Chicago Stoner Doom Four-Piece HIGH PRIEST Releases New Heavy Track ‘Cosmic Key’ ‣ CVLTARTES

Chicago stoner doom four-piece HIGH PRIEST have released the heavy track ‘Cosmic Key’ as the next single taken from their forthcoming debut full-length “Invocation,” which is slated for release on June 23, 2023.

John Regan comments on the single ‘Cosmic Key’: “While we were on tour, we talked about the cinematic masterpiece ‘Masters of the Universe,’ which inspired this song’s name: a musical instrument able to open portals,” the guitarist reveals.

“The song itself deals with technology, for example, our fear of nuclear disasters, but also as a tool to elevate our species and to explore the galaxy and inner dimensions.”

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 WIZARD, 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, and 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 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 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 WIZARD 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 losing 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 their 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!