High on Fire - De Vermis Mysteriis

For once, High on Fire do not mince around with buildup at the start of an album. De Vermis Mysteriis (literally “book of worms”, was Bloch’s ficitonal Mythos tome of spells used to summon unworldly beings) gets straight into it on “Serums of Liao” and from there on out it’s smooth sailing. High on Fire are one of the most legendary bands kicking in the metal scene today, and the new album is here to solidly confirm that. The great thing about HoF is that they have been uncompromising in their style, and yet still always manage to show us a different facet of it with every release. Those of you who were disappointed by the increased accessibility of Snakes for the Divine will be glad to hear that HoF’s rough edge has fully returned and possibly in its most accomplished form yet. Certainly there are some of the group’s most blazing riffs of all time displayed, just check the second half of “Fertile Green” or “Romulus and Remus”. In fact, what we see here is an incredibly impressive stringing of great riffs, one after the next consecutively with very little letdown. Even many of the albums we love the most hold moments of tedium, or even wasteful filler, but not here. DVM ploughs on with the quality riffs until the end and almost never loses momentum. Another great thing about these guys is the way their breakneck pace somehow manages to perfectly conjure the great galloping of horses from your (my?) subconscious, an element that I believe gives it a more warlike character.

If you don’t know what to expect, you should - High on Fire are HUGE! Expect muddy stoner thrash with an epic vibe. For others, expect the same great song-writing and musicianship and expect more totally classic material. DVM fits snugly in with Blessed Black Wings and Death is this Communion as three of the best thrash or stoner metal albums of the millennium, but what we really see here is another chapter in a string of really great albums, all of which any true man wedded to metal must unequivocally own.

In short: In truth, an unnecessary review as this band is so awesome that everyone has either already bought the record or is currently saving pennies for it.

Standout tracks: “Serums of Liao”, “Madness of an Architect”, “King of Days”, “Romulus and Remus”

Score: 9.5