Southern Lord Recordings is reissuing HIGH ON FIRE’s The Art Of Self Defense, the classic first recording from the Oakland, California heavy metal trio that was originally released in 2000. Dropping on July 31st, 2012, the recording has been totally remastered and enhanced by Brad Boatright (Sleep, Noothgrush, OFF!) and also includes the legendary band’s first ever demo, plus two bonus 7” tracks. So even though it’s the band’s early work – and clearly not as polished or savage as later offerings – this is still a moment in the act’s history that any true fan of this band will appreciate.
My favorite cut on the album is the absolutely hypnotic “10,000 Years”, for which they’ve even got a demo for in the collection. What I love about this song is that it is the essence of what guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike has been throwing down with all subsequent HOF releases… and that is pissed-off stoner doom music that is second to none. For good measure, a brilliant cover of CELTIC FROST’s “The Usurper” is thrown in. How can you go wrong with that? You just can’t and the rawness of the overall listening experience on The Art Of Self Defense will leave you salivating for more like a thirsty whore.
ROCKET REVIEW:
[starreview tpl=16]
HIGH ON FIRE – The Art of Self Defense
(Southern Lord/2012)
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
http://highonfire.net/
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