Goatsnake

Goatsnake is a doom metal band from Los Angeles, United States, active from 1996 to the present. The group forms from the aftermath of The Obsessed and is associated with doom metal and stoner metal, with links to stoner rock, stoner doom and sludge through its releases and scene connections.

Formation and early line-up

Goatsnake begins in 1996 when Greg Anderson joins the rhythm section of Guy Pinhas and Greg Rogers after the end of The Obsessed. Anderson is also known for work with Thorr's Hammer, Burning Witch and Sunn O))). Pete Stahl later joins as vocalist; his other groups include Scream, Wool, Earthlings? and Desert Sessions.

Releases and touring

The band records and issues two 7-inch EPs in 1998 before releasing its debut album, 1, in 1999 on Man's Ruin Records and Rise Above Records. It tours Europe in support of the album and plays with Unida, Fatso Jetson and Electric Wizard. The group also tours the UK in 2000 with Orange Goblin and Sunn O))), another project involving Anderson.

In 2000 Guy Pinhas leaves to join Acid King and Stuart Dahlquist of Burning Witch takes his place. That year Goatsnake releases a split with Burning Witch on Hydra Head Records and the Dog Days EP on Southern Lord Records. Later in the same year the band issues its second album, Flower of Disease, on Man's Ruin Records and Rise Above Records.

Breakup and later activity

Joey Castillo, known for Eagles of Death Metal and Queens of the Stone Age, replaces Greg Rogers on drums after Rogers leaves in 2001. The band splits up later that year. Anderson continues with Sunn O))) and also plays in Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine.

Goatsnake reforms in 2004 with Anderson and Stahl joined by bassist Scott Reeder of The Obsessed and Kyuss and drummer JR of Cave In. The reunited band records three songs for the Trampled Under Hoof EP, which also includes two previously vinyl-only tracks. Southern Lord Records also releases 1 + Dog Days that year, combining the first album, the Dog Days EP and a track from the Man of Light EP.

Later appearances and personnel

In 2010 Goatsnake plays a headlining set at Roadburn and continues its reunion touring into 2011 with dates in the United States and Europe. The listed members are Greg Anderson, Joey Castillo, G. Stuart Dahlquist and Scott Reeder.