CD Review: High On Fire - De Vermis Mysteriis

Written by Ricarda Menn Friday, 08 June 2012 13:43

Artist: High On Fire
Title: De Vermis Mysteriis
Genre: Stoner Metal
Release Date: 20th April 2012
Label: Century Media Records

Album Review

Ever since their inception in 1998, the trio from Oakland has marked the musical landscape with their very own mixture from Heavy Rock music and Black Sabbath influenced Metal. Albums like ‘Death Is This Communion’ (2007) or ‘Snakes for the Divine’ (2010) have established their good reputation and with their most recent work ‘De Vermis Mysteriis’ (Latin: The Worm’s Mysteries) they put on a deeper symbiosis of darkness and heaviness. The opener ‘Sermus Of Liao’ serves an energetic start, the vocals of Matt are unique and give the whole music a certain feeling. They are at times rather harsh and dark but can also vary to more melodic and soft shades. ‘Bloody Knuckles’ continues straight-forwardly, in a fast and less melodic manner with clearly audible trademarks of Modern Heavy Metal and Stoner Rock. After a drum-driven intro, ‘Fertile Green’ continues the path of speed alongside with technical demanding and virtuous guitar work.

‘Madness of an Architect’ is more Doom Metal orientated, with slower, almost depressing riffs and melodies that show certain resemblances to Black Sabbath or Saint Vitus. A strong and dark atmosphere is built up, that is even increased by the beautiful instrumental ‘Samsara’. But it is not before long that heaviness strikes again – ‘Spiritual Rights’ possesses a Rock‘n’Roll-like feeling and still fits the style of the whole album very well. The longest track ‘King of Days’ includes a very slow but remarkable, almost catchy chorus and is another highlight of the album. ‘De Vermis Mysteriis’ includes some very melodic guitar work, whereas ‘Romulus and Remus’ is a typical Stoner Rock song, combining heavy, dark riffs with a certain atmosphere. The last dance, ‘Warhorn’ picks up all those trademarks again and marks a very strong ending of the album. To conclude, ‘De Vermis Mysteriis’ is an excellent album, with lots of atmosphere, variation and a very own style. Highly recommended!


Tracklist

01. Serums Of Liao
02. Bloody Knuckles
03. Fertile Green
04. Madness Of An Architect
05. Samsara
06. Spiritual Rights
07. King Of Days
08. De Vermis Mysteriis
09. Romulus And Remus
10. Warhorn


Line-up

Matt Pike – Guitar & Vocals
Jeff Matz – Bass
Des Kensel – Drums


Website

www.highonfire.net / www.facebook.com/highonfire


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10