Sometimes, underground metal dudes wanna stay below the radar (see last week’s Pig Destroyer podcast). They’d rather not have to deal with expectant corporations, mainstream audiences and major media, and feel more comfortable plying their craft for a loyal, if limited following. That’s how High on Fire frontman Matt Pike used to be. His last band Sleep even metaphorically spat in the face of their major label by recording Jerusalem, a 52 minute album that featured just one droning song. But Pike has moved past that.
His current band, High on Fire (which formed in 1998), has spent much of the past eight years on the road to build its following. When he wasn’t on tour or partying, Pike diligently studied his craft and wrote more material, getting better and better with each release. The band’s newest album, Death is This Communion (which came out September 18, 2007), is a ripping slab of psychedelic metal that’s mind-altering without being too sludgy and thunderous without losing its groove.
And now that High on Fire have been tapped to open this year’s Gigantour, which also features Megadeth, In Flames, Children of Bodom and Job For A Cowboy, Pike may have a second chance to enlist arena crowds to his fiery cause.
During the Headbangers Ball Blog Podcast with High on Fire frontman Matt Pike, the singer and guitarist talked about ascending the metal ladder, the art of complex riffing, breaking out of the stoner rock box, the spirituality beneath the Fire, the influence of Megadeth, the politics listeners miss in his music and plans for the follow-up to Death is This Communion.
Click here for a direct MP3 download of the Headbangers Ball Blog Podcast interview with High on Fire frontman Matt Pike.
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