Founding member and drummer, Dan Kensel of High on Fire, announced his resignation from the band via Instagram. Kensel shared, “After eight albums, countless tours, and a Grammy win, I am very thankful for what we have been able to accomplish as a band,” He continues, “Being a full time professional musician can have its challenges. One gets through those challenges with patience, hard work and perseverance. After much consideration, it is time for me to announce that I will no longer be performing with High On Fire. I will now be focusing on new opportunities and spending time with my family.”

 

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As a founding member of High On Fire, I feel blessed to have spent the last 21 years traveling around the world pursuing my childhood dream to write and play music. After eight albums, countless tours, and a Grammy win, I am very thankful for what we have been able to accomplish as a band. Being a full time professional musician can have its challenges. One gets through those challenges with patience, hard work and perseverance. After much consideration, it is time for me to announce that I will no longer be performing with High On Fire. I will now be focusing on new opportunities and spending time with my family. I would like to sincerely thank all of our fans for your support throughout the years. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Lastly, I would like to wish my band-mates the best of luck in the future. Des Kensel. #highonfire #deskensel #highonfireband

A post shared by Desmond Kensel (@deskensel) on Jul 25, 2019 at 1:56pm PDT

High on Fire has altered their tour plans multiple times following guitarist Matt Pike’s ongoing medical issues. The band just recently announced a co-headlining tour with Power Trip. In an interview with Metal Underground, Pike expressed thoughts on the new album, Electric Messiah, “I think by far it’s the most progressive. This one really came out with a twist. I thoroughly love this record. It really is our best album. As far as our intellectual and soulful sides and we’ve all gotten better at our instruments.” The album, Electric Messiah also won a Grammy for ‘Best Metal Performance.

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat