High on Fire

High on Fire is a heavy metal band from Oakland, CA, USA. Their music is a combination of the sounds created by bands such as Venom, Motörhead,

High on Fire is a heavy metal band from Oakland, CA, USA. Their music is a combination of the sounds created by bands such as Venom, Motörhead, Celtic Frost, Black Sabbath, and Slayer, although guitarist and singer Matt Pike claims influence from a variety of sources, including Beethoven, and Jesus[citation needed]. Matt Pike was also the guitarist of legendary stoner metal band Sleep.

Matt Pike founded the band in 1998 with Drummer Des Kensel and bassist George Rice (who originally auditioned to be the band's vocalist). The band's first recordings were released on 12th Records, with a full-length entitled The Art of Self Defense released later on Man's Ruin Records. (That album would later be re-released by Tee Pee Records.) The band then signed a deal with Relapse Records and recorded the album Surrounded by Thieves, released in 2002. After a vigorous touring cycle promoting that album, bassist George Rice left the band. The band's next album, 2005's Blessed Black Wings was largely written by Pike and Kensel alone, and ex-Melvins/Thrones bassist Joe Preston joined as bassist to record the album and promote it on tour with the band. After about a year of touring to promote their latest release, the band again lost their bassist (rumored to be a result of the hectic touring schedule combined with the pervasive after-show partying). Zeke bassist Jeff Matz joined up to help the band continue touring, although as of Spring 2006 it is unclear if he will become a full-time member. Matt Pike has rotten teeth but slays on the guitar.