High on Fire drummer and co-founder Des Kensel has decided to leave the band. Kensel has been with the group for over two decades as the group won a Grammy earlier this year for the Best Metal Performance for the title track of last year’s Electric Messiah. This news has arrived just a few days after the band has announced their upcoming North American Fall tour with Power Trip, Creeping Death, and Devil Master. Kensel’s reason for leaving seems amicable as he decided it’s time to focus on new opportunities and to spend more time with his family.
You can read Kensel’s statement below:
“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.”
