Meet The Band is your chance to get to know a new or up-and-coming band. Astrakhan are from Vancouver, British Columbia, and the progressive sludge metal group’s full-length debut is Reward In Purpose. Guitarist Adam Young introduces us to his band.
Heavy Music Headquarters: Give us a brief history of Astrakhan.
Adam Young: Astrakhan got started in 2012 after all of our previous musical endeavors imploded, in one way or another, all around the same time. Dustan and I played in the same band previously and our band played shows around Vancouver with Rob’s pretty regularly. So when we all suddenly became bandless, teaming up seemed like the best thing to do.
Describe the songwriting and recording process of Reward In Purpose.
It usually starts with Dustan, Rob, or myself bringing a couple of riffs to the table and building around them. Occasionally someone will have a more developed idea of how they want the song to turn out, but most of the time the songs start out smaller and we will build them up as a band in the jam space. Even still, from time to time we will end up scraping just about an entire song saving a couple of riffs and try again. This was the case with “Omajod” and “Rabbits”.
As far as the recording process is concerned, we always try to have our s–t together as much as possible before setting foot in the studio. We will record demos of all of the songs in our jam space before hand to get figure out what order we want the songs in, what kind of effects to use where, and how we want the songs to transition into one another. That sort of thing. Then we let Jesse Gander put microphones in front and do his magic.
How would you characterize the album’s style/sound?
Sludgey and psychedelic riff soup for your ears
What has been your most memorable live show?
Definitely opening for Yob and Bison on New Years Eve at the Rickshaw Theatre.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
Since the summer has started I’ve been pretty into getting sunburns.
What’s your all-time favorite album?
Buried in Oblivion by Into Eternity.
What’s the heavy music scene like in Vancouver?
It’s pretty amazing. There are tons of diverse bands with incredible musicians. I can’t remember the last time I went to a show and wasn’t blown away by at least one band for one reason or another. We are all super stoked to be a part of it and to have been well received.
Anything else you’d like to mention/plug/promote?
We will be heading out to Sled Island again this year in Calgary Alberta. Sharing the stage at the Palomino with Valient Thorr, Bell Witch, Chron Goblin, and Norwegian Icebreaker. Then starting July 14th we are heading out on a cross Canada tour. You can order the album here or here.
(interview published June 2016)
