Astodan (BE)

Astodan are a household name for anything dunk!-related having performed at the festival before and having been on the label for almost 10 years (releasing 4 amazing albums). Tim and Tom also regularly perform with Ranges on their EU and China tours, so we are so used to seeing them on a stage that we hardly recognise them now without their gear on them! For those of you who still need to be acquainted, Astodan started off as a psychedelic post-rock outfit but quickly evolved into the roaring and triumphant progressive rock force of nature they are now. Sapiently mixing post-rock delicate climaxes with grunge’s robust and angular riffing, Astodan introduced a new level of abrasiveness breaking the mould and setting themselves apart in the local Belgian scene. 

Always evolving and pushing the boundaries of their sound, the band’s latest album “Dirges” saw the introduction of a full-time vocalist and an expanded sonic repertoire, which now features more choruses, more shoegazing bliss and now even sing-along moments! Goes without saying that the addition of vocals made Astodan’s sound even catchier and infectious, with memorable hooks that re-play in your head for days on end and passages that will make you scream your heart out!

Think of O’Brother’s calculated sonic maelstroms meet Underoath untamed fury. Add a sprinkle of My Bloody Valentine’s hypnotism and you have Dirges. Except the album is also so unequivocally Astodan, that it still manages to cradle you in a cozy embrace with its warm guitar tones. With Bart’s emotive and convincing performance as a fulcrum, Astodan have pivoted and are now exploring new sonic expanses. We can only wish them the best of luck along the journey, and maybe tag along for the insanely entertaining ride! 

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