American stoner/doom metal band High Priest presents their debut full-length album »Invocation«, out now via Magnetic Eye Records
Chicago, Illinois based stoner/doom metal band High Priest presents their debut full-length album, »Invocation«, which was just released on June 23rd, 2023 via Magnetic Eye Records.
Tracklist:
01. Invocation
02. Divinity
03. Ceremony
04. Cosmic Key
05. Down In The Dark
06. Universe
07. Conjure
08. Heaven
The band comments: “Today our new full-length »Invocation« comes out everywhere. We spent over 2 years on these songs and it was such a powerful and meaningful experience. During that time, like the rest of the world, there was a lot of uncertainty and change. For a large chunk, we even lost the ability to get together and play music. I realized more than ever how important this band is to me. Not just the songs loud gear and the silly merch, but the brotherhood. The collective experience of creating. Starting with a blank slate and building something together.
This project has been so special to me over the years. A cathartic release during dark times and hilarious peaks of gut busting laughter in others. I am lucky enough to share this project with 3 of my best friends who also happen to be the most talented musicians on earth. Always challenging and pushing us all to get to new levels while bringing new influences to broaden our horizons. We set out to make a record that honors the bands that came before us and inspired us to pick up instruments. But we also wanted to create something that was ours. »Invocation« is a representation of how our 4 brains see the world and we are so excited to share this with the you.
Lastly, I remember the days before the internet when people still talked about music. I couldn’t wait for new release day to hear my friends talk about what they picked up and what made them excited. (Dan once described a song to us as a “pizza sauce mosh part.”) If there is a song, a riff, a lyric on this record that makes you think, I hope you text a friend about it because the best part of music is sharing it.
We’re so excited to share this with you and we will see you all soon.”
Photo by Vanessa Valadez
Courtesy of Magnetic Eye Records:
Brothers and sisters, we are gathered here to worship the gods at the altar of heavy metal. High Priest have come forth from Chicago, Illinois in the United States of America to brighten your days with a message of hope and doom, one that is hammered into metal, stone and rock to assume the shape of their debut album »Invocation«.
High Priest have taken the prophecies of the elders to their hearts. Their glorious harmonies and melodies bear the catchy mark of Thin Lizzy. There is dark heaviness foretold by Black Sabbath and renewed by Electric Wizards, and even a touch of Metallica’s more classic riffs. From the scriptures of grunge comes an emotional force that has been received through prayers directed at Alice In Chains. All of this is set forth in a new testament of blues-laden guitar-riffs and soulful vocals.
What sets High Priest apart from many of their peers is an optimism that soars over the sludge, an openness to the bright sky showing through the clouds, a gaze into space at the wonders of the universe. Yet even as these Americans make references to familiar religious concepts and themes, they promote no particular faith beyond a devotion to metal.
There is also a sense of understanding and a bond of unity among the musicians that’s audible throughout »Invocation«, easily explained since the members of High Priest have been friends since childhood. Drummer Dan Polak even recalls when guitarist Pete Grossmann had the training wheels taken off his bike. Yep, their friendship goes that far back, and it’s evident in their musical interaction.
With the friends playing together in various bands and line-ups since their youth, High Priest came into being with a clear vision in mind. While watching an Electric Wizards show in 2015, they spontaneously and simultaneously concluded that they wanted to play doom and old school metal from that day on (all while transfixed by the performance and having to shout their agreement over the din of the PA).
The fire of true passion was lit and nothing could stop the four friends, even while variously writing a PhD, running a restaurant (and serving as head chef), owning and operating a recording studio, and other such matters, from getting together in the rehearsal room and loosing the fruits of their new inspiration.
Their first public declaration of the metal gospel was the 2016 EP »Consecration«, which got High Priest much attention throughout the doom and stoner metal scene as well as a record deal with Magnetic Eye, which led to the release of second EP »Sanctum« in 2019.
And now the time has come to rejoice: High Priest deliver their eagerly anticipated debut full-length, and »Invocation« doesn’t just live up to what the two EPs promised, but will carry you straight to the heavens on a chariot of fiery riffs. Amen!
High Priest’s debut album »Invocation« is released on June 23, 2023 via Magnetic Eye Records, orders available at THIS LOCATION!
Line-up:
Pete Grossmann – Guitar
Justin Valentino – Vocals, Bass
Dan Polak – Drums
John Regan – Guitar
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well