What makes Snakes for the Divine by High on Fire notable?

Snakes for the Divine debuted at number 24 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart, showcasing High on Fire's growing audience and influence within the genre. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its ferocious energy and intricate songwriting, further establishing High on Fire as a leading force in modern metal. Released in early 2010, Snakes for the Divine marked High on Fire's fifth studio album and solidified their status in the stoner metal scene. Following the critical acclaim of their previous album, Death is This Communion, this release showcased their evolving sound under the guidance of producer Greg Fidelman, who helped refine their heavy aesthetic.

How many songs are on Snakes for the Divine?

Snakes for the Divine has 11 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Snakes for the Divine

High on Fire · 2010

58 min · 11 tracks · sludge metal

Thunderous riffs and relentless rhythms collide with a primal intensity that evokes a dark, mystical journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Snakes for the Divine — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic depth and musical prowess, blending crushing riffs with an almost hypnotic rhythm that invites listeners into its world.
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Frost Hammer — This track showcases intricate guitar work coupled with powerful drumming, making it a standout example of the band's ability to combine melody with aggression.
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Bastard Samurai — With its relentless pace and vivid imagery, this track exemplifies High on Fire's lyrical storytelling, crafting a narrative that resonates deeply within the metal community.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album features intense riffs and complex rhythms, creating a distinctive sound within the sludge metal genre.

What we noticed

The first six tracks maintain a high tempo and aggressive energy, while the seventh track introduces a slower, more atmospheric section.
Riffs are often layered with complex rhythms, creating a dense sound that challenges the listener's perception of time and space.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, which enhances the album's dynamic intensity and unpredictability.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Snakes for the Divine 8:23
2 Frost Hammer 6:07
3 Bastard Samurai 6:37
4 Ghost Neck 5:01
5 The Path 1:20
6 Fire, Flood & Plague 6:08
7 How Dark We Pray 8:06
8 Holy Flames of the Fire Spitter 4:13
9 Mystery of Helm 3:58
10 Eyes and Teeth (live) 4:31
11 Cometh Down Hessian (live) 4:33

What to play next

Listen next

De Vermis Mysteriis

2012

Go back to

Death Is This Communion

2007

Full High on Fire discography Artists like High on Fire

sludge metal stoner metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata