I’ve already spent some time writing about former Sleep members Al Cisneros and Chris Hakius’ band Om, their 2007 album "Pilgrimage," and the fact that they’ve been touring recently to promote the album.  Well, former Sleep guitarist Matt Pike has a pretty kick-ass band of his own, and they too are currently on tour in support of an excellent 2007 release. 

Pike’s band is of course High on Fire, and the album is "Death Is This Communion."  While Om’s style of stoner metal is doomy, hypnotic and somewhat reminiscent of Sleep’s sound, High on Fire takes a much louder, in your face approach, blending some rock and progressive influence with general metallic heaviness.  They’re on tour this winter, supported by the likes of Car Bomb, Intronaut, A Life Once Lost, Saviours, and Rwake, depending on location. 

The Tuscon Weekly recently covered High on Fire in a great article titled "Thinking While Headbanging."  Author Gene Armstrong interviews Pike, who discusses various lineup changes the band has gone through, and offers insight into what inspires some of High on Fire’s lyrics.  This turns out to include UFO literature, conspiracy theories, classical myths, and science fiction among other things.  Check out High on Fire’s MySpace Page for the current tour dates (unless you’re in Washington state; we’re out of luck, apparently).