"If I start a new band with some former band members why do I have to play a completely different style of music? grumbles Outlaw Order vocalist Mike Williams. Sludge metal quintet Outlaw Order (abbreviation: OO%) are not Eyehategod (EHG). Drill that into your brain because Williams is getting sick of doing it. Formed with fellow EHG members Brian Patton and Gary Mader (guitars), drummer Joey LaCaze and bassist Justin Grisoli in 2003, OO% is a side project intended to occupy time while guitarist Jimmy Bower fulfils commitments with groove metal outfits Down and Corrosion Of Conformity.
"Why cant I play the style of music that I invented? he continues. "Jimmy and I invented the entire New Orleans scene, not to brag about it. If it wasnt for Jimmys riffs and me screaming like an idiot... thats what Eyehategod are. I dont know why Id have to play a different style of music. I want to play what I love and this is it.
Working during Bowers dalliances, the outfit has released two limited edition seven-inch EPs over the years and finally completed nine-track full-length Dragging Down The Enforcer. Unfortunately, despite blossoming into their own on Dragging Down, because OO% pulls from the same well of talent and influences as EHG, similarities abound; they are constantly cast off as or expected to be little more than Eyehategod clones.
"I dont like people going, Oh, its Eyehategod without Jimmy. Its absurd to say that. I play and live this music every single day of my life. What am I supposed to do? If youre a fan of what we do, youll understand its different but casual listeners dont dig deep and listen. They dont get it.
"Why cant I play the style of music that I invented? he continues. "Jimmy and I invented the entire New Orleans scene, not to brag about it. If it wasnt for Jimmys riffs and me screaming like an idiot... thats what Eyehategod are. I dont know why Id have to play a different style of music. I want to play what I love and this is it.
Working during Bowers dalliances, the outfit has released two limited edition seven-inch EPs over the years and finally completed nine-track full-length Dragging Down The Enforcer. Unfortunately, despite blossoming into their own on Dragging Down, because OO% pulls from the same well of talent and influences as EHG, similarities abound; they are constantly cast off as or expected to be little more than Eyehategod clones.
"I dont like people going, Oh, its Eyehategod without Jimmy. Its absurd to say that. I play and live this music every single day of my life. What am I supposed to do? If youre a fan of what we do, youll understand its different but casual listeners dont dig deep and listen. They dont get it.