Eyehategod / Exhorder / Hans Condor @ Empire Underground, 8/25/2024

Eyehategod, the sludge metal legends from NOLA, hit up Albany, New York’s Empire Underground on August 25th, 2024, as part of their headlining Turn Troubled Tables US Tour. They are touring with support from veteran NOLA metal band Exhorder and opening act, Nashvilles Tennessees own Hans Condor.

The Nashville trio Hans Condor took the stage to an eager crowd. Performing a highly energetic, heavy, in your face, loud, and at times comedic set to the crowd of innocent bystanders. They momentarily broke into a rendition of the opening of War Pigs by Black Sabbath. The frontman jumped into an opening in the crowd and performed his intensity into the audience that surrounded him. Hans Condor proved that they have the essence of rock n’ roll and punk rock. The Nashville traveling musicians definitely left their mark on Upstate NY by leaving the crowd wanting more.

NOLA Thrash Metal Groove Titans, Exhorder performed a flawless set showing Albany why they are revered as the originators of the thrash-groove sound. This marked Exhorder’s debut performance in Albany, NY, and the significant impact they have on the NOLA music scene was clearly evident to the crowd. Kyle Thomas, frontman and guitarist is the bands sole consistent member. Exhorder had all eyes on them with Sasha Horn solidifying the tempo of the Groove on the drums, Jason Viebrocks bass rattling heads, and Pat O’Briens face melting solos and leads. Kyle Thomas displayed a force to be reckoned with as the leader of the band and proving to Albany why Exhorder is one of the top tier metal bands to visit the area. Their new album, Defectum Omnium, was released on March 8, 2024.

Sludge metal Veterans and one of the most notable bands to ever come out of the NOLA metal scene, Eyehategod treated Empire Underground to a dose of self-medicated blues and suffering to close out the night. The powerful riffs of Jimmy Bower matched with Gary Madar on bass shook the concrete walls and floors of the venue. Combined with Aaron Hills Groove of madness on drums and Mike IX Williams vocal agony, Eyehategod delightfully bombed the crowd with walls of distortion and feedback. The Nola Veterans were feeding off the energy of the crowd performing a solid set without missing a step. The conclusion of every song ended with a huge roar from the crowd proving why Eyehategod is one of the premiere underground heavy metal bands on tour and is a must-see live act. Eyehategod will be finishing off the last leg of The Turn Troubled Tables Tour through the Northeast and North Central of the United States with their last scheduled show for September 1st in Chicago Illinois.

Photography by Rachael Skinner.