High on Fire has unveiled the video for “Cometh the Storm,” the title track from their new album arriving next Friday (April 19).
The six-minute track opens with a subdued introduction led by bassist and guitarist Jeff Matz. Like the calm before the storm in question, Matz's phrasing slowly brings the arrangement to a bombastic chorus, as Coady Willis' drums intensify and frontman Matt Pike's bellows take on a commanding presence.
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Matz and Pike's crafting of thick bass and guitar tones is at the center of these massive drops and dynamic peaks, culminating in a satiating breakup from the sludge of the latter tracks. And it was Matz who initiated the song's composition while playing bass in the rehearsal room.
“'Cometh the Storm' was built around a riff I started playing on bass in practice,” Matz said in a press release. “I was playing around with this melancholic harmonic minor line, just hammering the notes with my left hand, when Matt yelled, 'Are we recording this!?'”
Regarding the huge chorus, Matz added: “The chorus riff was something Coady and I came up with when we were playing in LA, then Matt came in, worked on some rough lyrics and came up with the vocal line. For the chorus I used this fretless bass that I had acquired. The weight of the low frequencies this thing produced was crazy: how it mixed with the guitars and the drums, it was like being hit with a sledgehammer. We knew right away that this was going to be an epically heavy track.”
The video fantastically depicts the song, as High on Fire performs in a faux storm of a soundstage (it's pretty cheesy and looks amazing) while stylized medieval fight scenes take place. So, basically the perfect heavy metal video, very Dio, and with a modern ending.
“This was the first time I worked with the guys on set and we had a great time,” said director Phil Mucci. “High on Fire's lyrics can always be interpreted in various ways, so I started by trying to define 'The Storm.' A huge list of visual ideas was narrowed down to the two essential characters in the work, The Man and Gaia, who represent duel at the ends of the spectrum, with a very destructive crossover. I always try to keep things light and encourage everyone to contribute ideas, like the Coady fiery dish idea! There's no better way to end your High on Fire session than with explosive cymbals!
High on Fire will support the new album with a 12-date US tour launching early next month (get tickets here).
Make an order the storm is coming through MNRK musicand watch the video for “Cometh the Storm” below.
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