Led by G. Stuart Dahlquist, formerly of Burning Witch, Goatsnake and Sunn O))), Asva is a California based band that has featured members of Mr. Bungle, Earth, Secret Chiefs 3, The Master Musicians Of Bukkake and Black Horse among others. Their first release was a 2004 split 12” with Burning Witch Caprichos 1-80 / Rift Canyon Dreams (Dos Fatales). Their debut album was Futurists Against the Ocean (2005), and their second full-length, What You Don’t Know is Frontier arrived in 2008 on Southern.
 
The first incarnation of Asva was founded by Dahlquist and drummer B.R.A.D. (Burning Witch), it featured the guitar of Dylan Carlson (Earth), but the line-up gradually shifted and expanded after the first 12”. Guitarist John Schuller (Master Musicians of Bukkake) replaced Carlson, and organist and instrument-tweaker Troy Swanson (chief apprentice for renowned sound-installationist Trimpin) joined. Trey Spruance (Secret Chiefs 3 / Mr. Bungle) brought his guitar, piano and tubular bells, as Jessika Kenney (Gamelan Pacifica / Black Horse) contributes vocals. Billy Anderson (producer/engineer for bands like Sleep, Melvins, High On Fire, Fantomas and Sick Of It All) was brought in to assist very capable producer/engineers Randall Dunn and Mell Dettmer. There have been various guest appearances along the way from artists like string player Eyvind Kang (Asva, Enterruption, 2005).
 
Asvas debut album dropped in 2005, and was re-released in 2008 by Southern Lord. Each of the four tracks ran over ten minutes, in long, improvised dirges. The second full-length, What You Don't Know Is Frontier, featured guest appearances from Holly Johnston, Milky and Troy Swanson.
 
Current line-up:
G. Stuart Dahlquist – Bass, Guitar / Greg Gilmore – Drums / Rick Troy – Guitars, Vocal / Andrew McInnis – Hammond Organ, Vocals / David Webb – Guitars, Vocals.

> www.myspace.com/asvaband

Photo Credit: Amanda Castleman

Appearances:
> CTM.09 > HOWL OF THE OWL