Review of “Snake 25” by Rosetta West

Snake 25

Rosetta West’s “Snake 25,” released on March 21, 2025, is a striking track that explores the depths of mysticism, spirituality, and raw emotion. Clocking in at a daring six minutes, the song opens with a lengthy, haunting intro that sets a somber, atmospheric mood. It feels like a slow buildup, as if the band is preparing to launch into something massive and world-altering. This is no ordinary track; it’s an immersive journey that demands patience and engagement from the listener. As the song progresses, the tempo surges, and the sound shifts into high gear, embracing a hard rock aesthetic that’s as fierce as it is captivating. The aggressive guitars, boisterous drums, and wailing vocals break through the fog, propelling “Snake 25” into a whirlwind of energy. It’s a brilliant blend of moody introspection and unrelenting power.

At its core, “Snake 25” is a meditation on personal transformation. The song is a narrative, drenched in Gnostic imagery, that takes listeners through the process of shedding old selves and confronting the serpentine forces of wisdom, temptation, and self-awareness. The lyrical themes are as intricate and layered as the music itself, with Joseph Demagore’s evocative vocals carrying a sense of urgency. As he sings, there’s an unmistakable sense of vulnerability, as though he’s sharing a secret and seeking something deep within himself. The Gnostic references are expertly woven into the fabric of the song, creating a powerful, almost otherworldly atmosphere that speaks to listeners familiar with these spiritual traditions.

Rosetta West’s sound has always defied easy categorization, blending blues rock with psychedelia and world folk elements. This track, however, feels like a natural evolution of the band’s sound, a further distillation of their eclectic influences. The interplay between Demagore’s scorching guitar solos and Jason X’s bold bass lines is striking, a synergy that amplifies the song’s emotional weight. The band’s rhythm section, anchored by drummer Nathan Q. Scratch, provides the kind of dynamic foundation that allows the more experimental elements to shine. Scratch’s refusal to be photographed only adds to the mysterious allure of the band, who have long operated outside the mainstream, maintaining their independence and elusive presence within the underground music scene.

Rosetta West’s journey as a band has been nothing short of unconventional. Hailing from Illinois, they’ve built a dedicated global following over the years, despite remaining largely out of the spotlight. Their music is rarely heard on mainstream radio, but it resonates deeply with listeners who appreciate authenticity and artistic integrity. The group’s most recent project, the Labyrinth album, released in early 2024, showed the band continuing to refine their sound under the guidance of Jason X, who has also contributed as co-producer and sound engineer. Their releases are difficult to come by but highly sought after, a testament to the fervor and passion that surrounds their music. For those who know where to look—on Bandcamp, YouTube, and other niche platforms—Rosetta West’s catalog is a treasure trove of enigmatic, genre-defying art.

“Snake 25” encapsulates everything that makes Rosetta West such a special and unique entity in underground music. It’s audacious, daring, and incredibly powerful, an intricate soundscape that rewards those who take the time to dive deep. Fans of the band will find it to be yet another triumph in their catalog, while newcomers will be drawn into the enigmatic world the band has so carefully crafted. With its blend of mysticism, rock ferocity, and emotional intensity, “Snake 25” is a song that will leave an impression long after it fades out, an ambitious piece of music that deserves to be experienced in its entirety.

For more, follow Rosetta West on Bandcamp, Spotify and YouTube