High On Fire

High on Fire was formed in Oakland, California, in the late summer of 1998 by guitarist and vocalist Matt Pike, drummer Des Kensel, and bassist George Rice. Pike, already known for his work with the band Sleep, established High on Fire with a clear musical direction, combining stoner, sludge, and thrash metal elements. In their initial phase, the band recorded a three-song EP in 1999, which later saw its tracks re-recorded and included on their debut full-length album, “The Art of Self Defense,” released on March 7, 2000, through Man’s Ruin Records. The following year, Tee Pee Records re-released the album as Man’s Ruin Records became defunct, marking an early milestone in their recording career. Following this, High on Fire signed with Relapse Records in 2001, leading to the release of “Surrounded by Thieves” on May 28, 2002. The band’s strong live presence was evident with performances at events such as the Relapse Records Contamination Festival in January 2003.

Throughout the 2000s, the band continued to evolve its sound and lineup. After George Rice’s departure, Joe Preston briefly joined, contributing to the touring phase before Jeff Matz became a permanent bassist in 2006. This period saw the release of key albums like “Blessed Black Wings” (2005), produced by Steve Albini, and “Death Is This Communion” (2007). High on Fire further extended its reach by participating in significant tours, including Gigantour in 2008 and sharing stages with renowned bands such as Opeth and Mastodon. A recording deal with Koch Records in 2008 led to their fifth album, “Snakes for the Divine,” in 2010. The band maintained a steady output of music, releasing “De Vermis Mysteriis” in 2012, an album lauded for its strong rebound and career-high quality. Their momentum continued with “Luminiferous” in 2015, which was widely praised, with some critics considering it one of their best works.

The culmination of their persistent work and distinctive sound arrived in 2019 when High on Fire received the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for their song “Electric Messiah” at the 61st Grammy Awards. This significant achievement underscored their influence and respected standing within the metal community. The band experienced a lineup change with drummer Des Kensel’s departure in 2019, followed by Coady Willis joining as the new permanent drummer in 2021. Their most recent work includes a cover of Motörhead’s “Iron Fist” in 2022 and the release of their ninth studio album, “Cometh the Storm,” on April 19, 2024. High on Fire continues to release new material and actively tour, maintaining their reputation for powerful and consistent musical output.