To mark the occasion and do something on an otherwise uneventful Lundi Gras, Williams opened up about his developmental days in New Orleans’ early punk scene, his dream replacement, and his insight into what makes EHG a global phenomenon. It embodies the seasoned veterans’ signature sound, while also showcasing the growth that has occured in the seven years since releasing their self-titled album. Despite over three decades together, this is only their sixth studio album. Much to the probable dismay of the tourism bureau, this band, eternally representative of New Orleans’ darkest side, is the first thing that comes to many people’s minds when they think of the city.Įyehategod releases A History of Nomadic Behavior on March 12, exactly a year after the pandemic forced the band to cancel their European tour early and flee for home. In 2019 alone, Eyehategod toured in over 20 different countries. When I would tell people at shows there that I was from New Orleans, sometimes the first thing out of their mouth would be “I want to see Eyehategod.” I couldn’t even escape the Superdome halfway across the world because it was plastered on one of the band’s shirts. I only began to truly understand the far-reaching fanaticism for the band when I moved to Japan. The heat became so unbearable that Williams eventually had to seek shelter next to the room’s only box fan just to narrowly avoid passing out. With no space to go anywhere, the hoard pinned Williams against original drummer Joey LaCaze ’s kit. Downright biblical amounts of sweat poured off everyone as they pummeled against each other. On a brutally hot June afternoon in 2010, the band set up against the back wall to commemorate the shop’s first anniversary. I initially became aware of their dedicated local following firsthand during high school when I squeezed into Webb’s Bywater Music for my first ever DIY show. For better or worse, they’re the definition of hometown heroes, having inspired generation after generation of those on the verge of going down and out. Eyehategod are far from role models, but that hasn’t kept them from amassing a cult following across the planet. Mike IX Williams ’ misanthropic screams and Jimmy Bower ’s abrasive feedback have resonated with more than just a few people since they played their first gig together in 1988.