The Art Of Self Defense was initially released in 2000 by Man's Ruin Records. Featuring the collective energies of guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike, drummer Des Kensel, and bassist George Rice with producer Billy Anderson, the record billows at the seams with Pike's instantly recognizable guitar tone, first unleashed during his days with stoner metal behemoths Sleep. An audio hail storm of piledriving riffs, booming rhythms and Pike's gruff vocal tirades , The Art Of Self Defense remains a staple in HIGH ON FIRE's renowned catalog of audio greatness.