Spirit Adrift, Mean Mistreater, High Desert Queen [control room]

When Nathan Garrett purchased acreage just outside of Bastrop and relocated there from Phoenix on March 1, 2020, the heavy metal hero closed a lifelong loop. Visiting here during elementary school, growing up on ZZ Top and Waylon Jennings, and touring through Austin more than Oklahoma, where the singer-shredder was raised, Spirit Adrift’s astral projectionist identified as a Lone Star decades before arriving. Fifth and most recent full-length Ghost at the Gallows furthers his and drummer Marcus Bryant’s ascension metallurgy, while last year’s Hot & Heavy: Live in Tejas cements it. “Dazed and Confused is a huge reason why I’m here,” revealed Garrett that pandemic year. “Billy Joe Shaver: I listened to his self-titled album every day. It’s why I’m here, people like that.” – Raoul Hernandez