A Powerful Return to Form
A Powerful Return to FormHigh on Fire’s latest release, Cometh the Storm, marks a forceful comeback for the band, combining their signature sludge and doom metal roots with bold, new experimental elements. Released on April 19, 2024, this album showcases a band that, even after 25 years, continues to evolve without compromising the ferocity that has defined their sound.
The album opens with “Lambsbread,” a colossal track that immediately sets the tone. The thunderous riffs and relentless energy make it a perfect reintroduction to High on Fire’s intense sound, featuring Matt Pike’s intricate guitar work and the crushing rhythms that fans have come to expect. The track, like much of the album, seamlessly shifts between tempos, delivering a dynamic listening experience that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
Experimenting with New Sounds
One of the most striking aspects of Cometh the Storm is the incorporation of diverse musical influences. Tracks like “Karanlık Yol” introduce Middle Eastern-inspired melodies, adding unexpected layers to the band’s already dense sound. This is a carefully woven element that contrasts beautifully with the heavier sections, making the album’s sonic assaults even more impactful.
Fresh Energy with a New Drummer
The addition of Coady Willis on drums brings a fresh and formidable energy to the band’s sound. His performance on tracks like “Burning Down” and “The Beating” injects new life into High on Fire’s rhythmic backbone, complementing Pike’s guitar and Jeff Matz’s bass perfectly. Willis manages to uphold the legacy of longtime drummer Des Kensel while stamping his own signature on the music.
Thematically, the album delves into dark, reflective territories, exploring concepts of conflict, resilience, and the chaos of the natural world. The title track, “Cometh the Storm,” embodies this theme with its doom-laden atmosphere and introspective lyrics, standing out as one of the most powerful moments on the album.
While Cometh the Storm experiments with new sounds, it also revisits the raw power of High on Fire’s earlier work. “Trismegistus,” for example, is a blistering thrasher that captures the chaotic energy of their live shows. The album concludes with “Darker Fleece,” a hauntingly heavy track that cements the band’s status as giants in the genre.
A Must-Listen Metal Album
Cometh the Storm is a masterful blend of the familiar and the new. It’s a testament to High on Fire’s ability to innovate while delivering the crushing riffs and visceral energy that their fans crave. This album is a must-listen, not just for longtime followers but for anyone looking for a powerful, genre-defining metal experience this year.
With its commanding sound and thoughtful execution, Cometh the Storm is already being hailed as a top contender for one of the best metal albums of 2024.
