for the gym), banging my head, and signing right along. The fact is they write great ear-worms that stay with you. The band are energetic with strong instrumental talent. And, they fronted by a kick ass woman in Skye Sweetnam. The 38 year old Ontario native has previous experience in the pop punk world. I know that some metalheads may roll their eyes at that, but I think she works perfectly for them. She has a killer voice, including a great scream, and a really fun, lively, and commanding presence onstage. Add it all up and you get a chef's kiss of fucking awesome results!

Dive into some of their best songs and videos and I guarantee you will be a fan for life!

Honestly this is probably my favorite track by them. It sums them up perfectly. A fun. hyper-energetic banger that you won't want to stop listening and signing along to!

This one might be my favorite off of their latest. Not sure, though, cuz "Villains" is so fucking good, as well. In fact, every song kicks so much fucking ass on it!

Are a fan of this band? Is this the first time hearing them? And, if so are you now a fellow fan for life? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!