EYEHATEGOD

EYEHATEGOD

Any record review worth a damn should begin with an album that means something to the person.  I am going to spare you any “This record saved my life!” moments as well, because, if anything, this record was the soundtrack to a very bleak era of my life characterized by alcohol, stupidity, pawn shops, and an unwavering pursuit of oblivion.  So, I give you EYEHATEGOD’s “Take as Needed for Pain.”

There is something buried in the layers of sludge, down tuned guitars, feedback, and screaming that seemed to fit my descent into a very Bukowski-like lifestyle.  Most days I would show up to work still half drunk and stoned to go through the motions required of me to earn a paycheck.  Immediately after payday, I would spend the weekend drinking Budweiser, smoking like a freight train while EHG blared from my stereo.  It was like always having good company around you; the kind of company that always approves of your self-destruction and never seems to pass judgment. 

Welcome to Sketch Town, bubba.     

I am not trying to glorify or recommend that kind of lifestyle to anyone.  However, EHG will always serve as a good soundtrack if you find yourself in that kind of situation.  Below I have listed a few key points to serve as a guide to help the reader determine if they are currently in similar a situation:

·         Missing work due to massive hangovers/ Still too intoxicated to work

·         Using change to buy booze

·         More of your possessions are in the pawn shop than at your house

·          Planning ways to screw people over for your own amusement

·         Secretly hating everyone around you

·         Random acts of vandalism past the age of 30

This music is not for the faint of heart.  It is not necessarily even intended for “happy” people. Those suburban wasters who are happy to spend their weekends agonizing over which type of shrub or bush will complete their “backyard oasis” at the local mega-home improvement outlet store.  It is not for those who worry about how high-interest rates will affect their 30 year mortgage, while still allowing sufficient funds for their wife’s long overdue breast augmentation.  

You don’t listen to EHG on the golf course.  You don’t listen to EHG on your way to Old Navy. You don’t listen to EHG while you are crying to psychiatrist about how your mom never showed you any affection and how your dad forgot your birthday.  You listen to this band when you have given up and you don’t give a fuck anymore.  You suck up your problems and accept your broken, hopeless lot in life.  You gather up all your loose change, decide what items will go to the pawn shop today, call the guy who gets things, and you chase oblivion.  

Chris