The Majestic in Midtown Detroit was buzzing and bustling with multiple excited crowds last Friday evening. The entertainment complex has two venues and each one was hosting world class acts. The swanky second-floor spot, affectionately known as the Magic Stick, welcomed metallers, High on Fire’s headlining tour to its stage. This prized powerhouse trio hit the road to promote their newest full-length record, Cometh the Storm (MNRK Heavy, review here). It was a homecoming show for frontman Matt Pike making the loud, rowdy evening extra special.
The party began with the East Coasters High Command. Their candid, crushing, and clamorous sound jolted everyone awake and grabbed their attention. Their multi-genre mesh had furious hooks, fantasy themes, and zealous speeds. The theatrics from vocalist Kevin Fitzgerald was appreciated when he seized a long sword and waved it above the front row. His severity could have made one think he was casting a curse. Their grim demeanor and hearty tones were enjoyed by all.. Then, things got spicy. Venezuelan act Zeta graced us with their presence next. The four-piece experimented with drama as their post rock sound swelled and lulled. The atmospheric moments were earnest, the breakdowns keen, and their South American flair bewitching. Color and fire spread with their ravenous style of performing. They were hungry to exhibit their moody music and the audience ate it up.
The venue was filled to the brim when High on Fire came out to decimate. The intense LED light fixtures spun and shined as the set began. The no-frills and no-nonsense approach to their larger-than-life sound deeply compelled all onlookers. Lemmy Kilmister would be proud at the sheer volume and thunderous amplification these three guys generated. They did not diddle-daddle when they broke into “Burning Down” off their most recent record. They played a lot of new material including the title track and “Darker Fleece”. They also cranked out some classics like “Rumors of War” and “Snakes for the Divine”. The fat and juicy riffs bulldozed through the room with command.
Though their demeanor was nonchalant, their grittiness was gaudy due to the stately and thoughtful playing pouring out of them. Spit and sweat sprung off Pike as he performed his crunchy, zippy tunes. His back glistened in the flashing lights as he sneered into the mic and unleashed his raspy roar. Each song was a rampage that boomed with ferocity. All three members executed their part with precision. High on Fire might look like a ramshackle bunch, but their metal is beautifully deafening and vehemently all-consuming. To witness such a heavy performance live was invigorating and deeply satisfying.
Buy High on Fire Music and Merch here:
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY RAGIN ROSIE
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