Drum Teacher Reacts: DES KENSEL | High on Fire - '10000 years'

[@dago0ne]

Reacting to sleep now must be the next step right?

[@picklesthedrummer6772]

In a world of triggers and computer perfect drums-Des brings it back home🤘 Check out all their albums he is a monster

[@delightbydelusion]

Des Kensel is amazing! Matt Pike on vocals and guitar, like Iommi, never seem to run out of great riffs. I'd recommend pretty much anything from 'Death is this Communion' or 'De Vermis Mysteriis', as both albums are packed with great tracks, riffs, and most importantly, great drumming!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@CharlieWinterTV]

Most underrated drummer in Metal, Des is absolute monster,.

[@tidball]

This band is awesome. Some of the albums are so heavy that it just pummels your brain to submission.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

This is freaking cool man

[@xpatzorsx]

My dad has been a musician before and for my entire life. I got into heavy music and live music at a really early age. I've seen all manner of bands in all manner of venues. I've seen massively popular bands in arenas. I've seen metal bands in sheds and basements. I've seen High on Fire numerous times in varying sizes of venue. They have been, every time and without question, the LOUDEST/HEAVIEST fucking band I have ever seen in my entire life(I'm 37 and have been seeing live music since I was like, 5).

[@gratuitousfootnote1183]

Thanks for doing my request Andrew and giving such a thoughtful reaction. I saw High on Fire live several times in 2002 and it changed my life. I hope you check more of their stuff out! Not sure how you feel about thrash, but they have quite a few slower tempo songs. If you like the raw production, the first three albums are probably more to your taste.

[@pillarhood471]

Yo, great pick! Des was unstoppable in those days - and let’s be honest, far more creative than when he got the double kick. His tom work to compensate for the single kick was mind-blowing.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

So good! And from a selfish perspective, a new band for me. Thank you!

[@tidball]

I have back to back listened to four of the albums. But not this one. I am not done with the ones I have explored. But also exhausted with the relentless heaviness. Haha. I love it. I need to man up more

[@pillarhood471]

WOW ❤🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 Didn’t expect to see this - an old favorite and huge inspiration on my playing - today!!!!!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

NICE!

[@alexsonty]

This might be my favorite song of all-time. Looking forward to watching the react.

[@themetalhippieplays7993]

Finally a reaction chanel doing High on Fire. There are so many heavy, hard hitting, sludgy songs by them that there is almost impossible to oick out one more you should react to but it has to be either Snakes For the Divine or Rumors of War. Two amazing songs with drums that sounds like from another planet! As always, mate, amazing reaction. Perfect before Sunday dinner (Swedish time ;) )

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robhep2221]

Hung,Drawn and Quartered is my favorite drum track 🔥

[@joshferguson9703]

It’s the heavier version of hot for teacher imo

[@SludgeDrummer]

Master of Fists is another good example of how amazing Dez Kesel is on this album!

[@muskrat5oup144]

If you want to check out more of these guys in your free time, then here's a little album breakdown to help you choose. - The Art of Self Defense Slow and grimy like the song you just listened to, pretty simple and rough but also groovy when it needs to be. My top songs are 10,000 years, Master of Fists, and The Usurper. - Surrounded by Thieves Pretty similar in nature to the previous album, but gives up some of the groove in exchange for higher tempos and more energy. One of my favorites. My top songs are Hung Drawn and Quartered, Speed Wolf, and Razor Hoof. - Blessed Black Wings From this album onwards the band starts to get more creative with their riffs and composition, and establish their own style. Rather than just make songs you can headbang to, they start to make some songs that sound epic. Songs that you would listen to before going to war to get yourself psyched up...at least that's how it sounds to me. My top songs are The Face of Oblivion, Blessed Black Wings, and To Cross the Bridge. - Death is this Communion This is their most unique sounding album, with exotic/oriental instruments playing in some parts and songs that have a more...melodic sound? Not sure if that's the right word but they start showing off their ability to make beautiful sounding pieces on this one, especially with the song DII. Definitely one of their coolest albums, but also one I don't revisit that often. This one should be listened to as a full album experience. - Snakes for the Divine This album takes the overall style they created with their first 4 albums and throws some thrash metal influence in the mix. My top songs are Snakes for the Divine, Bastard Samurai, and Ghost Neck. Honerable mention to How Dark We Pray for the amazing intro. - De Vermis Mysteriis This one feels more similar to their older work than the 3 previous albums. This is their heaviest and most aggressive sound they've put out to date, so if you're just looking for something to headbang to then this is it. My top songs are Madness of an architect, King of Days, and Warhorn. - Luminiferous This one sounds a bit like snakes for the divine, except...not as good. This is their worst album in my opinion. It's not bad by any means, but it just lacks the band's usual oomph. That said, it DOES have 2 songs that I consider some of their best work, The Black Plot, and The Cave. The Black Plot has one of the most badass music videos for any metal song that I've seen, so check that one out for sure. -Electric Messiah This is their latest album, being a tribute to Lemmy of Motorhead. They went full thrash for this album, there's not much else to say about it. My top songs are Sanctioned Annihilation, God of the Godless, and Freebooter.

[@jasonbrown2972]

Good on ya for reviewing. High on Fire is a force to be reckoned with live. Matt Pike is one of the best living guitarists. They put on a hell of a show. Rhythm section of Jeff Matz and Dez was amazing. Pike's dynamics will keep it going.

[@fabianescamilla4779]

The production got louder by their 3rd album, which is my fave. Des goes off on that album w songs like Devilution, To cross the bridge.

[@gabrielcruz4071]

I'm very curious to hear what you think of HoF's "Hung, Drawn and Quartered". Really crazy drumming on that one.

[@pillarhood471]

I was going to suggest the same thing!!! Crazy beat, great song. I hope he checks it out - the official video would give Andrew a good taste of their vibe.

[@HellBatDC]

If you go down the Sleep rabbit hole, you should check out a side project of it's bass player Al Cisneros called Om. Their current drummer Emil Amos has a really amazing swing feel. The music is very chill and interesting too being a mix of eastern and western sounds. I'd recommend checking out the official video for State of Non-return. I saw them live as a 3 piece in a small cramped room and they were great. For more High on Fire, I'd check out the title track from their Snakes for the Divine album. The production on that album is definitely of a higher budget. The song is a lot higher tempo though. Involuntary headbanging may occur. 😁

[@scottchrismon4492]

FINALLY.... Thank you so much. Des is solid.

[@fabiolignelli7372]

Great reaction, Andrew: you are very competent, sincere, charismatic and a nice guy. The first High On Fire album is what I like the most: very dirty, raw, very heavy and more doom. I suggest reacting to a song ("Gardenia", from a masterpiece album, Welcome To Sky Valley) by an exceptional 90's Stoner/Doom band, Kyuss.

[@Brian-zt9wz]

Hey Andrew..I've been a casual fan of H.O.F. for yrs and yes you got it right man this drummer always reminded me of Sean Kinney... Welcome to Stoner Doom man...Try Stoned Jesus out of Ukraine if you want more of this style but with a higher production value 🤘✌️

[@Ronnie.Ericsson]

Great pick! This one is my favourite songs from High On Fires catalogue. Only Baghdad from the same album I like even more. Question is, will someone make Andrew listen to all of Sleeps Jerusalem? :D

[@njgfpv3696]

WOW WHAT REACTIONS! SO COOL.

[@guitardog7414]

Stoner metal is kinda like improv with a good backbeat. The list is endless for this style.

[@mattigator600]

Yea Weedeater is a good one 👍 funny dudes and I like how they record albums live in studio. It's that raw and honest sound that translates easily onto a live stage

[@guitardog7414]

@@mattigator600 seen those guys a couple years ago. My cousin is good friends with the bass player.

[@orla1620]

this episode should be called drugs and coffee

[@SUPERPOWERPHIL]

Im a new drummer at 51! Ive been practicing this song for months. So good, cheers for the break-down

[@carlomercorio1250]

There are two sub-genres of metal - doom and stoner - heavily influenced by the mighty Sabs. You will not regret going down those rabbit holes

[@carlomercorio1250]

Listen to Dragonaut by Sleep - kicks tons of butt. Sleep have a legendary album called Dopesmoker - one monstrous 60+ minute riff-fest of a track

[@browndog666ify]

Wait till you hear ‘Devilution’ 😉

[@caliokiegrownoklahoma4119]

I've always loved that original dirty type record sound. Back then the edgy sounds and grooves with the early growl type voice. Love it! Heavy

[@TheDeadStretch]

Basically the whole Doom Metal/Stoner Metal started with a bunch of bands most would call "Sabbath Worship." EX: Pentagram, Witchfinder General, Witchcraft, Orchid, Sleep, Electric Wizard (very extreme version of worship)

[@jamescooper-hope6930]

I remember these guys along with Melvins tearing up the Fat Ladies Arms a few moons ago, 19/2/11. Phenomenal power. Their live sound is a whole different beast altogether. Sidenote: an unforgettable tour for them, as they were in Christchurch on 22/2/11 when tradgedy struck.

[@inperf3ct]

What exactly happened then?

[@jamescooper-hope6930]

@@inperf3ct Christchurch earthquake 22/2/11.

[@johnnordberg6904]

I just turned 65 and still like this style of rock. Not sure what you want to call it; heavy grunge? Reminds me of the bands I listened to in the 90s. As you mentioned, rough around the edges and a good "live" sound.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

💯👌

[@linusfotograf]

The kids call it ”Sludge” I believe

[@jonsmith9518]

Awesome band and louder than a jet engine live. Love it!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I bet!

[@RickINFJ]

I wonder if this is an analog recording. Definitely has the brown sound. Is that a Knight Rider shirt, Andrew? 🤘

[@Greg-om2hb]

I've see High on Fire perform several times in the San Francisco Bay Area, up close in small clubs San Jose, as well as opening for Mastodon at SJSU. Many of their songs are much faster. Pike is a super intense guitarist/front man, and the band delivers a relentless assault that knocks you down with a wall of sound.

[@trismegistus7638]

Circling the Sleep drain. Sleep is true Sabbath worship. I want to hear your views on Al so bad

[@stefanjones202]

You've got to check out 'Snakes for the divine' from the same titled album. I've seen them a couple of times and they finish with this. It's their favourite and perfectly written song.

[@mosesgarner2404]

High on Fire is a killer band. It's a shame Des isn't in the band anymore. Des is a beast! Also 9:07 lol

[@drewbocop]

Yeah, Sabbath Worship Bands are a thing. It's called "Heavy metal"

[@donnelson6694]

Heavy, grinding stuff. Interesting.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Sure is!

[@linusfotograf]

I would recommend their track ”Hung, Drawn and Quartered”. Check out the official video for some cool views of the drummer in action.

[@rippindrummer666]

You should check out Danny Walker from Intronaut playing past tense! He’s a great prog, fusion sludge metal drummer.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thank you!

[@GilesJulie]

you have to check out the drum cam for their song Luminiferous its kickass

[@SomerankeroffYT]

I think for something more flashy, Snakes for the Divine would be a great High on Fire song to check out! 👍

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

More on the way!

[@yves78]

I love High on Fire and Sleep, but you should also check out third band, Kalas. Only one album but worth checking out. I particularly like the songs Mother’s Tears, monuments to Ruins and Godpills. Cheers

[@artem_lacks]

Kalas is fantastic!

[@BlasphemousVerses]

Gotta do Matt's other band Sleep

[@stevenwalker1305]

HIGH ON FIRE are the best live band. They play a little bar setting the same as they would an outdoor festival. Loud as fuck. Matt Pike is the riff prince to Tomy Iommis kingdom. He's got those feature solos and the grimiest riffs do yourself a favor and do more of them. I recommend Death is Communion if you do another Andrew. Truly a life changing experience to catch live. I seen Sleep New Years Eve 2018 in Chicago also right before Covid.

[@joshferguson9703]

Have you thought about reacting to Flo Mounier from Cryptopsy as a guitarist when I write I write riffs I want him to play on

[@brochetti44]

Yep. Now you MUST do Sleep. Be the first 'Dopesmoker' reaction...

[@brochetti44]

And if you like this, you'll love Electric Wizard and Orchid....other Sabbath babies

[@ShaggyDogPhilosopher]

Yesssssss

[@simiansmith]

Andrew, stop what your doing right now and listen to the albums “Psalm 9” and “The Skull” by Trouble immediately’ 😂 Better still, do a reaction to a song. Been loving your sabbath discovery journey. Some of your expressions are priceless😂. When the Bill Ward penny drops, it falls for a very long time. 😅 🙏🙌. Would love to see some Dale Crover, Steve Shelton, Rafael Martinez(there are so many amazing drummers in the underground sludge/stoner/doom scene) on your channel. Oh, and a great shout for Emil Amos of OM from up there👆or down there👇.

[@JamesHS]

Should also review some of their faster songs for comparison - Rumors of War or The Black Pot both of which have live recordings from shows available: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJOtc2ibiriZr6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX-2YXuse5Z2bdE

[@MatthewGill-nv4tb]

Matt's signature style is strumming less than what you are actually hearing. When you see them play these older songs live it looks weird Edit. I know this is a drum video

[@mulletedwarrior2069]

Great video man! But show some respect - please take your shirt off when reviewing HOF

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

HAHA

[@davemelkonian8921]

Black Sabbath is coke, HOF is crack 🤌

[@jospehbloseph7172]

High on Fire has much better production values on their later stuff. Bastard Samurai, the Cave, or The falconist would really appeal to you. Also I Guess you have to do Dragonaut from the legendary Sleep album Holy Mountain. Also… and I’ve asked this before, but, Why have you never gone back to Mastodon? Dailor is such a monster. They have some deep Sabbath influence but Dailor is so technically proficient and fast. You did a great reaction to Ghosts of Kharelia but never came back to them. Just curious why.

[@gratuitousfootnote1183]

"better" is subjective, their more recent albums don't sound like a band playing in a room, there is no ambient space between the instruments. The most egregious example of this for me would be snakes for the divine. I still dig those later albums, but much prefer the organic feel of the first three, and to a degree death is this communion as well.

[@jospehbloseph7172]

@@gratuitousfootnote1183 in terms of production value I don’t think better is subjective. It can be measured in terms of dynamics and clarity of the mix. You can prefer a lower production quality sound, I often do, THAT of course is subjective. I guess if you said “lower quality production value is better” than you’d be right about the subjectivity. So let’s call it higher quality production value. I think Matt Pike’s vocals are lost in the mix on Art of Self Defense, it is essentially a live in the studio album which has its own value. I like all their albums and I agree with almost everything you said. Bands evolve and HOF is No exception. I just think for a reaction track for this channel in particular, something off of Black Wings maybe..

[@gratuitousfootnote1183]

@@jospehbloseph7172 to my ears, Death is This Communion struck a good balance between clarity and and organic sound; everything after that has sadly sounded like a kind of digitized mix. I concede that by some objective metrics you could claim the later albums are more "clear" or something like that, but the first three albums sound like they belong in the orbit of the organic sounds of Hendrix and Sabbath - so that will always be my preference.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks for that. I honestly really enjoy garage type sound though. Looking forward to hearing the contrast

[@jospehbloseph7172]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums then you’re going to love anything off of Sleep’s Holy Mountain. The rumor is they went into the studio with a pound of weed and emerged a week later with Holy Mountain completed, but that’s a colorful exaggeration or something close to the truth. And also, High on Fires drumming gets better on the later albums which is more what I was thinking about. I think bass and guitar benefit from that live in the studio sound, drums suffer a little in the mix, just an opinion I guess.

[@DallasGunther]

Matt Pike only writes great riffs. He is the Lord there of.

[@_MANASYt]

I love HOF but not into this album. Their brand new album Cometh The Storm is an absolute killer!!!

[@book3100]

Acolyte .. hard c.

[@globalunitedanimals]

It's all very very basic stuff. Would be extremely easy to play. But it does sound pretty cool

[@rippindrummer666]

This is literally the most boring drum track the could have been picked…fertile green, spiritual rights or pretty much anything off of de vermis mysterios would have been better

[@gratuitousfootnote1183]

@@rippindrummer666 yawn so put up your own money to sponsor something you find more interesting, or shut up. The later albums can't hold a candle to the first three. You assume that the drum prowess was my sole criterion in picking this song.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Agree with above. I don't like songs based off of the drumming either. You need a total package

[@Djtari-y9x]

@@gratuitousfootnote1183 I’m thankful that you picked this one, it’s my favorite. I saw them live in 2002 for this album (and several times since) and this song is 🙌🏼

[@pentagrammaton6793]

Great band, but I never could stand the vocals.

[@DrWeedDealer]

This pick doesn't really show what Dez can do tho... he's way more gooder than this by far.

[@gratuitousfootnote1183]

I spent hundreds of dollars to finance other responses to Des' songs on this channel - what have you done?