REVIEW: EYEHATEGOD @ MIDDLE EAST UPSTAIRS 8/27
Review by Tegan Retzer
On August 27th, The Middle East hosted a number of electrifying performances. As the lights dimmed, the energy in the room became palpable. An audience of all ages swarmed the stage and created a massive pit front and center. Bands Troll Milk, Hans Condor, and Exhorder brought unbeatable energy to the venue, setting the stage for New Orleans legends Eyehategod, who capped off the evening with their southern-style fury. By the time Eyehategod took the stage, the room was thick with anticipation. Eyehategod’s setlist spanned their storied career, featuring highlights from their iconic album Take as Needed for Pain alongside tracks from their latest release, A History of Nomadic Behavior.
Eyehategod’s raw demeanor on record translated seamlessly to their live performance. Mike IX Williams delivered vocals that punctured through the heavy riffs, showing that Eyehategod remains as fierce as ever even after over thirty years in the scene. The show felt like controlled chaos, with songs like “New Orleans is the New Vietnam” and “Sister Fucker” coupled with intense energy from the crowd. Mike IX was a sight to behold; he was a fireball of brutal emotion. His unpredictable stage presence added to the danger and thrill of the performance. The venue felt like it was teetering on the edge of chaos, with bodies colliding in the pit and the air thick with the smell of sweat and spilled beer. I watched as a large, sweaty, shirtless man attempted a stage dive, only for the entire crowd to move away, resulting in him smacking into the floor.
The band’s signature sound with its heavy bass vibrations hit the chests of everyone in attendance. The vibrations of the bass didn’t just hit my chest—they rattled my bones. Their slow tempos, hardcore punk elements, and Mike IX’s harsh vocals were fused with a bluesy sound. They’re recognized as the pioneers of what has come to be defined as “Sludge Metal,” but the band resists such labels.
As someone who had never seen Eyehategod live before, I was struck by how their set had a seamless flow. Seeing them live turned me into an even greater fan, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same when they hit your favorite venue in the near future.
The band’s set was a perfect mix of new and old, with the unpredictable nature of their performance keeping fans on their toes. By the end of the night, it was clear that Eyehategod had not lost a step. Despite decades of adversity, the band remains a tight, brutal, and utterly punishing live act. Their sweat-drenched, blasphemous performance at The Middle East was proof of their enduring power. Eyehategod remains one of the filthiest and finest acts to emerge from NOLA. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, their live show is an experience not to be missed.