Phil Anselmo will step in as frontman for Eyehategod’s two upcoming performances in place of Mike IX Williams who is recovering from health issues.

Eyehategod was formed in 1988, and is one of the most notable American sludge metal bands from the New Orleans scene. The bands members have been mostly the same since their start, with the exception of their bass guitarist and deceased former drummer Joey LaCaze. The current members of the band include Mike IX Williams (lead singer), Jimmy Bower (guitar), Brian Pattom (guitar), Gary Mader (bass), and Aaron Hill (drums). Eyehategod’s sound features heavy guitars and harsh, painful vocals, which the band says has come from their influences Black Sabbath, Melvins, Carnivore, Black Flag, and more. Eyehategod released their fifth self-title album through Phil Anselmo’s record label Housecore Records. At the time, Phil Anselmo spoke about bringing Eyehategod onto the label via Blabbermouth,”Being a part of the new Eyehategod’s record is a dream come true. I’ve known, supported and loved the guys for almost as long as I’ve been playing music myself, and it is our pleasure here at the Housecore Records compound to have ’em aboard. And I gotta mention, this is the Eyehategod record every true fan has been waiting for”. Eyehategod’s Mike IX Williams spoke about the decision to bring Anselmo on in his place,”Due to some recent very important health issues I am dealing with, I would like to announce that Philip H. Anselmo will be filling in for me at these two special Eyehategod gigs. Phil has my full blessings for these shows and with all forces willing, I will return to the stage as soon as I am physically able.”

Philip Anselmo’s connection to Eyehategod explains why he was chosen to take the lead singers role during his time of leave. Anselmo will have no issue taking over, because he himself has a great background in the rock genre. Anselmo took over for Pantera’s frontman Terrence Lee back in 1987 when the band decided to go in a different direction with their music. After almost a decade, Pantera decided to go on hiatus in 2001 after their final album, titled Reinventing the Steel. Pantera then released their best-of album in 2003, titled The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys’ Vulgar Hits!, which featured songs from the albums Anselmo was involved in, three cover tracks, and a DVD. After the breakup, Anselmo ventured into his longtime side project, Superjoint Ritual. Many fans believe that this move by Anselmo was the reason for the breakup of the beloved Pantera band, and it led to arguments between Anselmo and Dimebag Darrell. After Superjoint Ritual, Anselmo joined his current main recording and touring band Down in 2006. Most recently, Anselmo has gotten himself under heat over his “white power” remarks during Dimebag Darrell’s Dimedash event, in which he has now apologized.

List of Anselmo’s Eyehategod Performances:
8/19: New Orleans, LA – Southport Music Hall
8/20: Richmond, VA – Gwar B-Q