Home Band Interviews Interview w/ Matt Pike of High on Fire

Interview w/ Matt Pike of High on Fire

Written by Art Michalski

Tuesday, 25 September 2007

Preparing for the release of their upcoming album Death is this Communion, I had a chance to interview Matt Pike, lead singer/guitarist of the San Francisco metal band High On Fire. We discussed his inclusion on the Rolling Stone’s Guitar God list, labels that have been put on High On Fire, and the biggest influence for Matt. Here is the interview: MyCityBuzz: First off, I want to congratulate you on being included in the Rolling Stone Guitar God issue. What was your initial reaction to the news? Matt Pike: I was honored and I really surprised. It was something I wasn’t even expecting or told about. I found out through Brett Hinds from Mastodon seeing it in an airport and calling me about it. When I saw it, I was pretty stoked. MCB: With your upcoming record, Death is this Communion, what are the major difference between this record and previous work? MP: I think this album is a bit more experimental, a bit more brutal. I think you should see a more souped up version of other High on Fire records. It may be brutal, but more melodic at points too. It’s the first time with a record that I haven’t second guessed myself and wrote what I meant to write. I try not to be influenced by outside music or newer music when writing a record. I try and just listen to the music around me. MCB: You guys are mostly hitting clubs on this tour. How does this compare to playing something like Sounds of the Underground (which the band did in 2005)? MP:  I think when I play something like Sounds, most people are not familiar with you and I can get pretty nervous. You tend to get pissy towards people that are in larger crowds. At least with clubs, most of the people know who you are and are there to see you. I can get this ballsy confidence when I am in that type of place. MCB: Do you get tired of the “stoner rock label” that the band gets from critics? MP:  I do get tired of that and I am not sure how we really got that label. I don’t feel we are that sort of band. Some of our tracks may be more bluesy-er, so maybe that’s where they get the label from. I consider ourselves just a metal band. MCB:Any dream lineups that you guys been a part of? MP:  Well, we played with Motorhead in the past. We had an offer to do a tour with Slayer. But really, I just go out there and don’t really think about who I am playing with and play my music. MCB: Now you have to choose; bigger influence, Motorhead or Slayer? MP:  Slayer. I love Motorhead and their style, but Slayer is the king of the riff. Its like comparing apples and oranges, but Slayer is the bigger influence because of the riffs. High On Fire’s "Death is the Communion" released September 18th via Relapse Records. The band will be heading to the Magic Stick on Thursday, October 18th. Additional dates can be found at www.highonfire.net

 

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