HIGH ON FIRE – Snakes of the Divine CD review

HIGH ON FIRE – Snakes of the Divine CD
E1 Music

Their 2007 release Death is this Communion on Relapse Records was one of that year’s best and showed by appearing in many end of year top ten listings. That was three years ago and since then they’ve switched labels plus don’t have producer Jack Endino, who many cite as the defacto reason for that release’s greatness, twisting the knobs on here. I guess the big questions on the minds of their admirers are what will they do to surpass it, will they change directions or will they wimp out to the mainstream/hipster/Indie Rock scene like so many others. With all that said after one listen I can say that they haven’t changed at all. Their patented Sludge Punk/Thrash sound is intact to a point where there’s not much difference from their previous releases. What is unfortunate is that it’s taken me many listens to actually sit down and write about it. When a release sits around for weeks gathering dust until it’s time to give it another spin for writing inspiration is an obvious indication that excitement is not on the bill.

The opener and also title cut starts off with a breakneck riff that carries along until the trio breaks momentum and skids along a pool of sludge. There’s a noticeable difference in production quality from their previous opus although not a huge point of contention. The band has become a well oiled machine with their sound. That spark from the past has been harnessed and is now simply keeping the lights on. Once you are thoroughly past the opener then things start falling into place like a routine. There are some good standout cuts like “Holy Flames of the Firesplitter” and “Frost Hammer” which are both mid-paced rockers that years ago I would’ve started a pit to. “Bastard Samurai” is probably my favorite cut as it slithers along like a doom dirge maggot across a filthy floor. The rest I’d place in that yeah it’s ok file or skip over completely.

I remember reading the band’s studio diary when they were making Death is this Communion and their working relationship with Jack Endino. According to Matt Pike (guitar/vocals) Endino didn’t push them but did get the best out of them. I’m wondering if Endino would’ve allowed the filler interlude cut “The Path” to appear on here if he were still behind the console. I could also say would Steve Albini, who produced their incredible Blessed Black Wings, allow a track like “How Dark We Pray” to pass without atleast punching it up a bit. Matt Pike, bassist Jeff Matz and drummer Des Kensel are Extreme Music’s modern day power trio who are unashamed to wear a few influences of similar three piece bands of the past. I always likened them to MOTORHEAD gone sludge punk. I won’t say that Snakes of the Divine shows the band running on fumes but maybe a tune up is in order. There going on tour in a day so most of these cuts will probably go over better live.

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