Review HIGH ON FIRE ‘Cometh the Storm’

Just before the turn of the century, a band called High On Fire was formed in Oakland, California. Their debut album was released in 2000 and since then the trio has been quite active. Albums have been released on a regular basis, although the wait between releases has sometimes been longer than some fans would have liked.

‘Electric Messiah’ was the latest release, an album that dates back to 2018, and finally the new longplayer is in the starting blocks. ‘Cometh the Storm’ is the title of High On Fire’s ninth studio effort and it offers almost an hour of intense music.

Stoner rock meets doom and sludge, that is how you can describe the sound of High On Fire and what you get is powerful riff-based music made for headbanging.

The band won the 2018 Grammy Award for “Best Metal Performance” and what fascinates is the fact that the trio still has this down-to-earth approach. Although the award has opened some doors, High On Fire is still true to themselves and their blistering sound that can be heard on the new album. There are no compromises and what reaches your ears is roaring metal that bridges the desert vibe of stoner rock and the British doom riffing of bands like Black Sabbath. Nothing on this album sounds like glitter. It is sweaty metal that ‘Cometh the Storm’ offers.

‘Cometh the Strom’ is more than just a breeze. It is a storm and High On Fire are hoisting the sails to ride this storm. This metal ship is on a cruise through rough seas and that’s what echoes with every note played. Get ready for this metallic thunder from California.