I’ve been somewhat surprised (if not confused) by some of Relapse’s more recent signings. Since its inception, the label has essentially stuck with bands that fit certain genre criteria. They have even gone so far as to list their focal points on the back of each CD release. One can’t help but notice that among the listings for grindcore, metal, experimental, and ambient, there is no «doom» or «stoner rock» to be found. It can certainly be argued that «metal» is a broad banner which encompasses many of those in-between genres, so we’ll drop the «doom» classification for the moment. We’re still left with stoner rock, which has typically been left to such distributors as Meteor City or The Music Cartel. Apparently some hot shot at Relapse has a wild hair up his ass, because the past several months have seen the label promoting the likes of Pentagram and Alabama Thunderpussy alongside their more traditional acts.

I’ve recently had the opportunity to examine the third part of Relapse’s stoner rock triumvirate, that being a California-based trio called High On Fire. Simply put, this band produces a heavier take on the THC-laced sludge rock of Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, and Earthride. Fortunately, they avoid the more «streamlined» or «danceable» approach (which tends to ruin the likes of Fu Manchu and Queens of The Stone Age), and go for a sound that is more geared toward the post-doom heaviness of Warhorse or Sleep. In fact, the latter comparison is especially relevant here, given that guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike was also the man behind such meisterwerks as «Sleep’s Holy Mountain» and «Jerusalem». While High On Fire plays in a manner which is texturally different from the droning Middle Eastern atmospheres of Pike’s former outfit, there is a similar sense of foreboding on this album which points back in that direction. Where there used to be extended passages of heavy ambiance, there are now repeated (but not monotonous) riffs that easily become entrenched in the listener’s memory. I don’t think «catchiness» is a concept that can be applied to HOF, but it’s the closest I’ve come to describing the numbingly infectious nature of their molasses-drenched buzz-core.

Relapse may be dwelling a little outside their usual territory with this release, but it should serve as a good introduction for those who are unfamiliar with the stoner-doom genre. This isn’t to say that veteran fans won’t enjoy it, but the album’s increased distribution will likely bring «Surrounded By Thieves» into the living rooms of more people than was previously possible. Plug in, tune out, and drift into sludge-enhanced oblivion…

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