High on Fire Founding Drummer Des Kensel Announces Departure After 21 Years

Madison Bloom
“After much consideration, it is time for me to announce that I will no longer be performing with High on Fire.”

Des Kensel, drummer of the Oakland metal group High on Fire, announced his resignation from the band today (July 25) on Instagram. A founding member of High on Fire, Kensel played with the group for over two decades.

“After eight albums, countless tours, and a Grammy win, I am very thankful for what we have been able to accomplish as a band,” Kensel wrote on Instagram. He continued: “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.” Find Kensel’s full statement below.

It has been a tumultuous time for High on Fire lately: In the past year, the band had to alter tour plans multiple times following guitarist Matt Pike’s ongoing medical issues. The band just announced a co-headlining tour with Power Trip earlier this week.

Read Pitchfork’s year-end list “The Best Metal Albums of 2018.”

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Originally Appeared on Pitchfork