Fans of heavy, distorted guitar-driven wizard rock can rejoice, as Solitary Snape has just released a free new three song EP, titled “Re-Recorded Stuff“. The EP can be downloaded from this link.

The EP’s songs are a bit of a departure from their first EP, “The Dark Arts EP” (also available as a free download from this link). While the songs on that EP were heavily influenced by 80’s thrash bands such as Slayer and Anthrax, the new re-recorded songs are much more modern rock – and I don’t say that as a bad thing. The great guitar work is still there, only now it’s supported with better production and more melodic vocals, along with some atmospheric synth layers.

Also, as a nice gesture to people who prefer slightly fuller sounding mixes, the band has both MP3s as well as full quality wav files included with the download. Definitely appreciated.

We gave the EP a few listens, and our quick review is right after the jump.

The first song on the EP “Amortentia” comes in quietly, but has bursts of layered guitars and some excellent harmonized lead lines. The quieter, dreamy sections remind me of earlier Jellyfish, but the kicked in sections really give the song some nice contrast.

“Greasy Git’s Greatest Groove” brings some nice beats to table, as it should – the song is about Snape as a student, and his apprehension at getting out and shaking what he’s got at a Hogwarts dance.

The last song on the EP, “The Battle”, is an uptempo rocker with some flashes back to 80’s rock. Lots of synth layers, reverb-drenched backing vocals, a driving rhythm, and the cherry on top of every rock song – a shredding guitar solo.

According to the band’s Facebook page, they do have more releases hopefully planned for later this year. Based on the promise showed by this EP, wizard rock fans should be chomping at the bit to hear more from Solitary Snape.

Did you download the EP? Let us know your thoughts on the music in the comments section below!