The Band Index

High on Fire

AmericasUnited StatesMetalThrash Metal
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow High on Fire!

Top High on Fire Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-02 on stage

Get ready to witness the West Coast's ultimate rock, punk, and metal pilgrimage as Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento's iconic Discovery Park from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Now in its 13th year, Aftershock has cemented its reputation as a must-attend event, drawing over 160,000 music fans from all 50 states and over 30 countries in previous years. This four-day destination festival consistently delivers a powerhouse lineup of genre titans and rising stars, promising an unparalleled experience for every headbanger and music enthusiast. Aftershock 2025 is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an impressive roster of over 115 bands performing across four stages. Headliners like Blink-182, Deftones (playing a special hometown show), Korn, and Bring Me The Horizon are poised to ignite the crowds with their electrifying performances. Beyond the main acts, the festival boasts an incredible depth of talent, including highly anticipated reunions like The Dillinger Escape Plan and Chiodos, rare performances, and a strong showing of California's own vibrant rock and metal scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic anthems, the raw power of nu-metal, or the cutting edge of genre-blending rock, Aftershock's meticulously curated lineup ensures there's something to fuel every passion. Beyond the stages, Aftershock Festival offers a complete immersive experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of Discovery Park where the American River meets the Sacramento River, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with a diverse array of food and drink options, engaging art installations, and various other entertainment. The festival has become a significant cultural and economic driver for Sacramento, bringing an estimated $30 million economic impact to the region. With its commitment to showcasing the best in rock, punk, and metal, Aftershock 2025 is not just a festival; it's a celebration of a vibrant global community and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.

Band Timeline

1998

Formation of High on Fire

High on Fire was formed in late summer 1998 in Oakland, California, by guitarist Matt Pike, drummer Des Kensel, and bassist George Rice. Matt Pike was already known for being a guitarist in the influential band Sleep. George Rice initially auditioned as the vocalist but became the bassist. This formation marked the beginning of a new heavy metal band that would gain critical and commercial success in the following decades.
1999-2000

Early Releases and Debut Album

In 1999, High on Fire recorded a three-song EP that was released through 12th Records. These songs were later re-recorded for their first full-length album, The Art of Self Defense, released on March 7, 2000, via Man's Ruin Records. After Man's Ruin Records became defunct, The Art of Self Defense was re-released by Tee Pee Records in 2001 with two bonus tracks. This album established their heavy metal sound and began building their fan base.
2001-2002

Signing with Relapse Records and Surrounded by Thieves

In 2001, High on Fire signed with Relapse Records, a label known for heavy metal and extreme music. They recorded Surrounded by Thieves, released on May 28, 2002. The band supported the album with tours and performances, including playing at the Relapse Records Contamination Festival in January 2003. After these tours, George Rice departed from the band and was replaced by bassist Joe Preston, formerly of Melvins and Thrones.
2005

Blessed Black Wings Album and Lineup Change

High on Fire's third album, Blessed Black Wings, was released on February 1, 2005. The album was largely written by Pike and Kensel and produced by Steve Albini, a notable figure in rock production. A music video was made for the song "Devilution." During the promotional tour with bands Goatwhore and Watch Them Die, Joe Preston left the band and was temporarily replaced by Jeff Matz from Zeke. Matz would soon become a permanent member, solidifying the band's lineup.
2007-2008

Death Is This Communion Album and Tour Success

The fourth album, Death Is This Communion, was released on September 18, 2007, following earlier European release on September 10. The band embarked on a series of tours, including a headline North American tour supporting the new album, with other touring acts such as Mono, Panthers, and Coliseum. High on Fire also participated in the 2008 Gigantour, followed by additional tours with bands Opeth, Baroness, and Nachtmystium, further raising their profile in the metal community.
2009-2010

Signing with Koch Records and Release of Snakes for the Divine

On December 17, 2008, High on Fire signed a new recording deal with Koch Records. The band began recording their fifth album, Snakes for the Divine, with producer Greg Fidelman in 2009, releasing it on February 23, 2010. The album was supported by tours including a co-headline with Mastodon, Dethklok, and Converge. Also in 2010, the band opened for Metallica on a European tour and contributed to the soundtrack for the 2010 remake of the video game Splatterhouse, expanding their cultural influence.
2012

Release of De Vermis Mysteriis and Critical Acclaim

High on Fire released their sixth studio album, De Vermis Mysteriis, on April 3, 2012. The album was praised by critics and fans alike for marking a significant high point in the band's career. Reviewers highlighted the band's musical rebound and creative peak, reinforcing their solid position in the heavy metal genre. The album helped to continue the band's momentum and presence in the metal music scene.
2019

Grammy Win for Best Metal Performance

In 2019, High on Fire achieved a major career milestone by winning the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. The award-winning song was "Electric Messiah," which brought significant recognition and validation from the wider music industry. This accolade highlighted the band's enduring influence and excellence within heavy metal, marking them as one of the premier metal acts of their generation.
2024

Release of Ninth Studio Album Cometh the Storm

High on Fire released their ninth studio album, Cometh the Storm, in 2024. This release continued their tradition of delivering powerful, critically acclaimed heavy metal music. The album added to their extensive discography and demonstrated the band's longevity and continued creative vitality over more than two decades of making music. It also served to reinforce their status as stalwarts of the heavy metal genre.

Albums

high-on-fire_1st_album
The Art of Self Defense
6 tracks
2000
high-on-fire_2nd_album
Surrounded by Thieves
8 tracks
2002
high-on-fire_3rd_album
Blessed Black Wings
9 tracks
2005
high-on-fire_4th_album
Death Is This Communion
11 tracks
2007
high-on-fire_5th_album
Snakes for the Divine
11 tracks
2010
high-on-fire_6th_album
De Vermis Mysteriis
10 tracks
2012
high-on-fire_7th_album
Luminiferous
9 tracks
2015
high-on-fire_8th_album
Electric Messiah
9 tracks
2018
high-on-fire_9th_album
Cometh the Storm
11 tracks
2024
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jeff Matz

2005

Des Kensel

1998

Matt Pike

1998

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

George Rice

1998
2004

Joe Preston

2004
2005

Story of High on Fire

High on Fire, the Oakland, California-bred heavy metal titans, emerged from the ashes of the late summer of 1998. Founded by Sleep guitarist Matt Pike, alongside drummer Des Kensel and bassist George Rice (formerly of Dear Deceased – who initially auditioned as vocalist!), the band quickly established a ferocious reputation.

Their initial foray was a three-track EP in 1999, released via 12th Records. These tracks were later resurrected and formed the core of their debut full-length, The Art of Self Defense (Mans Ruin Records, March 7, 2000). Following Mans Ruin`s demise, Tee Pee Records re-released the album with bonus tracks in 2001.

That same year marked a significant turning point: High on Fire signed with Relapse Records, unleashing Surrounded by Thieves on May 28, 2002. This solidified their place in the heavy metal scene, paving the way for a prolific career spanning nine studio albums, culminating in their latest release, Cometh the Storm, in 2024. Their impact reached a global peak with their 2019 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, earned for the blistering "Electric Messiah." From humble beginnings to Grammy glory, High on Fire’s legacy is cemented as a cornerstone of modern heavy metal.

Sponsor content

Learn more about High on Fire

Bands you may like