High On Fire – Snakes of the Divine [Review]

Since its creation, metal has always had a symbiotic relationship with medieval times, outer space and mythical creatures. Why should the new High on Fire record record be any different?  There is a modern twist to it, however. Snakes of the Divine were inspired by the new age writer David Icke and his “Reptoid” theory.  Icke’s conspiracy theory comprises of the belief that that human beings are the result of a breeding program conducted by a race of reptilians called Anunnaki from the planet Draco. I listen to enough of Art Bell’s Coast to Coast to know this and apparently front man and Rolling Stone “New Guitar God” Matt Pike knows too!
This record melts your face off. Even with the tempo changes, it remains a blistering rollercoaster ride through its entire journey. The band is tight as hell. Lots of heavy bass lines, double bass drums and slammers. Pike’s heavy fuzz based guitar riffs mixed in with an onslaught of solos will make any guitarist OR fan cream their jeans.  His voice sounds like he regularly drinks whisky for breakfast, then spits it into your face in a ball of flames!
They are about to embark on a US tour as headliners and are obviously quite excited about it. I’d say they’ve earned it with this record…already a classic ass kicker!

Snakes of the Divine  should have a warning sticker on it saying “IF YOU PLAY THIS RECORD ON YOUR CAR STEREO AT FULL VOLUME YOUR EARS MAY BLEED” or “IF YOU BLAST THIS WHILE SKATING YOUR LOCAL HALFPIPE YOU MAY GROW A TAIL.”
Excuse me while I go lay on my heating rock, snack on some grub worms and plug in my ear buds.

—Miss Shug