El Astronauta’s new EP, “Snakes & Foxes,” was released June 23rd, 2023 on Snow Wolf Records. This release showcases the band’s blend of doom/stoner metal, in the vain of Sleep or Super Judge era Monster Magnet. The band also draws some inspiration from bands such as High on Fire, Black Sabbath, and Sleep. The music can best be described as lo-fi doom/stoner rock with additional accents and flousihes of space rock. The vocals on the EP can best be described as “in your face”, with a Buzz Osbourne (Melvins) or Page Hamilton (Helmet) style aggression. The guitar riffs are definitely at the fore front and the “star of the show”.
Track 3 the Gambler and the General could fit right in with mid 90’s era doom/sludge rock of the Melvins or Acid King. Interesting to note the hi-hat count in for the song has a bass note or two and guitar feedback before the intro of the song begins. Whether by design or not it gives the track a raw, DIY. The guitar solo at about 2:40 into the song is direct and to the point without any wasted notes and fits well within the confines of the track.
The closing track, “The Axe of the Hammer” is the standout track on the release. The intro of the song begins with a clean delay effected guitar tone over a reverb and delay heavy vocal line building to the aggressive verse, before transitioning back to a slowed down vocal passage. With the guitar effects and changes in tempo this track is a solid closer for the EP.
Release Date: June 23rd 2023. Record Label: Snow Wolf Records
For more info on the band check out their Bandcamp page.
Track List
1. The Mountain and The Feather 05:08
2. The Corenne and The Prophecy Fulfilled 03:44
3. The Gambler and The General 03:47
4. The Axe or The Hammer 05:12
Lineup
Seth Wilson – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums