Doomed Confessionary: Matt Snyder (Eye Of Aquila)
Eye Of Aquila is an apocalyptic heavy grunge and psychedelic metal band from the heart of California’s Central Valley. The band consists of Matt Snyder on vocals, Joe Neves on drums and Bruce Fowler on bass, while guitarist Nicole Ridge recently moved to Portland.
Eye Of Aquila’s latest four-track EP »Atavisms« was just released on December 25th, 2024. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Lucky Lew. Photo by Joe Neves. Cover layout by Lauri Johnsen.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re Eye Of Aquila, a four-piece grunge/doom/stoner/heavy psych act from Merced (“mercy”), California. We play up and down the state and have been together in our current iteration since early 2021.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I think the biggest challenge for the band so far has been the departure of our guitarist and one of our founding members, Nicole Ridge. This is a thing that just happened (she’s moved to Portland, and we wish her all the best in her new locale!), so we’re working through it, processing the loss and jamming with some new guitarists.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m most proud of the body of work we’ve put out. We’re unsigned, and in three years we’ve released two EPs and a debut LP, all of which have been well received by critics and listeners in the genre, and all of which we’ve done all the heavy lifting on ourselves. I’m especially proud, and I think I speak for Joey, Nicole, and Bruce as well, of our latest EP, »Atavisms«. It’s definitely a progression for us, a pushing-forward, and I think that’s noticeable in the songwriting, performances, and production.
What was your biggest regret?
Speaking personally, my biggest regret was that we didn’t play out in 2024 due to my experiencing a serious medical issue. We were really cooking at rehearsals in the early part of the year, and I got sick in March, and the whole rest of the year went by before I was well enough to get back with the band and write, rehearse, and perform again. Especially with Nicole having moved away this year, it feels like we missed out on some really valuable time.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
My favorite show of ours so far was Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, opening for Hell’s Belles (Nicole’s other band) and The Butlers. Lots of my heroes have played that stage, so it was a real rush to be up there.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
This is a tough one for me to answer, as I’ve been playing in music scenes since as far back as the mid-’90s, so not much surprises me anymore. I think it might be that despite the democratization of recording and releasing music created by advances in personal tech in the last decade or so, it seems as hard as or harder than ever to get people to take the time to listen. The floodgates have been thrown open, so now we’re all deluged in new music constantly, and everyone’s attention span has become infinitesimal.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Matt: Elder, Wo Fat, Earthless, Bossk, Melvins, Pelican, Isis, Acid Bath, and our California homies Supernaut, Stone Gnome, and Shadow Limb; Joey: Gojira, Amenra, Code Orange, Pallbearer, High On Fire, Acid Mammoth, Blue Heron, Brutus, and YOB; Bruce: Black Sabbath, Mastodon, Monolord, Russian Circles, and Red Fang.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Best advice I’ve ever been given as a musician? Do less. Serve the song, not your ego.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Definitely the new(ish) pop divas. Lots of love for Dua, Chappell, Charlie, and Sabrina.
Can you say something more about current music scene in California?
California is so happening for heavy music. It’s California! We’ve got the Bay Area scene, NorCal, Sacramento, the Central Coast, LA … no matter what kind of heavy shit you’re into, you can find it here.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’ll have to get back to you on where to catch us live, as we’ll be going through the process of rebuilding with a new guitarist for the next few months. We’ll let you know!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re going to keep right on doing what we do.
How can people best support your band?
We have merch for sale on our Bandcamp page, including t-shirts and our debut album on CD and vinyl. Follow us on facebook and IG. Review our latest EP, »Atavisms«, and submit it to Doomed Nation! Tell folks you know and love who listen to heavy music that they need some Eye Of Aquila in their earholes.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks so much for giving us your time and your brainwaves, both of which are immeasurably precious. You’re who we do it for.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well