Heavy Rock from Twentynine Palms CA Hailing from the hi-desert of California, Atala are all but new. They are familiar with long hours and long drives while sharing a strong adoration for heavy music. Atala consists of Kyle Stratton (Domiculumn, Rise of the Willing) on guitar and vocals, John Chavarria (Sons of Serro) on bass, and Jeff Tedtaotao (Forever Came Calling) on drums. All are seasoned musicians with a lot of touring miles under their belts. They recorded their first album ?Atala? under the mindful eye of Scott Reeder (Kyuss, the Obsessed). In support of their first, self-released album, they toured various states on the west coast of the United States. In May of 2015, they traveled to Portland, Oregon to record with renowned audio engineer Billy Anderson (Sleep, the Melvins, Mastodon). “The Shaman’s Path of the Serpent” encapsulates the raw and mature essence of what Atala is today. The album is a journey through the mind of Stratton. Anderson captures the emotions of every aspect of the album, emphasizing drums, bass, guitars, and vocals when the music is trying to speak to the listener. “The Shaman’s Path of the Serpent” will leave the listener wondering if Stratton is lamenting the idea of death, reveling in the joy of its inevitability. They have shared the stage with great acts -16- , Coliseum, Green Jelly, and Karma to Burn. After being announced on the Maryland Doomfest in June and a full U.S. tour supporting their second release , 2016 looks to be Atala’s year of opportunity. ?The Shaman’s Path of the Serpent? is set to release in May of 2016. This may be the album that will break Atala’s potential that lies dormant.