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Album Reviews : Eyehategod – Eyehategod

By on July 18, 2014

The incumbent kings of drug addled sludge metal are back with a self titled album, fourteen long years after their last full length ‘Confederacy of Ruined Lives’ back in 2000. Eyehategod has been through a hell of a lot in this time, including drug problems, prison time, and a major natural disaster to name just a few and as a result there is certainly no toning down in the EHG camp and this is evident throughout their self titled release.

‘Agitation! Propaganda!’ The first song released from the album and the opening track signals EHG’s intent right from the offset. Beginning with the sounds of dissonant feedback before launching in to what is essentially a short lived aggressive punk rock song. Mike’s vocals are as powerful and pissed off as ever as he screams “Silent, not quiet! The riot, the city! Pure of heart! Dim of wit! Lots of luck, it’s all your fault!”

The opening track does not necessarily represent what to expect of the album however, as almost every track on the record is truly unique in their own way. ‘Trying to Crack the Hard Dollar’ boasts an almost Fu Manchu like groove, where ‘Quitters Offensive’ doubles down on Hard Dollar’s catchy accessibility with some seriously grimey riffing.

The slow Southern groove laden ‘Worthless Rescue’ is one of the standout tracks on the album and is perhaps also one of their most blues influenced tracks to date. ‘Robitussin and Rejection’ on the other hand is another personal favourite and a sludge metal gem.

As mentioned previously, Eyehategod are no strangers to tragedy and there has no greater tragedy in the EHG camp then the passing on Joey LaCaze late last year. LaCaze was always the backbone of the band and there is perhaps no point during their career, where this has this been more apparent. His tight, hard hitting, rhythmic swing dominates the groove ridden tracks such as the aforementioned ‘Quitters Offensive’, and ‘Worthless Rescue’. LaCaze has left behind perhaps one of his best performances and this does make the EHG comeback somewhat bittersweet.

While this self titled album may not be quite up there on the same level as their classics such as Dopesick and Take as Needed for Pain, both genre/career defining classics, in terms of consistency, honesty and sheer jubilation that they’re back, this album is right up there in terms of must have Eyehategod albums and a most welcome comeback for fans of these NOLA based pioneers.

Band : Eyehategod
Album: Self Titled
Year : 2014
Genre : Southern Rock/Sludge/Metal
Label: Emetic Records
Origin: New Orleans, Louisiana

Tracklisting:
1. Agitation! Propaganda!
2. Trying to Crack the Hard Dollar
3. Parish Motel Sickness
4. Quitter’s Offensive
5. Nobody Told Me
6. Worthless Rescue
7. Framed to the Wall
8. Robitussin and Rejection
9. Flags and Cities Bound
10. Medicine Noose
11. The Age of Boot Camp

About

In his spare time, between being a slave to the grind, contributing to MetalObsession.net and hitting up as many local/international gigs as possible. Gareth also contributes to Dutch based metal-zine MetalRage.com, books the odd show under the Inherit Earth moniker and plays drums for Sydney-based bands Whisky Smile and Swamp Harlot.