Eyehategod

Eyehategod

BY Denise FalzonPublished May 23, 2014

9
It's impossible to describe New Orleans sludge outfit Eyehategod without using the term "legendary." The band established the genre in the '90s with releases like Take as Needed for Pain and Dopesick, which are staples of the iconic sound that is associated with their city. Following years of hardship, personally as well as with studios and labels, Eyehategod's new, self-titled release comes 14 years after their last album, Confederacy of Ruined Lives. However, it's almost as if no time has passed, as demonstrated by the dissonant feedback of album opener "Agitation! Propaganda!"

Featuring their classic NOLA sound, the 11-track album is filled with Southern groove, manifested by guitarists Jimmy Bower and Brian Patton. Super-heavy, bluesy riffs are prominent throughout, but are most captivating on crushers "Trying to Crack the Hard Dollar" and "Quitter's Offensive," while "Framed to the Wall" switches things up with a manic, punk approach. Vocalist Mike Williams spits anger and loathing in his distinct, tortured style and dominates the release, especially on tracks like "Nobody Told Me" and "Robitussin and Rejection," while "Flags and Cities Bound" is a spoken word, heart-wrenching rant.

Making the LP even more special is the fact that it's the last to feature Eyehategod's late drummer Joey LaCaze, who passed before the recording was complete. With LaCaze's drum tracks on the record, Eyehategod is a fitting tribute, but also signifies a new beginning for this band that just don't quit.

Read our recent interview Eyehategod's Mike Williams here.
(Housecore)

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