Eagles of Death Metal: The American Garage Rock Party Starters

Eagles of Death Metal is an American rock band known for their high-energy, riff-driven sound that blends garage rock, blues, and boogie. Formed in Palm Desert, California, the group gained a dedicated following through their raucous live shows and a series of albums that channel a timeless, foot-stomping rock 'n' roll spirit.

Early Career

The band was formed in 1998 by longtime friends Jesse Hughes (vocals, guitar) and Josh Homme (drums, backing vocals). Despite their name, Eagles of Death Metal does not play death metal; it is a tongue-in-cheek moniker for their brand of swaggering, simplified rock. Their debut album, "Peace, Love, Death Metal," was released in 2004 through Homme's own Rekords Rekords label, establishing their signature blend of catchy hooks and gritty guitar work.

Breakthrough

Eagles of Death Metal reached a wider audience with their second album, "Death by Sexy," released in 2006. This period saw the band's profile rise significantly in Europe, particularly in France, where their single "I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News)" found considerable success on alternative rock radio. The band's third album, "Heart On" (2008), continued their momentum, featuring a more polished production while maintaining their core garage rock energy.

Key Tracks

I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News) - This single became the band's most recognizable track, emblematic of their cheeky lyrics and driving rock rhythm.

Wannabe in L.A. - Featured on "Heart On," this song showcases the band's knack for anthemic choruses and sun-soaked, sleazy rock.

Speaking in Tongues - A standout from "Peace, Love, Death Metal," this track highlights the raw, lo-fi garage rock appeal of their early work.

The band's career was profoundly impacted by the tragic 2015 terrorist attack at their concert at the Bataclan in Paris, an event that deeply affected the members and their relationship with performing. They later returned to Paris to complete the show, documenting the experience. Their subsequent album, "Zipper Down" (2015), was their first in seven years and reflected a resilient, if more somber, version of their party-rock ethos.

Artists with a similar high-energy, riff-oriented style include Queens of the Stone Age, where Josh Homme serves as frontman. The band's garage rock swagger also finds parallels in the work of The Strokes. For a different take on desert rock, the heavier sounds of Kyuss are a key influence.