Hasn't High On Fire started to really take off in the last few years? I could never have picked three years ago that they were going to get more popular then they are right now. Not saying that they are huge, but even the fact they have toured here twice in the last few years says something. After the awesome 'Snakes of The Divine' (SOTD), has 'De Vermis Mysteriis' (DVM) topped it for me?
Well, so far I say not quite. Actually, maybe not even close. Where as 'Death Is This Communion' (DITC) and SOTD had plenty of memorable moments and for me, was a massive step up from the first three albums, DVM seems to be missing something. Some songs sit up there with their best, 'Bloody Knuckles' is catchy and those riffs dirge deep into the cracks of the desert ground. Or 'Madness Of The Architect' which almost feels like Sunn O))) on speed with a rough psychedelic edge attached.
'Samsara' is a really cool instrumental song with its hypnotic bass line and raw lead sound which almost seems like the perfect song to listen to while watching the sun sink beneath the road along the desert. 'King Of Days' comes across as a bit epic with its slow heaviness and Matt Pike's raw vocals even hitting a deeper note at the end of almost every line in the song which is different compared to normal. Even the lead work and solos feel like they are dripping of sweat from scorching heat.
I really dig the catchy 'Romulus And Remus' which heavily nods along before the uplifting chorus riffs. Simple but effective. The album closer 'Warhorn' gives off a similar feel only the deep plodding bass leading verse gives it a different touch. And thus overall, a pretty good album.. But hmm..
I guess it just doesn't hit me like the songs on SOTD and DITC did. Not really a bad thing, I just prefer the songs on those albums. The songs I didn't mention, they are just your usual fast paced songs we know from High On Fire. Stonerized Motorhead. But even those similar style songs on the previous albums stood out more with their swirling and blistering drum beats which at times could even carry a song. I only pick this up once on DVM with the song 'Spiritual Rites'.
Maybe I expected more but in the end, I still like it and it is a solid album overall. Perhaps in time it will grow on me and not sit so solidly with 'The Art Of Self Defense', 'Surrounded By Thieves' and 'Blessed Black Wings'.
Ikil
