EYEHATEGOD & CROWBAR Live In Pittsburgh (8/20) Review

An Unforgettable Evening of Sludge Metal

Guys, let me tell you about the absolute sonic assault that EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR unleashed upon Pittsburgh on August 20th! It was a night of pure, unadulterated sludge metal mayhem that left the crowd battered, bruised, and begging for more. If you're a fan of heavy, downtuned riffs, guttural vocals, and an atmosphere thicker than Louisiana swamp air, then you seriously missed out. But don't worry, I'm here to give you the lowdown on everything that went down.

The energy in the venue was electric from the moment the doors opened. You could feel the anticipation building as fans clad in black t-shirts and battle jackets packed themselves in, ready to be pummeled by the sonic onslaught. The opening bands did a killer job of setting the stage, but everyone knew who they were really there to see: the legendary EYEHATEGOD and the mighty CROWBAR. These two bands are titans of the sludge metal scene, and they brought their A-game to Pittsburgh.

EYEHATEGOD took the stage first, and they wasted no time in unleashing their signature brand of misanthropic, blues-tinged sludge. Mike Williams, the band's enigmatic frontman, stalked the stage like a man possessed, his voice a tortured howl that perfectly conveyed the band's bleak and nihilistic worldview. The band ripped through a setlist that spanned their entire career, from classic tracks like "Sisterfucker" and "Dixie Whiskey" to newer material that proved they haven't lost a single step. The crowd responded with a frenzy of moshing, headbanging, and stage diving. It was a chaotic, cathartic release of pent-up energy.

The sheer intensity of EYEHATEGOD's performance was something to behold. The band's music is raw, visceral, and unapologetically heavy. It's the kind of music that gets under your skin and stays with you long after the show is over. They're not just playing songs; they're conjuring a feeling, a mood, a sense of dread and despair that is both terrifying and exhilarating. And let's be real, Mike Williams' stage presence is just legendary. He's like a trainwreck you can't look away from, a mesmerizing combination of chaos and charisma. His vocals, a harsh bark that slices through the thickest of distortion, are the perfect complement to the band's crushing riffs.

But the night was far from over. After a brief intermission, it was time for CROWBAR to take the stage. CROWBAR, led by the indomitable Kirk Windstein, brought their own brand of heavy to the table. Their sound is a bit more groove-oriented than EYEHATEGOD's, but it's no less crushing. Windstein's vocals are a monstrous roar, and the band's riffs are as thick and heavy as a Louisiana swamp. They plowed through a setlist of their classic anthems, like "All I Had I Gave," "Planets Collide," and "Like Broken," and the crowd ate it up.

CROWBAR delivered a set that was both brutal and cathartic. Kirk Windstein's signature guitar tone, a wall of low-end rumble and distortion, is one of the most recognizable sounds in metal. His vocals, a monstrous roar that seems to come from the depths of his soul, are equally iconic. But what really sets CROWBAR apart is their ability to combine sheer heaviness with moments of genuine emotional vulnerability. Their songs are often about pain, loss, and struggle, but they also offer a glimmer of hope, a sense that even in the darkest of times, there is still a way to keep fighting. This emotional depth is what makes CROWBAR's music so powerful and resonant.

The energy in the room during CROWBAR's set was palpable. The crowd was a sea of headbanging bodies, and the mosh pit was a swirling vortex of limbs and aggression. But there was also a sense of camaraderie in the air, a feeling that everyone in the room was sharing in something special. It was a reminder that metal is more than just music; it's a community, a shared experience that can bring people together. And CROWBAR, with their crushing riffs and heartfelt lyrics, are masters at creating that sense of community.

Sludge Metal Giants: EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR's Pittsburgh Domination

The co-headlining tour featuring EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR was a dream come true for sludge metal fans. It was a chance to see two of the genre's most influential bands on the same stage, on the same night. And they didn't disappoint. Both bands delivered sets that were crushing, cathartic, and unforgettable. The Pittsburgh show was a testament to the power and enduring appeal of sludge metal. It was a night of pure sonic devastation that left the crowd exhausted but exhilarated.

One of the things that makes both EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR so special is their authenticity. These are bands that have stayed true to their vision, even in the face of changing trends and fleeting fads. They're not chasing radio hits or trying to appeal to a wider audience. They're simply playing the music they believe in, the music that comes from their hearts and souls. And that's why their fans are so fiercely loyal. They know that when they see EYEHATEGOD or CROWBAR, they're getting the real deal.

Both bands have weathered their share of storms over the years, both personally and professionally. They've dealt with lineup changes, substance abuse issues, and the general ups and downs of the music industry. But through it all, they've persevered, continuing to make music that is both challenging and rewarding. Their resilience is an inspiration to their fans, a testament to the power of music to heal and to overcome adversity. They've become more than just bands; they're symbols of survival, of the ability to keep fighting even when the odds are stacked against you.

The Pittsburgh show was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of sludge metal culture. It was a chance for fans to come together, to share their love of the music, and to connect with like-minded individuals. The atmosphere in the venue was one of pure camaraderie, a sense that everyone was in it together. There were no egos, no pretension, just a shared appreciation for the heaviness and the intensity of the music. The fans were just as much a part of the show as the bands themselves, creating an energy that was both palpable and infectious.

The Legacy of Sludge: Why EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR Still Reign Supreme

Why do EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR continue to resonate with fans after all these years? What is it about their music that makes it so compelling and enduring? The answer, I think, lies in their ability to tap into something primal and universal. Their music is a reflection of the darker aspects of the human experience: pain, suffering, loss, and despair. But it's also a testament to the human capacity for resilience, for the ability to find strength and hope even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Sludge metal at its core, is a genre that embraces the ugly, the uncomfortable, and the unflinching. It's not about escapism or fantasy; it's about confronting reality head-on. And EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR are two of the genre's most honest and uncompromising practitioners. They don't sugarcoat anything; they lay it all bare, in all its raw and brutal glory. This honesty is what makes their music so cathartic, so liberating. It's a way to acknowledge the darkness within ourselves and within the world, and to find a way to move forward. Their music isn't just heavy; it's emotionally resonant, creating a connection with listeners that transcends mere entertainment.

The influence of EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR on the metal scene is undeniable. They've inspired countless bands over the years, and their sound can be heard in everything from doom metal to hardcore punk. But their legacy extends beyond the musical realm. They've also helped to create a community, a culture of outsiders and misfits who have found solace and belonging in their music. This community is one of the most enduring legacies of sludge metal, a testament to the power of music to bring people together.

If you're new to sludge metal, EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR are the perfect place to start. Their music is challenging, confrontational, and sometimes downright unpleasant. But it's also incredibly rewarding. It's music that will make you think, make you feel, and maybe even make you question your own assumptions about the world. And if you're already a fan, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. You know the power of sludge, the feeling of being crushed by the weight of the riffs, the catharsis of the screamed vocals, the sense of community that comes from sharing this experience with others.

In conclusion, the EYEHATEGOD and CROWBAR show in Pittsburgh was a night to remember. It was a celebration of sludge metal, a testament to the enduring power of heavy music, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found in the chaos. If you ever get a chance to see these bands live, don't miss it. You won't be disappointed.