Biography
Philadelphia's Eye Flys channel an unrelenting pursuit of sonic extremity through their dark, intense, and punishing approach. The quartet draws from metal's core elements—dense guitars, thick bass, thunderous drumming, and barking vocals—yet amplifies their weight without relying on rapid pacing. Drawn from established grindcore outfits, the group pursues a deliberately slower and denser path, a direction fully realized on their 2020 debut full-length, Tub of Lard. Once live venues resumed operations after the COVID-19 shutdown, Eye Flys spent nearly two years on the road. In 2023 they tracked their self-titled second album at Developing Nations studio before its January 2024 release on Thrill Jockey.
The band took its name from a Melvins song that strongly shaped their style. Guitarist Spencer Hazard, previously known for his role in Full of Hell, and drummer Patrick Forrest, formerly of Backslider, started the project with an interest in forceful, uncompromising music that traded speed for bruising impact. They completed the lineup by bringing in guitarist and vocalist Jake Smith, another Backslider alumnus, and bassist Kevin Bernsten from Triac. The new members quickly assembled material for a six-song EP titled Context, which Thrill Jockey issued in September 2019 ahead of a short tour. Their first album, Tub of Lard, followed on the same label in 2020.
Although the pandemic continued when that debut appeared, touring became possible in 2021 and lasted roughly two years. Returning to Bernsten's Developing Nations studio in 2023, the band captured their sophomore effort, whose heavier sonic assault now paired with lyrics that directly addressed the strains of contemporary existence and the worldwide damage wrought by late-stage capitalism. Thrill Jockey released Eye Flys in January 2024.
The band took its name from a Melvins song that strongly shaped their style. Guitarist Spencer Hazard, previously known for his role in Full of Hell, and drummer Patrick Forrest, formerly of Backslider, started the project with an interest in forceful, uncompromising music that traded speed for bruising impact. They completed the lineup by bringing in guitarist and vocalist Jake Smith, another Backslider alumnus, and bassist Kevin Bernsten from Triac. The new members quickly assembled material for a six-song EP titled Context, which Thrill Jockey issued in September 2019 ahead of a short tour. Their first album, Tub of Lard, followed on the same label in 2020.
Although the pandemic continued when that debut appeared, touring became possible in 2021 and lasted roughly two years. Returning to Bernsten's Developing Nations studio in 2023, the band captured their sophomore effort, whose heavier sonic assault now paired with lyrics that directly addressed the strains of contemporary existence and the worldwide damage wrought by late-stage capitalism. Thrill Jockey released Eye Flys in January 2024.
Albums
Singles
