High On Fire has six albums under their belts and plan on
hitting the road this coming summer being a part of this year’s Mayhem Festival
so the band is excited and stoked about it. Bassist Jeff Matz spoke to me about
them taking part and how their latest album is compared to their previous
works.
1. For those who may not know who High On Fire is can you
give us a brief summary?
Jeff: High On Fire is a 3 piece metal band in 1998 from Oakland,
California and we released a new album on this summer’s Mayehm Festival which
should be fun.
2. Do you ever feel any pressure to being a 3-piece act?
Jeff: Ya know being in a 3 piece you have to learn a way of being
unique. A lot less when covering up your mistakes especially being in a band
like ours, we try to go for a massive heavy sound so having 3 members you have
little tricks and techniques along the way.
3. What was it like to work with Converge's guitarist Kurt
Ballou as the producer what did he bring to High On Fire?
Jeff: We were pretty excited and wanted to work with him on
previous albums but he’s been on our radar for a while now. I really liked the raw
and tight sound so he brought our band justice. He comes from a punk rock
background and he’s not afraid to get dirty because he knows what he’s doing
and we’re all on the same page.
4. How is this album different than your previous albums?
Jeff: There all different it just reflects on the music and
what we’re feeling at the time. But with this one it goes back to our roots and
has a psychotic stoner vibe to it. Our last one was straight ahead rock metal
songs. While this one was more experimental and loose when we were in the
studio and we didn’t have all of the songs finished so we had finished up a lot
of stuff in the studio but it’s a High On Fire bearing our style and stamp and
it’s being well received and we’re all stoked on it.
5. This is your sixth album did you ever think High On Fire
would have gotten this far?
Jeff: I joined the band 6 years ago and they’ve been playing
since 98, I’ve been a fan since the band started but ya know when I jumped on
board I didn’t know what the future would hold but it’s amazing.
6. You’re going to be parts of this summer’s Mayhem Festival
how excited are you to be a part of this event?
Jeff: I’m pretty stoked the line-up is legendary just the
fact that I get to see Slayer and Motorhead everyday that doesn’t suck. I’ve
been friends with the guys of Motorhead for a while and it’s going to be a lot
of fun. It’s going to see how it works out for us but still very cool and good
and help us win some new fans.
7. How do you describe your music to people?
Jeff: Heavy, pumping, a lot of elements of classic heavy
metal, rock, jazz, classical, it’s a big mish mosh of everything we grew up
listening too but I usually tell people it’s just heavy!
8. What more can we expect to see from you guys for this
year?
Jeff: We’re doing the
Mayhem Festival then not sure possible U.S. headlining tour in the fall and
then Europe later on but we’re still figuring it all out.
9. What is it about High On Fire that really attracts people
to your music?
Jeff: That’s a good
question people love to get punished I guess? I think it’s well crafted with volume
of heavy metal played with passion by guys who are good with their instruments.
I know I was a fan for sure and loved how heavy it was.
10. Anything else you'd like to say or add?
Jeff: Come see us on Mayhem have a good summer.
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