High on Fire Releases Deluxe Reissue of Debut LP ‘The Art of Self Defense’
Grammy-Winning Rock Band Celebrating 25th Anniversary!
Second Studio Teaser Advancing New LP Released
Iconic U.S. rock band, High on Fire, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023 and today releases a deluxe reissue of its long-out-of-print debut, ‘The Art of Self Defense’. The GRAMMY Award-winning group, featuring bassist Jeff Matz, guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike, and new drummer Coady Willis (Big Business, Melvins, Murder City Devils) has also completed work on its new, untitled ninth studio album and successor to 2018’s ‘Electric Messiah’. Recorded in Salem, Massachusetts with longtime producer Kurt Ballou, the new album is the first to feature drummer Willis, who joined High on Fire in 2021. Additional details will be announced as available.
Originally released in 2000 on the late Frank Kozik’s now defunct Man’s Ruin Records, ‘The Art of Self Defense’ introduced the world to the towering trio and modded the template for what constituted modern-day heavy music. The celebratory reissue is completely remixed by original producer, Billy Anderson, remastered by Justin Weis, and boasts a new alternative cover, expanded gatefold artwork, and the band’s self-titled demo as bonus tracks. ‘The Art of Self Defense’ deluxe reissue, which is available on LP in a smorgasbord of colored vinyl variants, is available for purchase at this location.
“High on Fire wishes to thank everyone that has supported our efforts over the last 25 years, including the labels, road crews, friends, and families, but most importantly the FANS,” says the band collectively. “We are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone and sharing new music soon.”
A second studio teaser advancing High on Fire‘s upcoming new album is also released today. The new clip, produced by Jason Zucco, features Jeff Matz discussing his affinity for non-Western music and how that influences his riff-writing and creation in High on Fire. Get a sneak peek behind the scenes at this location.
About High on Fire:
Universally recognized as one of the most potent acts in music today, High on Fire creates dynamic metal that merges primal fury and aggression, hesher bombast and hall of fame heaviness. Described as “a supersonic exercise in conquest by volume,” High on Fire has rewritten the hard rock rule book since its formation in 1998, forging a style and sound that is both critically celebrated and unique. The group features vocalist and cult guitar hero Matt Pike (>also a founding member of the famed underground band SLEEP) singular bassist Jeff Matz, and powerhouse drummer Coady Willis. High on Fire‘s most recent studio album, ‘Electric Messiah‘, was released on October 9, 2018, and won a GRAMMY for Best Metal Performance, placing High on Fire among the ranks of groups such as Black Sabbath, Motorhead, and Metallica as winners of the prestigious award, presented by The Recording Academy to recognize achievements in the music industry.
“Veteran metal band High on Fire have been cranking out thick slabs of fuzzy riffage since their 2000 debut, ‘The Art of Self Defense’, and the rest of the world is finally catching up to their brand of high-volume badassery.” – Entertainment Weekly
“Like CREAM on a rocket to hell. HIGH ON FIRE dish out low-frequency terror that turns your innards to black tar.” – Rolling Stone
“When High on Fire rip, it’s like they’re tearing through the whole universe.” – Pitchfork
“Though spawned from the stoner-rock scene, Northern California’s High on Fire deserves more credit than that association accrues. They have been steadily redefining the state of the art in glacier-cracking metal.” – The New Yorker