Doomed Confessionary: Eric, Mitch & Erv (Astral Wizard)
Astral Wizard is a psychedelic stoner/desert rock band hailing from from Chicago, Illinois. Featuring members of Ervin Electric, Snakebite Delight, Mutha Trucka & Sleazy Owl.
Following »Astral Wizard« (2023) and »Cosmic Riders« EP (2024), the band just dropped their second full-length album »Reanimated« on January 22nd, 2025. Recorded, mixed, mastered & produced by Eric Ervin at Hog Hole Records.
Astral Wizard consists of Eric Ervin (vocals, guitar, drums), Dana “Erv” Ervin (vocals, bass) and Mitch Huffman (vocals, guitar).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a hard rocking stoner, psychedelic, desert rock band. We released our first self-titled album in 2023. We are currently a three piece studio band until we find a touring drummer. Our band lineup is Eric Ervin – Vocals, Guitar & Drums, Dana “Erv” Ervin – Vocals & Bass, Mitch Huffman – Vocals & Guitar.
Mike Dames was a studio drummer on our recent album »Reanimated«.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Keeping a drummer to learn the setlist to play live shows.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are proud of our 2 albums & 1 EP that we have released in less than 2 years. We are currently working on our 3rd album! We also are very happy with the positive response we have received from our fans from around the world!
What was your biggest regret?
Our biggest regret was just not playing any shows when we had our last drummer before he had to quit, we missed a few important festivals…
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Unfortunately no shows have happened yet.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The biggest surprise for us was the support our type of music receives in Chicago, IL when we find the right venue. 1000mods was an eye opener when they came over from Greece to play in the US.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Eric: Monster Magnet, Atomic Rooster, 1000mods.
Mitch: Paranoid Reverb, Kayleth, Valley Of The Sun.
Erv: AC/DC, Grifter, Shotgun Sawyer.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Eric: Bring a 1×12 Amp Cabinet for every show.
Mitch: Learn how to play styles you’re not normally accustomed to playing. It will have a huge impact on your approach to your preferred style.
Erv: Just have fun!!!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Eric: Singing high pitched backing vocals in the studio.
Mitch: Unsolicited Blues licks in between or at the end of a riff.
Erv: Making everyone laugh while playing live.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Chicago?
There is a lot of venues to see band in Chicago but the scene is lacking great venues for stoner rock bands to play.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Once we get a drummer up to speed you will be able to catch us live in the Chicagoland area
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are currently working on our newest album, hoping for a release later this year (2025) and to get out there and play shows of course!
How can people best support your band?
Best way to support us currently is to purchase our merchandise at our bandcamp page: astralwizard.bandcamp.com.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Keep an eye out and an ear ready for our other projects as well! All 3 of us are also in Mutha Trucka, Ervin Electric & Snakebite Delight.
Stay stoned and riff on!!!!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well