(bk) High On Fire are one of the most promising bands in the American heavy/ doom/ stoner metal scene, heavy as hell, but with a modern edge. The last time they proved that was on their recent release "Death Is This Communion". Now Relapse edits a live recording from the Relapse Contamination Festival 2003, showcasing the talented High On Fire after the release of their acclaimed second album, "Surrounded by Thieves". That’s where most of the songs are taken from, like their hit "Hung, Drawn and Quartered", "Eyes and Teeth" and "Speedwolf". The opener "Blood from Zion" is from their first CD, doomy, heavy and hypnotic. The last track is a cover version of Venom’s "Witching Hour", which sounds quite close to the original, but gets an even more kaputt and desperate feeling trhough the ulktra heavy guitars and Matt Pike’s impressive broken voice. The sound is as raw as it gcan get without being low-fi. Like with most of the live albums, for those who’ve already got the band’s full discography, there are few new things to discover here, but for the diehard fans and collectors it sure is an interesting item.
(10-12-2008) |
