Above Snakes: The Gritty Heart of Modern Southern Rock
Above Snakes is a hard-driving Southern rock band that emerged from Nashville, Tennessee, blending outlaw country storytelling with heavy guitar riffs. The group gained significant traction with their debut album, which captured the raw energy of the genre and secured a dedicated fanbase across the United States.
Early career
The band formed in 2018, founded by vocalist/guitarist Johnny "Bones" Mellor and lead guitarist "Dirty" Dave Collins. Drawing from their shared love for 1970s rock and the contemporary Nashville songwriting scene, they aimed to create music that was both authentic and aggressive. Their first independent EP, "Dirt Rock Revival," was self-released in 2019, quickly becoming a staple on independent rock radio stations.
Breakthrough
Above Snakes' breakthrough arrived in 2021 with their debut full-length album, "Dead Weight," released through the independent label Rustbelt Records. The album's lead single received consistent airplay on rock formats, propelling the band onto the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. This success led to tours supporting larger acts in the Southern rock and hard rock circuits.
Key tracks
Dead Weight — This title track became the band's signature anthem, showcasing their blend of swampy grooves and melodic hooks.
Gasoline — Known for its blistering guitar solo, this song is a live favorite and a frequent request on rock radio.
Blacktop Gospel — The track highlights the band's lyrical prowess, weaving a tale of redemption on the open road.
Rust & Bone — A slower, blues-influenced number that demonstrated the band's dynamic range beyond straightforward rock.
Following their initial success, Above Snakes continued to build momentum with their 2023 follow-up EP, "Thunder & Lies." They have collaborated on stage with established artists like The Cadillac Three, further cementing their place in the modern Southern rock landscape. The band maintains a rigorous touring schedule, known for their high-voltage performances that translate their studio energy directly to the stage.
Fans of Above Snakes often appreciate the work of similar Southern rock acts. The Cadillac Three shares a similar foundation in country-infused, riff-heavy rock. Blackberry Smoke explores comparable territory with a focus on classic rock harmonies and gritty authenticity. Whiskey Myers delivers the same blend of Southern storytelling and amplified guitar work that defines the genre.
Above Snakes' music is a regular feature on classic rock FM stations that embrace newer acts, as well as on dedicated alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams. Their songs fit seamlessly into playlists that bridge the gap between legacy Southern rock and its contemporary evolution, making them a staple for listeners seeking raw, guitar-driven music.
The music of Above Snakes can be heard on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover and follow this gritty Southern rock band by tuning into the rock and independent music radio stations available on onairium.com.
