Heavy
is such a huge understatement to say the least when describing
the newest release from High on Fire. From the first pulverizing
riffs High on Fire take their ominous sounds to a whole new
level and break down one of the years heaviest releases yet.
It wasn't less then a year ago I lay witness finally to the
incredible power that is High on Fire. What I remember so
much (to not much surprise} is how hated they were by this
newer generation of metal induced youth that plagued their
opening slot concert appearance. Playing to a barrage of middle
fingers and air born beer cups further proved that High On
Fire are not for the fashion conscious metal heads and that
makes them all the better in my book. "Blessed Black
Wings" has garnished a cleaner sound with knob twister
Steve Albini behind the board which possibly could open a
lot more doors for these skull crushing warriors. Not to worry
metal merchants, all the raw unbridled power that High on
Fire can muster up is still very intact but somehow Albini
has pulled from his bag of tricks a more user friendly band.
The wall of sound that High on Fire is respectably known for
is still very present but Albini has managed to sift thru
the barrage of noise and come clean with some of the heaviest
shit possible. On past albums the incredibly intoxicating
song writing of Matt Pike some how was lost in production
making the wall of noise that is High on Fire a hard listen
for many metal fans.
With
this most recent release it's very easy to actually hear all
the chord changes and guitar riffs that in the past were so
lost in the mix. Not to say that this act has sold out by
any means, they have just got a little better with age. Remember
High on Fire are easily not for the squeamish little mall
buying rockers that have infiltrated the metal world but all
the same Matt Pike and company keep their faith to the passion
of making a damn heavy record, e-nuff said!
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