This came out in 2005 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
High on Fire singer-guitarist Matt Pike is one scary dude.
Not because he arc-welds sludgy stoner-rock to turbocharged thrash on this third album from his Oakland power trio. Not because his hellfire licks, shuddering riffage and razor-blade wail hit midway between Black Sabbath, Slayer and Motörhead. And not because his fretboard shredding makes it obvious he’s one of the most gifted players around. No, what’s scary about Pike is that he’s also got something most metalheads lack: Superior songwriting skills. Even at the height of his power-chord frenzy, Pike infuses these cuts with strong melodies, memorably hooky choruses and structured solos that ensure the Steve Albini-recorded Blessed Black Wings soars above the competition. Check this out and learn what scary good really means.