De Vermis Mysterris is a crushing record. If you follow High on Fire at all, this should come as no surprise. They are all business and they do not fuck around whatsoever. Matt Pike and co. have one goal and one goal only: make unique music with an abundance of killer riffs and relentless fury that will make a lasting impression on the listener. As they have done throughout their career, they have succeeded in their goal. Matt Pike is without a doubt one of the strongest riff writers in the history of metal. No matter if the song is fast and thrashy ( "Fertile Green", "Bloody Knuckles", "Spiritual Rites") or slow and gloomy ("Madness of an Architect", "Warhorn"), Pike has the perfect riff for the song. I can't think of too many other bands that consistently have such headbang worthy and memorable riffs. Pike isn't just a strong riff writer, he can also solo with the best of them. He throws down blistering solos left and right on this record (The solo on album opener "Serums of Liao" is particularly impressive). I was glad the solos were fantastic on here, that was the number one thing (and pretty much the only glaring problem) missing from their last record Snake for the Divine.
De Vermis Mysterris isn't just special from a musical standpoint, the production is spectacular. Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou (Salem, Massachusetts represent!) did an absolutely fantastic job producing this record. The production is so clear and perfect throughout the album. High on Fire has never even had anything close to this level of production in the past. If there was one thing that was a reccuring flaw with High on Fire, it was the production value and Ballou fixed that. They made a brilliant decision going across the country to work with Ballou for this record.
De Vermis Mysterris is business as usual for High on Fire. They have hit another riff-gold mine and made another gem of an album. Armed with the spectacular production of Kurt Ballou, High on Fire has never sounded clearer or better in their career. After a couple spins, I can say this is not quite up to the level of Blessed Black Wings (their masterpiece in my eyes), but it is better than Snakes for the Divine and it's about even with Death is this Communion. Regardless, High on Fire is still making special music over a decade into their career and De Vermis Mysteriis is yet another record for them to be very proud of. One of the early contenders for at least a top 5 year-end slot, if not album of the year.
4.5/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.Fertile Green
2.Madness of an Architect
3.Romulus and Remus
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