Eyehategod – “A History of Nomadic Behavior” Review

Story posted March 18, 2021 in Arts & Entertainment by Jon Mead.

Eyehategod comes full force with their newest LP “A History of Nomadic Behavior.”

Eyehategod is a sludge and heavy metal band that originated from the New Orleans metal scene in 1988.
Other great bands emerged from the NOLA metal scene such as Acid Bath, Crowbar, Soilent Green and Kingdom of Sorrow.

The band would make their debut with the album “In the Name of suffering” in 1990. They would go on to release their second studio album in 1993, which some fans consider to be their best and most defining album.

Eyehategod are also known for their other works such as “Dopesick” (1996), “Confederacy of Ruined Lives” (2000) and their self-title album “Eyehategod” (2013).

The current lineup consists of Jimmy Bower (guitars), Mike Williams (vocals), Gary Mader (bass) and Aaron Hill (drums).

What separates this sludge metal band from others is their raw and almost primal sound. “Noisy,” “disgusting,” “abrasive” and “heavy” are some of the words to describe this exhilarating experience.

Influences from bands like Black Flag and Melvins are two amazing bands that Eyehategod has quoted as being key influences throughout each of their records. This is quite apparent through Williams’ distinct vocal style — gravely, stomach churning and throaty.

This vocal style remains even in their newest works, audiences can expect Williams’ almost rage filled words echo throughout their skull, and remain tenacious and tireless at each passing of a track.

Songs are drawn out, almost forcing the listener to sit there and listen to messages about anti-authoritarianism and apocalyptic rage.

Heavy thumping, percussive banging hit the eardrums like a bat. Songs like “The Outerbanks” see to it to churning guitars, transitioning to wild and unkempt riffs.

The occasional bluesy guitar riffs that are present in their other works also make an appearance, finding their way in tracks like “Three Black Eyes” and “Current Situation.”

“The Trial of Johnny Cancer” is almost like a homage to Henry Rollins’ spoken word.

Time moves slower but that visceral and disgusting atmosphere that fans know and love retains itself. What people will also love about this LP is that head-bumping and undomesticated energy.

Overall, one of Eyehategod’s greatest later works as many fans and critics will find as it’s a display of sludge metal in its purest form.

For those wanting to get into sludge — or any kind of metal for that matter — Eyehategod is a perfect place to start as listeners will not be disappointed.

Rating: 8/10
Reviewer’s Favorite Tracks: “The Outerbanks,” “Three Black Eyes,” and “The Trial of Johnny Cancer”
Reviewer’s Least Favorite Song: “High Risk Trigger”

Jon Mead is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.