Album Review: Eyehategod - 'Eyehategod'

It has been 14 (long!) years since sludge metal outfit Eyehategod released a studio album (2000's ‘Confederacy of Ruined Lives'). Now the purveyors of all things heavy and detuned return with a self-titled offering. Equally, having this full-length “assembled and financed entirely by the band along with US label partners, Housecore Records,” allows for a lot more creative control this time around.

Starting off with a surge of energy with the punk influenced ‘Agitation! Propaganda!' it creates an immediate atmosphere of high energy and makes the listener excited, which sets the platform for subsequent tunes.

The record permeates an air of confidence. Eyehategod have put the times of their sloppier work induced by drug hazes and studio sagas behind them. Rather, this album is well crafted and healthy in construction. It has a sense of rapid speed and urgency that creates something really tight and cohesive to get you engaged.

Similarly, the eponymous offering has solid tempo changes and although the passing of their drummer, Joey LaCaze, was an absolute tragedy, the band managed to capture his signature drum beats on this album before his passing. His great drum work dominates and adds some extra meat to already polished songs like ‘Worthless Rescue,’ which includes noteworthy riffs.

Ending on a high note with ‘The Age Of Bootcamp,’ a slower track that really emphasises the power of the guitars and Mike IX Williams’ gritty and raw vocal style, it's a consistent journey from start to finish. After 14 years and many struggles, Eyehategod have managed to pull it together and create something confident and memorable.

Eyehategod's new self-titled album is a commendable comeback album. They have managed to create something energetic and enjoyable despite their losses and struggle. The album also proves something slightly new and different. Points are certainly awarded for trying something new!

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 Bootcamp