HIGH ON FIRE Forced To Cancel Their Mayhem Fest Appearance - Statement Available!

This just in: Californian Metallers HIGH ON FIRE announced today that they have been forced to cancel their appearance at this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. The reason? Frontman and guitarist Matt Pike is entering rehab for alcoholism. The award-winning power trio (also featuring drummer Des Kensel and bassist Jeff Matz) will put its scheduled touring plans on hold indefinitely as Pike takes the necessary steps towards regaining his health. Here is a statement from the band:

"HIGH ON FIRE would like to thank everyone involved with the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival for the opportunity to be a part of this year's tour," said the band in a statement. "We regretfully will have to bow out as our friend and bandmate begins his recovery, but very much appreciate having been asked to be a part of this summer's festival run."

In other High On Fire news, it was announced earlier this week that the band will be releasing a reissue of the bands classic first recording 'The Art Of Self Defense'. The landmark long player has been completely remastered and enhanced by Brad Boatright (Sleep, Noothgrush, OFF! etc.) and includes the addition of the band’s first ever demo, two bonus 7” tracks as well as a 48-page booklet!

'The Art of Self Defense' Track Listing:

01. Baghdad
02. 10,000 Years
03. Blood From Zion
04. Last
05. Fireface
06. Master of Fists

Bonus 7” Tracks (2001):

07. Steel Shoe
08. The Usurper (Celtic Frost cover)

Self-Titled Demo (1999):

09. Blood From Zion
10. 10,000 Years
11. Master of Fists

Related links:
High On Fire's Official Site

HIGH ON FIRE To Reissue 'The Art Of Self Defense' Via Southern Lord Recordings!

Adding to their ever-growing catalog of sonic enormity, Southern Lord Recordings today is extremely pleased to announce the reissue of 'The Art Of Self Defense', the classic first recording from Oakland power trio HIGH ON FIRE. Set for release on July 31, the landmark long player has been completely remastered and enhanced by Brad Boatright (Sleep, Noothgrush, OFF! etc.) and includes the addition of the band’s first ever demo, two bonus 7” tracks as well as a 48-page booklet!







'The Art of Self Defense' Track Listing:

01. Baghdad
02. 10,000 Years
03. Blood From Zion
04. Last
05. Fireface
06. Master of Fists

Bonus 7” Tracks (2001):

07. Steel Shoe
08. The Usurper (Celtic Frost cover)

Self-Titled Demo (1999):

09. Blood From Zion
10. 10,000 Years
11. Master of Fists

'The Art Of Self Defense' was initially released in 2000 by Man’s Ruin Records. Featuring the collective energies of guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike, drummer Des Kensel, and bassist George Rice with producer Billy Anderson, the record billows at the seams with Pike’s instantly recognizable guitar tone, first unleashed during his days with stoner Metal behemoths Sleep. An audio hail storm of piledriving riffs, booming rhythms and Pike’s gruff vocal tirades , 'The Art Of Self Defense' remains a staple in HIGH ON FIRE’s renowned catalog of audio greatness.

“Listening to HIGH ON FIRE is a repetitive, near-relentless, harmful experience, an experience enhanced by the band’s thoroughly warped sound. Most of what you will hear on a HIGH ON FIRE release sounds like a hazy, resin-coated gurgle. The guitars are distorted to the point of melting, completely phased out and always a threat to your speakers. Adding to the foggy mayhem are the deafening drums and over-driven bass, both of which are robbed of much of their treble. The drums sound distant and sun burned, the bass sounds like the whore of Babylon’s vibrator. This is the true sound of throbbing gristle.” –

Related links:
High On Fire's Official Site

DIO's Classic Album 'Holy Diver' To Be Re-released This Month!

Unless you have been living under a rock, chances are that you have heard DIO's legendary album "Holy Diver" many times. You probably also know that it is one of the most influential albums in the history of Heavy Music. Additionally, vocalist Ronnie James Dio was one of the most talented and admired singers in the world of music.

Over the weekend it was announced that Audio Fidelity will re-release a remastered version of "Holy Diver" this month. This release is part of a 24K Gold Compact Disc series. This NEW edition will offer the fans of DIO a higher quality recording. The big difference with this process is that most previous releases relied on post-EQ'ed cutting tapes. This time around the remastered version was created via the original 1983 Sound City studio analog tape, with audiophile music restoration specialist Steve Hoffman.

Here are some facts about "Holy Diver":

- Released on May 25, 1983.
- The album has been hailed by critics as Dio's best work and a classic staple in the heavy metal genre.
- The album was previously remastered and re-released by Rock Candy Records in 2005. The only notable addition to the original album is an audio interview with Ronnie James Dio. This is why the DIO camp decided to create e better version of the album.

- Track Listing:

Side one:
1. "Stand Up and Shout"
2. "Holy Diver"
3. "Gypsy"
4. "Caught in the Middle"
5. "Don't Talk to Strangers"

Side two:
1. "Straight Through the Heart"
2. "Invisible"
3. "Rainbow in the Dark"
4. "Shame on the Night"



Related links:
DIO's Official Site