In this week's paper, Phil Freeman tacked the topic of High on Fire's brutality--y'know, since the band is headlining The Loft on Sunday night in what should be a fairly epic display. Especially since the band is touring in support of Snakes of the Divine, its fifth studio album--and maybe best to date. Writes Freeman of the disc:
Just remember to bring your earplugs.The result is High on Fire's cleanest, most accessible album to date. Of course, the members keep their trademarks. Pike's vocals are a hoarse roar somewhere between Motorhead's Lemmy and the Melvins' Buzz Osborne with throat polyps. And the rhythm section of bassist Jeff Matz and drummer Des Kensel thunders like an avalanche. But each instrument occupies its own space, with room for subtle ornamentation. And Pike's guitar, one of the fiercest and most punishing axes in modern metal, has moments of surprising clarity.
Update: Contest is over. Congrats to our winners.