Melvins Fete Eyehategod at Housecore Horror

The death of Eyehategod drummer Joey LaCaze cast a shadow over metal this year, and many expected the New Orleans legacy to pull out of its Housecore Horror set next month. Instead, Dale Crover – sticksman with the fest’s newly added Melvins – will be filling his seat in a tribute set.

The art-noise-rock pioneers are now opening for Gwar on Saturday, Oct. 26, replacing NOLA sludge pioneers Crowbar. Along with the Melvins, classic NY Seventies metal homagers Blood Farmers have also been added to the lineup.

It’s an especially significant appearance for Eyehategod. The band planned to celebrate its 25th anniversary at Housecore, and LaCaze’s death from asthma-related respiratory failure logically should’ve snuffed those hopes. With Crover’s addition, festival co-founder Philip H. Anselmo said, “Dammit, you know you have to see this unique performance.”

In a text this morning, fest manager Corey Mitchell wrote, “Tragic circumstances sometimes lead to moments of genius,” and that the event will be a “wonderful celebration for Joey,” as well as another sadly lost Texas metal mainstay, Mike Scaccia.

There’ll be a lot more time with the Eyehategod crew: Vocalist Mike Williams will give a spoken word performance and signing for his book, Cancer as a Social Activity. And on the opening Friday night, guitarist Jimmy Bower will be hammering the skins for his other gig: Anselmo’s doom-y, gloomy Down.

Housecore Horror Film Festival runs Oct. 24-27. More info at housecorehorrorfilmfestival.com.