Eyehategod
Foundational sludge metal band from New Orleans, formed in 1988.
Eyehategod is an American sludge metal band from New Orleans, Louisiana, formed in 1988. They are considered a foundational act of the sludge metal genre, known for their chaotic sound and intense live performances. The band's core lineup remained consistent from its inception until the death of drummer Joey LaCaze in 2013, with the bassist position being the only role that saw multiple changes over the years.
- formed
- 1988
- origin
- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- genre
- Sludge metal
- years_active
- 1988–present
- studio_albums
- 6 (as of 2026)
- notable_members
- Jimmy Bower, Joey LaCaze, Mike Williams, Brian Patton
Lore & Background
Eyehategod was founded on April 20, 1988 by Jimmy Bower and Joey LaCaze, with initial members Mark Schultz, Steve Dale, and vocalist Chris Hilliard. Hilliard soon left and was replaced by Mike Williams. The band recorded two demos, Garden Dwarf Woman Driver (1989) and Lack of Almost Everything (1990), the latter sent to labels. They signed with French label Intellectual Convulsion and released their debut album In the Name of Suffering in 1991, which had a raw, hardcore-influenced sound. After the label dissolved, Century Media re-released the album in 1992. Their second album, Take as Needed for Pain (1993), featured a cleaner sound with stronger southern rock, blues, and doom influences. The band toured extensively with acts such as Chaos UK, Buzzov*en, and Corrosion of Conformity.
Reader's Guide
Eyehategod's significance lies in their role as pioneers of sludge metal, a genre blending hardcore punk, doom metal, and southern rock. Their early work, particularly Take as Needed for Pain and Dopesick, defined the sound of New Orleans sludge and influenced countless bands. The band's chaotic recording sessions and raw, confrontational style became legendary, as did their association with other key acts like Crowbar, Down, and Soilent Green. Despite lineup changes—primarily in the bassist role—and the death of drummer Joey LaCaze, the band continued to release music and perform. Their legacy is cemented by their consistent core lineup, their impact on the underground metal scene, and their ability to maintain a distinct, blues-infused heaviness across six studio albums. The band's history also reflects the resilience of the New Orleans music community, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Did You Know?
- Eyehategod was founded on April 20, 1988, in accordance with 4/20 in cannabis culture.
- The band's debut album In the Name of Suffering was recorded for only $1,000 and had a far more primitive sound than later releases.
- Drummer Joey LaCaze died on August 23, 2013 from respiratory failure, and the band announced Aaron Hill as his replacement on October 31, 2013.
More in American sludge metal musical groups 1-24
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