High on Fire Part Ways With Founding Drummer Des Kensel | Revolver

High on Fire Part Ways With Founding Drummer Des Kensel

"Being a full-time professional musician can have its challenges"
High on Fire (Revolver)-8.jpg

Fresh off the announcement of their upcoming trek with Power Trip, Devil Master and Creeping Death, Grammy-winning stoner-thrash barbarians High on Fire have split ways with founding drummer Des Kensel (pictured above, far right).

The drummer broke the news via Instagram. Under a photo of himself throwing down behind his kit, Kenzel wrote, "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." See the full post below.

Kensel was notably absent from two High on Fire shows this past May, with Gaytheist's Nick Parks playing in his stead. HOF's run with Power Trip is set to kick off November 7th at Austin's Levitation festival. The band was forced to cancel its last two tours due to bandleader Matt Pike's health issues.