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Eyehategod Proves To Be A Revelation/Revolution In Bristol

Eyehategod a truly a law unto themselves. Celebrating their thirtieth anniversary this year, the influential band from New Orleans has fought through addiction, violence and even death to be here today. They've been hitting the road heavy this year, touring with the likes of Black Label Society and Corrosion Of Conformity and this week have been performing throughout the United Kingdom. I was able to catch their show at The Fleece in Bristol and witness first hand what an Eyehategod show is all about.

With no more than four support bands on the bill, I entered the venue in time to see the third, Beggar. Beggar are great for fans of doom and Black Sabbath, as unlike many others in the field, they don't merely imitate Sabbath, rather they take just as much influence from the blues as Birmingham quartet did. Following on from them was DVNE, from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh with plenty to offer. At first, they sound like most doom bands but as time goes on, one begins to notice and appreciate the progressive nature and sounds on display, as well as the post metal tones. Both bands are well worth checking out if you like your metal slow but interesting.

Finally, it was the turn of NOLA based legends Eyehategod to take to the stage. They did so with little fanfare as at first they seemed to be checking their instruments and doing a soundcheck, before singer Mike IX turned to the crowd and asked, "Why are you so quiet?" which livened things up. From then on, Eyehategod launched a scathing sonic assault, encapsulating thirty years of rage brilliantly. Mike IX is simultaneously intense and friendly, joking with the audience one moment before screaming his lungs out the next, while Jimmy Bower cranks out every riff with precise accuracy.

It must be said that if anyone wasn't on form tonight, it was the crowd, who weren't able to match the energy of the band and seemed to take a while to wake up (as Mike said, "It seems Bristol takes a little foreplay.) Nevertheless, the mid sized crowd were treated to a string of Eyehategod classics tonight, such as "Jack Ass In The Will Of God," "Blank" and both parts of "Sisterfucker." Songs from their latest album, 2014's eponymous opus were also brought out too, including, "Medicine Noose," "Agitation! Propaganda!" and "Parish Motel Sickness." All in all, a great performance from Eyehategod, who still have the power to delight and dismay in a confrontational manner, as well as playing some of the best music New Orleans ever produced perfectly.

Ollie Hynes has been a writer for Metal Underground.com since 2007 and a metal fan since 2001, going as far as to travel to other countries and continents for metal gigs.