Countdown to MDF X: EYEHATEGOD

I meant to write about Eyehategod about a week ago, but somehow I got sidetracked, and I know exactly how this happend. When I started to research for the write up on New Orleans sludge rock legends Eyehategod and their appearance Thursday, May 24 at the 2012 Maryland Deathfest, I totally became fascinated with the personality of their frontman Mike "IX" Williams. It's not hard to do. So, Mike Nine, I apologize profusely. I spent so much time reading about you and your band that I actually thought I wrote the band's profile, too.

My blogging oversight though, would be the least of Eyehategod's worries. This band, and Williams, have persevered through drug addiction, Hurricane Katrina, temporary breakups, and now, most recently, a shunning by Scion A/V metal for who-knows-what. Drama, drama, drama. None of that really matters though because Eyehategod engenders the kind of ravenous and hardcore fan devotion that most bands can only drink themselves into believing they have.

And why is that? Well, just listen to them. Taking the best from bands like Black Sabbath, The Melvins and even some punk bands like Black Flag, Eyehategod grinds out distorted riffs and slamming rhythms that hypnotise the audience into a slow stoner sway. Unlike some stoner doom or sludge bands who use clean or traditional vocals, Eyehategod opts for the grindcore like screams and rants of lead vocalist Williams. And they don't always keep the tempo at a snails pace, but will bust out a punk-inspired bridge in the middle of the slowest drone. Lyrically intelligent, Eyehategod explores violence, social unrest and personal emotional turmoil.

At one time a prolific "tweaker," Williams now is a prolific tweeter. So if you are into Twitter, you can follow his commentary on society and all things related to Eyehategod and his side projects here. He has written a book called Cancer As a Social Activity. It's powerful stuff that should be heard, so I have included a link to him reading from it below.

This stoner metal band was reportedly founded on the auspicious date of April 20, in 1988. Along with Williams, the current line up includes Jimmy Bower (guitars), Brian Patton (guitars), Gary Mader (bass) and Joey LaCaze (drums).  According to the running order on the MDF X website, they play after Absu and before Agalloch.

Countdown to MDF X: (45) Unsane

As a child of the 80s, punk has and always will hold an honored position in my musical heart. Therefore I am happy to report that defining noise rock band Unsane will perform Friday, May 25 at the Maryland Deathfest. Formed in New York in 1988 when the members were still in college, only original member Chris Spencer  (vocals, guitar) remains in the trio. Other current members include Dave Curran (bass/vocals) and Vinnie Signorelli (drums).

Presently on tour with The Melvins, Unsane is credited as being one of the pioneers of noise rock, infusing elements of punk, hardcore and even rock-a-billy and blues into their songs.  The unrelenting backbeat, in your face vocals, and often times twangy and distorted guitar riffs will set them apart from most acts at MDF X. No corpse paint and spiked gauntlets here.

Unsane swaggers through each song with impressive violence and grace. Their sound has barely changed over time. They have maintained their brutal punkish roots for nearly 25 years, unbowed to the trends in music around them. This is a good thing. They are like a rough roll in the hay* with a familiar lover, you know exactly what to expect, but you won't be bored and you'll leave thoroughly satisfied.

*that is, fuck :)

Here's something brand new from Unsane....

And something from their first self-title recording....

Countdown to MDF X: (50) Today is the Day

I have never been so excited to see a band live I have never listened to until today. But then again today is the day that you will like Today is the Day, also.

Originally from Nashville, members of Today is the Day include founding member Steve Austin, lead vocals, guitars (since 1992); Ryan Jones, bass (since 2010) and Curran Reynolds, drums, percussion (since 2010). Note: As of March 19, Ryan Jones is now also the bassist for Mutilation Rites, so I don't know what that means for MDF. The band has also featured Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher, now members of Mastodon, and Derek Roddy, who has played with such notable  bands as Nile, Malevolent Creation and Hate Eternal. Their appearance at the Maryland Deathfest on Friday afternoon represents 20 years since the band came into existence.

I quickly discovered that there is no easy way to categorize this band's sound. One song can be thrashy and punkish, the next can be experimental and noisy, the next  melodic and melancholy. There is no doubt they will put on an intense, mosh pit inducing set, I just could not speculate as to what tunes they might play. A friend pointed out that Today is the Day reminded him of a grindcore version of The Melvins and he's sort of right. Both groups have shared the same record label, Amphetamine Reptile. But I would not say Today is the Day is simply grindcore. It there was a metal subgenre called experimental-awesome-core then maybe that is what they are.

Today is the Day seems to play by the rule that there are no rules. They play what they want, or what Steve Austin dreams up, and that works out just fine. If you have never heard them before, go in with an open mind and don't think death metal, or progressive, or grind or whatever. Just think that today is the day you hear a band you will never forget.

I've included three songs here, just so you can appreciate the range and diversity that is Today is the Day.