Eyehategod – The Obsessed – Antiseen Live at Little Harpeth Brewery Nashville, TN


Resting in one of the more industrial parts of East Nashville is the beloved Little Harpeth Brewery. They serve award-winning German lagers and occasionally host some of the best heavy metal shows in town. Their rugged, warehouse space filled with kegs and fermentation equipment makes a rather enjoyable environment for live music. Friday night their spacious taproom was abuzz with anticipation for one of the most notable NOLA acts in the world, Eyehategod. Along with the legendary groups, The Obsessed and Antiseen, Nashville was in for a real heavy treat.

Local act, Howling Giant started off the festivities for the evening. These lovable locals know how to claim the stage as their own. Their infectious groove, equitable eagerness, and boyish flare got the attention of the crowd. The heavy hitting fills on the drums and the complementary duels between bass and guitar separates this budding band from a lot of other young acts who are trying to do the same Rock ‘m Roll thing. Their fun, full sound was a great way to start off the night.

Punk rock pioneers, Antiseen took the stage next. Their casual presence and carefree attitude was refreshingly entertaining. The snap and speed from guitarist, Russ Ward got the attentive audience moving. The rowdy riffs and booming bass conjured a weighty fortitude that filled the warehouse to the brim. Their seasoned, Southern sound that is full of grit and grim prove how these guys, who have been around for thirty years, still have something to say. Next, The Obsessed swaggered onto the stage. With long, striking silver hair swaying, this experienced trio ripped raw and raunchy riffs that caught the ears of everyone in the beer palace. This East Coast act knows how to share stories in a blasé, no-nonsense manner. Frontman Scott “Wino” Weinrich’s gifted guitar playing and gravelly voice captivated the crowd. Their experienced ability and groove is a delectable feast of rough, rock rowdiness

Then the metal masters, Eyehategod ripped the room open. Their signature sludge and down tuned goodness shook the brewery as the band struck boldly into their set. Mike IX Williams’ screams swelled with spirit and the gritty groove that is EHG filled the senses. This NOLA act’s heat was as fierce as if the Louisiana sun itself was shining directly on you. There’s a darkness, warmth, and rare sentiment in their performance. Forming thirty years ago, the love of what they do is still evident in their convicted conveyance of their music. Age and wear, though apparent, are not a hindrance in this band’s ability to present the heaviness of their sound. To see three illustrious bands who have all been through so much, still play with such care and heart is truly inspiring. There was a humble vibe in the air as fans and artists communed together over heavy metal. It was a special night in Nashville and here’s hoping to thirty years more for each one of these honest, hard-working bands.

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ROSIE WALKER