High On Fire, hailing from Oakland, California, is a prominent act in the American heavy metal scene. Identifiable as classic heavy/sludge metal, High on Fire’s playing style also includes elements of thrash and stoner metal.

The band consists of founding members Matt Pike on guitar and vocals (formerly of the California doom metal band, Sleep) and Des Kensel on drums, with Jeff Matz (of the hardcore punk Zeke) on bass, since 2007’s “Death Is This Communion.”

High on Fire’s debut album, “The Art of Self Defense,” was released by Man’s Ruin Records in 2000. From there, High On Fire went on a five-year, three-album tenure with Relapse Records before signing with E1 Music for their 2010 release, “Snakes For the Divine.”

High On Fire’s latest record, “De Vermis Mysteriis,” produced by Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou, was released on April 3, 2012, and was well-received by both fans and critics alike. It is a concept-album, loosely based on the idea of time-travel,

The band has performed on several large national and international tours, including Gigantour in 2008, and opened for Metallica during the European portion of their 2010 tour. The band was listed to play 2012’s lengthy Mayhem Festival, but had to drop out of the tour due to guitarist Matt Pike’s health, and admittance into rehabilitation.

Despite this, High On Fire is expected to play at 2012’s DeLuna Fest in Pensecola, Florida, on September 21 through 23, adding a surprising punch to the already diverse and eclectic lineup.

High On Fire is recommended for fans of similar metal acts Baroness, The Sword, Electric Wizard and Kylesa.