tag:astratheband.com,2005:/blogs/astra-news?p=1ASTRA News2019-05-18T09:42:20-07:00ASTRAfalsetag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/47571902017-06-26T08:19:11-07:002024-02-10T01:02:43-08:00ASTRA Status Update 2017<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/8a5df4051c9f47fe9371fcd85118d6b78fd23660/original/astra-status-update.png?1498460344" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>First off, I have to apologize for just dropping off the map for so long. You all deserve much more than that and since so many of you have been nice enough to write and ask "What's going on with ASTRA?" I wanted to give you all a status update. </p>
<p>Back when our drummer David Hurley left ASTRA in 2013, no one could really foresee the difficulties ahead. We knew carrying on without Dave would be a hard road to travel but we had no idea just how much of an impact his departure would have on us. The 5 of us had an undeniable chemistry that just worked so well in every aspect, but especially when it came to songwriting. After Dave left, I think we were all pretty bummed out and while we were working on writing material for our 3rd album, our frustrations slowly started cropping up. We decided to take a short break which turned into a long break, which turned into a longer break, which happens to be where we're at now. Because of this long hiatus some of the guys have become extremely busy with their own musical projects which, unfortunately, now leaves very little time for ASTRA. </p>
<p>However, I do have some good news! I just recently spoke with all of the original ASTRA members, including Dave, and everyone is down to record a 3rd ASTRA album if we can get enough material together. Another bit of good news is that Stuart and I have been playing and writing together and we're hoping that we can eventually make this 3rd album a reality. </p>
<p>Now, none of this is a guarantee but I think it is a step in the right direction. ASTRA will always be my baby and my first love when it comes to music and I don't want to give up on her so I'm going to do all that I can to make this happen. This will most likely take quite some time since everyone is so busy but I will try to keep you all updated as best I can. I will also try to be much more diligent in responding to your emails and messages in the future. </p>
<p>Lastly, a huge THANK YOU is long overdue, so, thank you all for sticking with ASTRA through the years and for being such amazing fans. I love you all more than words can say and I'm going to do my best to bring some new ASTRA music to your ears as soon as possible. </p>
<p>Be seeing you,<br>-Richard Vaughan</p>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/37416072015-06-14T20:38:05-07:002024-03-01T02:59:36-08:00ASTRA, Sacri Monti and Monarch at Brick By Brick<div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/9bf192212a54230bdd6cd756e05dbd7243412290/original/astra-brick-by-brick-home.png?1434325970" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br>We're looking forward to playing with 2 amazing San Diego bands and our good friends <a contents="Sacri Monti" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/sacrimontiband?fref=ts">Sacri Monti</a> and <a contents="Monarch" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monarch-band/1465052633727017">Monarch</a> at Brick by Brick on Sunday June 21st. Don't miss this one!</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/35833772015-03-07T16:35:51-08:002023-12-12T02:05:33-08:00ASTRA, Inner Ear Brigade and Corima To Play SMiLE! Prog Rock Fest April 18!<br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1560314700918792/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/e63d34d87b235aecef45e47d95c5b90bbbbef12f/original/astra-smile-home.jpg?1425774612" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
<div style="text-align: justify;">We'll be playing the SMiLE! Progressive Rock Festival at HM157 in LA on April 18th. The amazing Corima and Inner Ear Brigade will also be playing. We hope to see some familiar faces there! <a contents="Click here for more info." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1560314700918792/" target="_blank">Click here for more info.</a>
</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/34601402015-01-09T20:47:30-08:002024-03-26T21:29:36-07:00ASTRA To Open For Pinback At The Casbah<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/ddf9abec1f63e3f8d9bc0b0fbe0a1157bd6c2d2f/original/pinback.jpg?1420865066" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We're opening for Pinback at <a contents="The Casbah" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="https://casbah.frontgatetickets.com/event/n907l3a23oo2nmoa" target="_blank">The Casbah</a> in San Diego, CA on Wednesday January 14th!ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/32799232014-11-12T21:51:57-08:002024-03-18T05:19:53-07:00ASTRA To Open For The Adrian Belew Power Trio<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/2f91b1712af70db5c907322baa176307b6c58eb4/original/adrian-belew-blog.jpg?1415857666" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br>We'll be opening for the Adrian Belew Power Trio on Sunday, November 16th at <a contents="The Casbah" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://casbah.frontgatetickets.com/event/94wl1try518u6d64" target="_blank">The Casbah</a> in San Diego, CA. Adrian Belew is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer who is perhaps best known for his work as a member of the progressive rock group King Crimson (which he fronted from 1981 to 2009). Throughout his career he's also worked with Frank Zappa, Talking Heads and David Bowie! Click our <a contents="Shows" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows">Shows</a> button at the top for more info and to get tickets!</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/29537812014-05-17T10:47:39-07:002024-02-12T23:43:56-08:00Orange Is Our Favorite Color<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/fa30bc11795a03c1a044523c5ddd2259899d8b33/original/orange-announce.jpg?1400348808" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" /><div style="text-align: justify;">We’re proud to announce that ASTRA is now an Ambassador for @OrangeAmps! Our bass player Stuart Sclater will be using the AD200B MK3 Head in the studio and on the road. Orange is a legendary company! Check them out at <a contents="www.orangeamps.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.orangeamps.com/" target="_blank">www.orangeamps.com</a>!</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/21332182013-11-29T09:31:25-08:002024-02-02T15:39:22-08:00ASTRA Interview in INTERSTELLAR OVERDRIVE - The Shindig! Guide To Spacerock<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/e2028157c79c95281e5af4b24fc25a32fe9d2a7d/original/spacerock-200.jpg?1385744005" class="size_orig justify_left border_" />Be sure to keep an eye out for the new special edition, one-off issue of Shindig! magazine focusing on the history of cosmic music and featuring an interview with Richard Vaughan of ASTRA!<br><br>Here is a write-up of the issue borrowed from the <a contents="Shindig! website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.shindig-magazine.com/Interstellar-Overdrive.html" target="_blank">Shindig! website</a>:<br><br><strong>INTERSTELLAR OVERDRIVE<br><em>The Shindig! Guide To Spacerock</em></strong><br><br>This special edition of Shindig! explores spacerock’s peculiar mix of heavy riffs and electronics through the age of the space race, the resulting sci-fi explosion and the mind-expanding influences of the acid-fried ‘60s and beyond.<br>We trace spacerock back to its roots with the soundtracks of the ’50s, including Louis and Bebe Barron’s FORBIDDEN PLANET, through to the incredible work of JOE MEEK on ‘Telstar’. In addition, we will cover the social and cultural context of the moon landings, sci-fi literature and the spaced-out cinema that shaped the end of the ’60s. In this environment came early spacerock efforts from THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, PINK FLOYD and THE BYRDS.<br>One band arrived at the close of the decade to define the genre – HAWKWIND. Just as influential in their own idiosyncratic way were GONG with their Radio Gnome trilogy. Several artists pursued the electronic side of spacerock, such as SILVER APPLES and FIFTY FOOT HOSE, whilst the BBC RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP added a distinct Britishness to proceedings. The Germans also produced their own unique contributions to the idiom with AMON DÜÜL II, NEU and ASH RA TEMPEL. At the close of the ’70s several artists such as CHROME utilised the punk spirit to reinvigorate spacerock.<br>The magazine will take the genre through the ’80s and ’90s with HERE AND NOW and OZRIC TENTACLES and the cross-pollination of the indie scene with SPACEMEN 3 and LOOP. Taking things up to the present day and proving the genre is still in rude health are the likes of ASTRA, THE HEADS and WHITE HILLS. There will also be numerous diversions through key spacerock obscurities as well as articles from the likes of Johnny Truck, Patrick Lundborg, Ian Abrahams and Rich Deakin. </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/16663852013-09-20T06:45:18-07:002024-02-02T16:07:44-08:00ASTRA To Play With Nik Turner's Space Ritual (ex Hawkwind) at The Casbah!<br><span style="text-align: justify;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/0af3b8630af6ea5b8507d9de3243e225bb1ab2f9/original/nik-turners-space.jpg?1384710823" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="" /></span><br><span style="text-align: justify;">We will be playing with Nik Turner's Space Ritual (ex Hawkwind) at The Casbah in San Diego on Friday, November 15th. Our friends JOY will be opening the show and visuals/projections will be brought to you by Operation: MINDBLOW! This will be a good one, see you there!</span>
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<br><a contents="Get tickets here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://casbah.frontgatetickets.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=86167&eid=96816" target="_blank">Get tickets here.</a>
</div><br> ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/10270252013-06-27T00:00:00-07:002023-12-10T08:56:14-08:00Drummer David Hurley Leaves ASTRA<div style="text-align: justify; ">
<br>It is with sadness in our hearts that we must say goodbye and announce the departure of drummer David Hurley from ASTRA. He has been with the band from the beginning and is one of the founding members. His unique style of playing helped form and shape the ASTRA sound and he was also an integral part of the writing of both of our albums. Unfortunately for us, the road of life is taking Dave in a new direction away from the band. He is an amazing drummer and a close friend and he will be missed. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors, wherever they may lead.<br><br>This is by no means the end for ASTRA. We would like to give a warm welcome to our long time friend and our new drummer, Paul Marrone. Paul is a fantastic drummer and fellow long-haired freak that we have had the pleasure of watching in several great bands (Radio Moscow, JOY, Psicomagia) over the past year and he was our ideal choice. While Dave will be missed, we know that Paul will add his own, new uniqueness to our sound and we are beyond excited to be working with him. Rehearsals are going great! We'll be ready to play shows again shortly and more importantly continue the writing for our third album!<br><br>Roadburn has just announced the debut album from Paul's band Psicomagia in which ASTRA's own Brian Ellis plays saxophone. <a href="http://www.roadburn.com/2013/06/video-premiere-psicomagias-el-memoriso-feat-members-of-astra-radio-moscow/" target="_new">Check out the news and great promo video.</a>
</div><br> ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/10174412013-06-26T00:00:00-07:002023-12-10T11:26:07-08:00New David D'Andrea ASTRA T-shirt - The ASTRA-naut!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/258831ba3f27f343cc5fa5336f6bf157a685aae8/original/astra-naut_art.jpg?1374785811" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="453" width="432" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/da57e08665d4f535c767d4983e1e211828f6c153/original/astra_astranaut_mock.jpg?1374785817" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="398" width="432" /><div style="text-align: justify; ">
<br>New ASTRA-naut t-shirt designed by the one and only David V. D'Andrea. We should be getting some more of these soon and as soon as we do we'll be setting up an online merch store here on our site. Check back soon!<br> </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/6180472013-04-26T00:00:00-07:002024-01-09T13:16:50-08:00A Big Thank You To All Our Fans...<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/9f5101bc977fbd78176092ac0be002ca4ae4b137/original/astra_tour_2013sm.jpg?1374785816" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="171" width="432" /><div style="text-align: justify; ">
<br>We'd like to thank all of our wonderful fans that came out to see us play during this short UK/Euro tour. We received such a warm welcome from you all and we couldn't have asked for a more enthusiastic audience. We wouldn't be where we are without you.<br><br>It was also great to hang out and spend some time with some of you lovely people after the gigs, you know who you are ;) Until next time!<br> </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/5209812013-04-12T14:20:00-07:002024-03-26T21:29:36-07:00ASTRA To Play First Annual Psycho de Mayo Festival!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/37ad6c0332354ec34ad5542cbc76b0e60405e8bb/original/astra_psycho_de_mayo_2013_news.jpg?1374785815" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="588" width="432" /><br> <div style="text-align: justify; ">Thief presents: Psycho de Mayo 2013 - Orange County's First Annual Psychedelic Music & Arts Festival.<br><br>Sunday, May 5th 2013.<br><br>Doors open at 2:00 pm and goes till 2:00 am on the Alpha Stage at The Copper Door.<br><br><b>Bands include:</b><br><br>ASTRA<br>JOY<br>Psicomagia<br>Tweak Bird<br>Harsh Toke<br>California 666<br>Plant Tribe<br>Shiva Trash<br>Electric Healing Sound<br>Wild Wild Wets<br>The Burning of Rome<br><br>Freak out visuals by our good friends Operation: Mindblow!<br> </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/3140392013-02-15T23:35:00-08:002023-12-10T11:32:56-08:00ASTRA Tour Europe With Purson in April!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/fbcdc8df146706460819ec9f460474fc80abef9a/original/astra_tour_green.jpg?1374785824" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="216" width="432" /><div style="text-align: justify; ">
<br>We will be returning to the UK in April 2013 for a string of headlining UK dates in conjunction with the excellent Prog Magazine. Main support for provincial shows will be the almighty <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pursontheband?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_new">Purson</a>, whilst main support for the London show will be our cosmic brothers and brilliant label mates <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diagonalband" target="_new">Diagonal</a>.<br><br>Tickets for UK shows go on sale at 9am Tuesday August 28th from Ticketweb (<a href="http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/search.php?tm_link=tm_header_search&language=en-us&keyword=astra" target="_new">www.ticketweb.co.uk</a>) and the usual outlets. *Tickets for the Wolverhampton show will be available from <a href="http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/-/show-details/101854" target="_new">www.wolvescivic.co.uk</a><br><br>German ticket link here: <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.de/artist/astra-tickets/907235" target="_new">http://www.ticketmaster.de/artist/astra-tickets/907235</a><br><br>2013 April:<br><br>15th - Bristol, England - The Fleece<br>16th - Wolverhampton, England - Slade Rooms *<br>17th - Glasgow, Scotland - King Tut's<br>18th - Manchester, England - Deaf Institute<br>19th - London, England - The Borderline<br>21st - Tilburg, Holland - Roadburn Festival<br>22nd - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-sal<br>23rd - Hamburg, Germany - Knust<br>24th - Koln, Germany - Luxor<br> </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2797522013-01-13T09:55:00-08:002023-12-10T08:57:35-08:00The Black Chord #2 on Prog-Sphere's Top 30 Albums of 2012!<br><a href="http://www.prog-sphere.com/2012/12/28/nicks-top-30-of-2012/" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/d4498b2949f9b1cd8eeb9619d974f870d0cba45f/original/prog_sphere_hm.jpg?1374785831" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="132" width="432" /></a><br> <div style="text-align: justify; ">Nick Savic from <a href="http://www.prog-sphere.com/2012/12/28/nicks-top-30-of-2012/" target="_new">Prog-sphere.com</a> has listed his <a href="http://www.prog-sphere.com/2012/12/28/nicks-top-30-of-2012/" target="_new">top 30 albums of 2012</a> and our album <i>The Black Chord</i> took the #2 spot - just under OM's – Advaitic Songs! Thanks Nick.<br><br> </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2797562013-01-13T00:00:00-08:002023-12-10T11:28:35-08:00The Black Chord #4 on Dan Briggs' Year End List!<br><a href="http://www.revolvermag.com/news/dan-briggs-of-between-the-buried-and-me-picks-his-five-farovite-albums-of-the-year.html" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/74bd41ec04a81d044300daa9743c2e6e5480026d/original/dan_briggs_top5.jpg?1374785824" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="132" width="432" /></a>
<div style="text-align: justify; ">Over at <a href="http://www.revolvermag.com/news/dan-briggs-of-between-the-buried-and-me-picks-his-five-farovite-albums-of-the-year.html" target="_new">Revolvermag.com</a>, Dan Briggs, bassist of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BTBAMofficial?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_new">Between the Buried and Me</a>, picked his <a href="http://www.revolvermag.com/news/dan-briggs-of-between-the-buried-and-me-picks-his-five-farovite-albums-of-the-year.html" target="_new">5 favorite albums of 2012</a>. We're honored that <i>The Black Chord</i> made it to #4 on his list. Thanks Dan!<br><br> </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2660972012-12-13T00:00:00-08:002023-12-10T09:06:36-08:00ASTRA - The Black Chord Among SPIN's Best of 2012! <br><a href="http://www.spin.com/articles/best-metal-albums-2012?slide=4" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/58954c2c8c5a1fe1f1d7b46861b117346ee428b6/original/spins_20_best.jpg?1374785831" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="276" width="432" /></a>
<div style="text-align: justify; ">The Black Chord made it to #17 on SPIN Magazine's <a href="http://www.spin.com/articles/best-metal-albums-2012?slide=4" target="_new">20 Best "Metal" Albums of 2012</a> list! Thanks for the love SPIN.<br> </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2628782012-12-06T14:50:00-08:002023-12-10T10:10:41-08:00The Black Chord #5 on Popmatters Best of 2012 List!<br><a href="http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/165957-the-best-progressive-rock-and-metal-of-2012/P1" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/81ce266be95e5ff0b1737894ee27da9b1fe95aec/original/popmatters.jpg?1374785830" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="30" width="432" /></a><br> <div style="text-align: justify; ">Our album <i>The Black Chord is</i> #5 on <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/165957-the-best-progressive-rock-and-metal-of-2012/P1" target="_new">Popmatters.com</a> The Best Progressive Rock (and Metal) of 2012 list with a great write up by Craig Hayes. Thanks Craig!<br><br> </div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2469072012-11-05T14:10:00-08:002023-12-10T11:36:15-08:00Scion Presents Roadburn USA @ The Roxy - Enslaved, White Hills, Earthless & ASTRA!<br><a href="http://www.scionav.com/event/463/Enslaved,-White-Hills,-Earthless,-Astra" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/a105eb2a7de895a13007eed3f2bb83f18441c1a1/original/Roadburn-large.jpg?1374785829" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="800" width="413" /></a>
<div style="text-align: justify; ">
<br><a href="http://www.scionav.com/event/463/Enslaved,-White-Hills,-Earthless,-Astra" target="_new">Scion Label Showcase presents Roadburn Records @ The Roxy.</a> A live recorded event featuring Enslaved, White Hills, Earthless and Astra.<br><br>FREE ENTRY @ THE ROXY WITH RSVP! ALL AGES.<br>RSVP with a valid email address is strictly required.<br><br>Early arrival is suggested as space is limited.<br>Entry not guaranteed. Line up subject to change.<br><br>When: Sat, 10 Nov 2012 1:00 PM (US/Pacific)<br><br>Where: The Roxy 9009 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069</div><br> ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2322282012-10-14T06:40:00-07:002023-12-10T08:53:30-08:00ASTRA to Play Roadburn 2013!<a href="http://www.roadburn.com/2012/10/astra-added-to-roadburn-festival-2013-afterburner-lineup/" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/6c8325226845ba07db74932a3ae1cff0993424d1/original/Roadburn-2013-Astra.jpg?1374785826" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="678" width="432" /></a>We're happy to announce that we'll be returning to Holland to play the <a href="http://www.roadburn.com/2012/10/astra-added-to-roadburn-festival-2013-afterburner-lineup/" target="_new">Roadburn Festival 2013 Afterburner </a>event on Sunday April 21st at the 013 Venue. Can't wait!<br type="_moz">ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2235212012-10-01T14:10:00-07:002023-12-10T08:51:27-08:00New ASTRA Interview at 69 Faces Of Rock<a href="http://www.69facesofrock.com/astra_interview.html" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/95d4a025b31e71e638f572fa933f99993104029e/original/69faces.jpg?1374785811" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="382" width="432" /></a><br>
Here is a newly posted interview that I recently did with Mark Kadzielawa at 69 Faces of Rock. <a href="http://www.69facesofrock.com/astra_interview.html" target="_new">Have a look!</a><br>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2045392012-08-24T09:40:00-07:002023-12-10T08:53:09-08:00ASTRA to Play the UK in April 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/2f7a13bae007363a8af79b1815c48d6ce0814bba/original/astra_tee_home.jpg?1374785812" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="432" width="432" /><br>
In addition to the news of our upcoming European tour suppoting Anathema this Fall, our label, Rise Above Records has announced that we will be playing dates in the UK and Scotland next April 2013.<br><br>
Here is their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/196281797169691/" target="_new">Facebook</a> post:<br><br>
We are delighted to announce UK and European tour dates for Rise Above recording artists Astra. San Diego's masters of psychedelic progressive rock will be playing as main support to legendary UK band Anathema for the main part of their forthcoming European tour.<br><br>
Following that, the guys will return to the UK in April 2013 for a string of headlining UK dates in conjunction with the excellent Prog Magazine. Main support for provincial shows will be the hotly tipped Purson, whilst main support for the London show will be Brighton's very own jazzy progressives Diagonal.<br><br>
Astra released their critically acclaimed second album <i>The Black Chord</i> earlier this year and are excited to be following it up with some live performances. Says band leader Richard Vaughan; "After sharing the stage with Anathema at the Pistoia Blues Festival back in 2010, we're looking forward to joining them once again as support on their upcoming European tour this fall. We're also beyond excited to be playing a few more shows in our home away from home - the UK! Finally! See you there".<br><br>
2012 October/November as guests to Anathema:<br><br>
16th - Marseille, Le Cabaret Aleatoire (France)<br>
17th - Barcelona, Apolo (Spain)<br>
18th - Madrid, Joy Eslava (Spain)<br>
19th - Porto, Hard Club (Portugal)<br>
20th - Lisbon, Paradise Garage (Portugal)<br>
21st - Seville, Custom (Spain)<br>
22nd - Murcia, Gamma (Spain)<br>
24th – Barakaldo, Sala Rockstar Live (Spain)<br>
25th - Bordeaux, Barbey Rockschool (France)<br>
26th - Rennes, Antipodel (France)<br>
27th - Vauréal, Le Forum (France)<br>
29th - Lyon, Transbordeur (France)<br>
30th - Strasbourg, La Laiterie (France)<br>
31st - Lille, Le Splendid (France)<br>
1st - Osnabrück, Haus der Jugend (Germany)<br>
2nd - Munchen, Theaterfabrik (Germany)<br>
3rd - Berlin, Franz Club (Germany)<br><br><br>
Tickets for UK shows go on sale at 9am Tuesday August 28th from Ticketweb (<a href="http://www.ticketweb.co.uk" target="_new">www.ticketweb.co.uk</a>) and the usual outlets. *Tickets for the Wolverhampton show will be available from <a href="http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk" target="_new">www.wolvescivic.co.uk</a><br><br>
2013 April:<br><br>
15th - Bristol, The Fleece<br>
16th - Wolverhampton, Slade Rooms *<br>
17th - Glasgow, King Tut's<br>
18th - Manchester, Deaf Institute<br>
19th - London, The Borderline</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/2045112012-08-24T09:25:00-07:002023-12-10T11:39:38-08:00ASTRA Play The Casbah Aug. 31st For Joy's Record Release<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/d48149488a9dffb6f7b58dc1138e84eebda6613b/original/joy_show_home.jpg?1374785823" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="432" width="432" /><br>
We're headlining this show at the Casbah in San Diego on August 31st. This will be San Diego's own Joy's record release show. Dahga Bloom, Shiva Trash and California 666 also play. As usual there will be amazing old school, cosmic, psychedelic visuals by Operation: MINDBLOW. Visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.facebook.com/events/237782942992049/">www.facebook.com/events/237782942992049/</a> for more info. Hope to see you there!</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1990652012-08-11T12:05:00-07:002023-12-10T09:05:24-08:00ASTRA to Tour Europe With Anathema in the Fall!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/8c2b9e98f47bd64c3a7c70b96024c952c4e9705c/original/astra_tour_news.jpg?1374785821" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="247" width="432" /><br><br>
We are happy to announce that we will be on tour in Europe supporting ANATHEMA from October 16th to November 3rd!<br><br>
October:<br><br>
16 - Marseille, France - Le Cabaret Aleatoire<br>
17 - Barcelona, Spain - Apolo<br>
18 - Madrid, Spain -Joy Eslava<br>
19 - Porto, Portugal - Hard Club<br>
20 - Lisbon, Portugal - Paradise Garage<br>
21 - Seville, Spain - Custom<br>
22 - Murcia, Spain - Gamma<br>
24 – Barakaldo, Spain -Sala Rockstar Live<br>
25 - Bordeaux, France - Barbey Rockschool<br>
26 - Rennes, France - Antipodel<br>
27 - Vauréal, France - Le Forum<br>
29 - Lyon, France - Transbordeur<br>
30 - Strasbourg, France - La Laiterie<br>
31 - Lille, France - Le Splendid<br><br>
November:<br><br>
1 - Osnabruck, Germany - Haus der Jugend<br>
2 - Munchen, Germany - Theaterfabrik<br>
3 - Berlin, Germany - Franz Club<br>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1896532012-07-14T03:55:00-07:002023-12-10T11:39:38-08:00New ASTRA Show in LA - San Diego Invasion!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/39f3a952a6b335c1d2f5d899c670405d96eca166/original/la_flier_hm.jpg?1374785821" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="645" width="432" /><br>
San Diego invades LA on Saturday, July 21st! This could be the happening of the summer! ASTRA and friends play HM157 in LA. Click on SHOWS at the top menu for detailed info on this show.<br>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1808102012-06-19T14:50:00-07:002023-12-10T11:39:38-08:00The Black Chord Nominated For "Best Rock Album"!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/88a1d91fe53f923d2ef82a18f0e5a740fcfb6fcb/original/astraBCSDMA3.jpg?1374785809" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="489" width="432" /><br><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Our sophomore release, The Black Chord, released back in April of this year, has been nominated for "Best Rock Album" in the upcoming 2012 San Diego Music Awards. Please make sure to vote for us when the time comes! More info coming soon.</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1723922012-05-25T09:35:00-07:002023-12-10T11:20:43-08:00The Black Chord Vinyl LP Update<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/39b235495abc003b137179f6209bd57f90ba3bc6/original/astraLP_orange_blk.jpg?1374785810" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="281" width="432" /><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Breaking News....We've just received a new box full of The Black Chord vinyl LPs from Rise Above Records. Just in time for our show at Bar Pink this Saturday, May 26th! For all of you who have been asking about our LPs, now is your chance to get your hands on a copy...minus the shipping charges. Please come on down to the show on Saturday, we'll have a bunch for sale. See you there!</div>
<br><br type="_moz">ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1695852012-05-17T08:15:00-07:002023-12-10T11:36:15-08:00New ASTRA show with Ancestors and Psicomagia!<a href="./shows.cfm"><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/d0176ce13392394582a0328b3e80ff4c7ae6f32c/original/ances_flier_home.jpg?1374785806" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="645" width="432" /></a><br><br><div style="text-align: justify;">We've got a new <a href="./shows.cfm">show</a> coming up on Saturday, May 26th at Bar Pink here in San Diego. It's a great lineup with the mighty Ancestors(LA, Tee Pee Records), ASTRA, San Diego locals Psicomagia as well as stunning visuals by Operation: Mindblow! We'll have LPs of The Black Chord available too! Do it!</div>
<br type="_moz">ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1695792012-05-17T08:05:00-07:002023-12-10T08:59:31-08:00The Black Chord Vinyl LP's Are In!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/d142aa99bb43ee0000f9be1997e42fa515b7cd25/original/astraLP.jpg?1374785804" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="349" width="432" /><br>
We just heard from Rise Above that the vinyl LP's of The Black Chord are in and being shipped now! You can order your copy at <a href="http://riseaboverecords.com/home/" target="_new">riseaboverecords.com.</a><br type="_moz">ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1508342012-03-23T11:35:00-07:002023-12-10T08:56:14-08:00ASTRA on Decibel Magazine Blog<br><a href="http://www.decibelmagazine.com/featured/decibrity-playlist-astra/"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/6d2c055fc17c509069eccb830e8c05ef18799574/original/deciblog.jpg?1377879236" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="349" width="432" /></a><br><a href="http://www.decibelmagazine.com/featured/decibrity-playlist-astra/" target="_new">Decibel Magazine</a> recently asked us to do a Top 5 list for their blog - 5 albums that we found partcularly influential during the making of The Black Chord. <a href="http://www.decibelmagazine.com/featured/decibrity-playlist-astra/" target="_new">Read more here.</a><br type="_moz">ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1508192012-03-23T11:05:00-07:002023-12-10T11:39:38-08:00New Reviews Of The Black ChordWe've just received a couple of great new reviews of The Black Chord! The first one is over at <a target="_new" href="http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/Astra-The-Black-Chord-Review.htm">About.com</a>. The second is at <a href="http://www.ytsejam.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=2042" target="_new">Ytsejam.com</a>. Have a look!<br type="_moz">ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1382462012-02-07T14:20:00-08:002022-07-27T23:17:56-07:00New ASTRA Page at Metalblade.com! New Song Released!<a href="http://www.metalblade.com/astra/"><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/b7a5bbc05202afb6c62f76afb7b3c0cc482c67ce/original/metal_blade_page.jpg?1377879236" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="381" width="433" /></a><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Metal Blade records just has set up a new, updated page for ASTRA at <a target="_new" href="http://www.metalblade.com/astra/">metalblade.com!</a> They've also released our new song Quake Meat from our upcoming album The Black Chord today. Hear it at <a href="http://www.metalblade.com/astra/" target="_new">metalblade.com</a> or on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWiBTnGoGM8" target="_new">youtube!</a>
</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1375932012-02-03T14:20:00-08:002023-12-10T09:44:27-08:00Pre-order The Black Chord At Metal Blade!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54146/0f33404654e55f893085f1993a2ea3a318b17ce4/original/bc_cover.png?1377879236" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="433" width="433" /><br><div style="text-align: justify;">The CD version of our new album, The Black Chord, is now up and available for <a target="_new" href="http://www.indiemerch.com/metalbladerecords/item/13685">pre-order on the Metal Blade website!</a> Unfortunately there is no news yet regarding the pre-order of the LP version through Rise Above Records. Please check back soon, we will update the site as soon as we know.</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1373462012-02-02T05:40:00-08:002024-02-18T23:24:13-08:00 The Black Chord Is Near!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br>
Our second full length album, The Black Chord, is tentatively scheduled to be released March 27th on Metal Blade Records in the USA and on April 16th on Rise Above Records in the UK. Here's a sneak peak at the front cover artwork done, once again, by the cosmically gifted <a href="http://arikroper.com/" target="_new">Arik Roper.</a> Stay tuned for more details.</div>ASTRAtag:astratheband.com,2005:Post/1373452012-02-02T05:35:00-08:002023-12-10T08:46:42-08:00The Black Chord Album Release Show<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br>
We've booked our album release gig for The Black Chord! It will be at The Casbah in San Diego, CA on March 16th. Dead Meadow and Joy will also be playing and there will be visuals by San Diego's own Operation: Mindblow.</div>ASTRA