High on Fire

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Image courtesy of Razzmatazz

High on Fire (Oakland, USA) has been a formidable force in music since 1998. Their unique style fuses primal aggression with a monumental sound, earning them a place among today's most powerful bands. Ben Ratliff described their music as the sludgy resin of superhard rock's 30-year history in a 2002 New York Times review.

The band's drive and ambition are palpable, and frontman Matt Pike noted that High on Fire isn't for everyone, especially mainstream radio audiences. Instead, they target a niche that appreciates their distinctive, uncompromising sound. Their achievements include winning a Grammy for Best Metal Performance with their 2018 album Electric Messiah, a recognition that placed them alongside legends like Black Sabbath and Metallica. Bassist Jeff Matz considers the Grammy an unexpected honor that opened new doors for the band without altering its artistic vision. The line-up has undergone changes over the years, with notable additions such as percussionist Coady Willis (The Melvins, Big Business, etc.), which has enhanced the creative synergy of the group.

The band's evolution continues with their latest album, Cometh the Storm. The title track, "Burning Down," encapsulates the essence of High on Fire: intense, with powerful riffs and deeply rooted in their original sound, but at the same time fresh. The contributions of producer Kurt Ballou (Converge, etc.) and the cohesive dynamic within the band have been instrumental in shaping this new project, which reflects both the dark and looming challenges of our times and the enduring vitality of the band.

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