Desert Doom Metal Group ATALA Releases "Death's Dark Tomb" Drum Playthrough Video
Twentynine Palms, CA-based sludge/doom metal group ATALA will release their upcoming full-length concept album, Labyrinth of Ashmedai, on January 26, 2018 via Salt of the Earth Records. Pre-orders for Labyrinth of Ashmedai are available now HERE.
Two weeks ago, the band released their devastatingly heavy track "Death's Dark Tomb". Today, the band is following up with a drum playthrough of the track, featuring the rhythmic talents of Jeff Tedtaotao. Check out the playthrough via Pure Grain Audio's "Geared Up" HERE.
As with their last record, Shaman's Path of the Serpent, Labyrinth of Ashmedai was produced by fellow Twentynine Palms native Billy Anderson, recognized for his work with colossal bands such as Sleep, Melvins and Mastodon. The band says working with Anderson gives thema great advantage, because not only does he bring out their best, he understands their background on a personal level.
Musically, ATALA draws inspiration from their local environment, but not in the way other bands from the area do. Twentynine Palms is very different from its neighboring national park, Joshua Tree. Instead, the members of ATALA feel more sullen in their outlook - inspired by true struggles they see the effects of often - like war, poverty, death, drugs, gang violence, prostitution and murder.
The concept of Labyrinth of Ashmedai is inspired by Asmodeus, or "Ashmedai", the biblical "king of demons". Conjuring grit-laced sludge inspired by their barren and often oppressive desert backdrop, ATALA grips the listener with reflective, crushing doom atmospheres dripping with stoner rock and experimental influences to boot.
ATALA have released two other tracks from Labyrinth of Ashmedai via music videos. Check them out here:
ATALA is:
Kyle Stratton (Guitar and Vocals)
Jeff Tedtaotao (Drums)
Dave Horn (Bass)