High on Fire
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 in Oakland, California, United States |
| Founder | Matt Pike |
| Headquarters | Oakland , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Matt Pike (lead vocalist and guitarist) |
| Products | Studio albums, music performances |
Number of employees | 3 (current members) (2024) |
High on Fire is a heavy metal group hailing from Oakland, California, established in 1998 by lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Pike, who is also known for his role in Sleep. The band earned the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance with their track "Electric Messiah" and has produced nine studio albums, most recently Cometh the Storm (2024).
History
The formation of High on Fire took place in late summer 1998, initiated by Matt Pike alongside drummer Des Kensel and bassist George Rice, who initially tried out as the vocalist. In 1999, they launched a three-song EP through 12th Records; these songs were later re-recorded for their debut full-length, The Art of Self Defense, which came out via Man's Ruin Records in March 2000. Following the closure of Man's Ruin, Tee Pee Records re-released the album including additional tracks.
By 2001, High on Fire had signed with Relapse Records, leading to the release of Surrounded by Thieves in May 2002. After completing the supporting tour, bassist George Rice departed and was succeeded by Joe Preston, formerly of Melvins and Thrones.
Their 2005 release, Blessed Black Wings, produced by Steve Albini, was primarily composed by Pike and Kensel. The album was promoted with a music video for "Devilution." During the following tour cycle, Preston exited the band and Jeff Matz from Zeke stepped in temporarily before becoming a permanent member during the sessions for Death Is This Communion (2007).
Post-release of Death Is This Communion, High on Fire toured across North America with support from acts such as Mono, Panthers, and Coliseum. They also took part in the 2008 Gigantour, sharing stages with bands like Opeth, Baroness, and Nachtmystium.
In December 2008, the band inked a deal with Koch Records. The following year saw them recording their fifth studio effort under producer Greg Fidelman. That same year included tours alongside Mastodon, Dethklok, and Converge.
Released in February 2010, Snakes for the Divine was supported by a U.S. headlining tour featuring Priestess, Black Cobra, and Bison B.C., as well as opening slots for Metallica during eight European shows. Additionally, they contributed to the soundtrack of Namco Bandai Games' remake of Splatterhouse.
Their sixth album, De Vermis Mysteriis (2012), garnered widespread critical praise and is regarded as a standout in their discography. Due to health complications, Pike was forced to withdraw from the 2012 Mayhem Festival but resumed touring later that year.
The 2015 release Luminiferous, again produced by Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou, was acclaimed for revitalizing the band's sound and hailed by outlets such as NPR and Rolling Stone as one of their strongest albums.
At the 61st Grammy Awards held in February 2019, High on Fire secured the Best Metal Performance award for "Electric Messiah."
Drummer and co-founder Des Kensel left the group in July 2019; Chris Maggio served as his temporary replacement until June 2021 when Coady Willis—known from Big Business and ex-Melvins—joined permanently. With Willis onboard, they recorded a rendition of Motörhead’s "Iron Fist" for the tribute compilation Löve Me Förever: A Tribute to Motörhead (2022).
On February 16, 2024, High on Fire revealed their ninth studio album titled Cometh the Storm, scheduled for release on April 19. The launch was supported by singles "Burning Down" and the title track.
In October 2024, Ben Koller was enlisted as live drummer for their European and UK tour due to prior commitments from Coady Willis.
Personnel
Current Members
- Matt Pike – guitar, vocals (1998–present)
- Jeff Matz – bass guitar (2006–present)
- Coady Willis – drums (2021–present)
Past Members
- Des Kensel – drums (1998–2019)
- George Rice – bass guitar (1998–2004)
- Joe Preston – bass guitar (2004–2006)
Touring Musicians
- Chris Maggio – drums (2019–2021)
- Ben Koller – drums (2024–2025)
Timeline
Discography
- The Art of Self Defense (2000)
- Surrounded by Thieves (2002)
- Blessed Black Wings (2005)
- Death Is This Communion (2007)
- Snakes for the Divine (2010)
- De Vermis Mysteriis (2012)
- Luminiferous (2015)
- Electric Messiah (2018)
- Cometh the Storm (2024)