Year of the Cobra

Year of the Cobra is a Seattle-based duo consisting of Amy Tung Barrysmith and Jon Barrysmith, formed in 2015. They occupy a unique niche in the doom and stoner metal landscape by eschewing guitars entirely in favor of a heavily processed, multi-amped bass sound.

Their sound identity is built on the tension between 'crushing' and 'ethereal,' a dynamic bolstered by Amy's melodic, often whispered vocal delivery which contrasts sharply with the sludge-inflected riffs. Their career arc shows a rapid ascent, aided by high-profile production from Billy Anderson, whose work with Neurosis and Sleep provided the duo with a massive, naturalistic sonic footprint. Culturally, they represent a modern wave of Pacific Northwest doom that emphasizes atmosphere and melody over pure aggression. Critical consensus highlights their ability to make a duo format sound 'larger than life,' often comparing their rhythmic weight to peers like Monolord while noting their psychedelic sensibilities. They are a staple of the international stoner-doom festival circuit, bridging the gap between traditional doom laments and modern art-rock textures.