High on Fire is a renowned American heavy metal band originating from Oakland, California, established in 1998 by guitarist and lead vocalist Matt Pike, who is also widely recognized for his role in the influential doom metal band Sleep. Known for their powerful blend of heavy riffs, aggressive vocals, and high-energy performances, the band quickly built a strong reputation within the metal scene. Over the years, High on Fire has released multiple critically acclaimed albums and toured extensively around the world, earning a loyal global fan base. Their impact on modern metal was further solidified in 2019 when they won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for their song “Electric Messiah,” marking a major milestone in their career.

Matt Pike — Guitarist & Lead Vocalist
Born: June 3, 1972
Birthplace: Southfield, Michigan, USA
Professional Journey
Matt Pike is an American musician best known as the founder, lead guitarist, and vocalist of High on Fire. Before High on Fire, he was the guitarist of the influential stoner/doom metal band Sleep — a band credited with shaping modern heavy metal’s slow, heavy sound. After Sleep disbanded in the late 1990s, Pike formed High on Fire in 1998 in Oakland, California, alongside drummer Des Kensel and bassist George Rice.

Coady Willis — Drummer (Current)
Born: November 1, 1974
Birthplace: United States
Professional Journey
Coady Willis is an American drummer who became High on Fire’s drummer in 2021 after the long-time founding member Des Kensel departed. Before joining High on Fire, Willis built his reputation through intense, high-energy playing in bands like The Murder City Devils, Big Business, and as part of Melvins.

Des Kensel — Drummer (Former)
Born: Not publicly documented
Birthplace: Not publicly documented
Professional Journey
Des Kensel was co-founder and drummer of High on Fire from the band’s formation in 1998 through 2019. A driving force behind the band’s early and mid-career sound, Kensel played on every High on Fire album from The Art of Self Defense (2000) through Electric Messiah (2018).