High on Fire is a renowned American heavy metal band formed in 1998 in Oakland, California, by guitarist Matt Pike, drummer Des Kensel, and bassist George Rice. The band quickly made a name for itself with the release of their debut album, “The Art of Self Defense,” in 2000, which showcased their unique blend of stoner and doom metal. This album laid the groundwork for their future success, leading to a re-release with bonus tracks that further solidified their presence in the metal scene.
In 2002, High on Fire signed with Relapse Records and released “Surrounded by Thieves,” which was met with critical acclaim and expanded their fan base. The band continued to evolve, with Pike and Kensel taking the lead in writing their next album, “Blessed Black Wings,” produced by the legendary Steve Albini. This album, released in 2005, featured the hit single “Devilution,” further establishing High on Fire as a force in heavy metal.
The band’s relentless touring and innovative sound led to their Grammy Award win in 2019 for “Best Metal Performance” with the song “Electric Messiah.” This accolade highlighted their artistic growth and recognition within the industry. Following lineup changes, including the addition of drummer Coady Willis in 2021, High on Fire continued to push boundaries with their music.
In 2024, they released their ninth studio album, “Cometh the Storm,” which included the singles “Burning Down” and the title track. This album exemplifies their commitment to evolving their sound while maintaining the heavy, powerful essence that fans have come to love. High on Fire remains a pivotal band in the heavy metal genre, consistently delivering high-quality music and electrifying performances.
