Eye Scream

by Henry Rollins

"Work on Eye Scream started in 1986. I was crossing America constantly and
experiencing the morality shifts, attitudes, and rituals in different parts
of the country - the difference in the way people were in the Bible Belt as
opposed to New York City, the way blacks and whites interfaced, the
intolerance of homosexuality, the morality plays. I started to become aware
of how brutal the country is and how much ferocity, cruelty, and oppression
are inherent in the culture and how much of it was in me. I wanted to
document it and create a book that brought the whole thing to a boil and see w
here it left me off. In the summer of 1995, I finished the book and started
to edit. Re-reading the manuscript over and over, I realized all the things I
had picked up over a decade of playing Devil's advocate and it was inspiring
because it clearly defined who my enemies are. As an American, I feel it
impossible not to be infuriated by the way things are and have been. I refuse
to be happy about the day-to-day and go along with it. There's too much
spitting in my face and too much spitting in the faces of people who don't
know any other way of life. This book is brutal, and at times, funny. I know
that I will probably get a ton of shit for Eye Scream. Enjoy, or better
yet... don't." ---- Henry Rollins

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Music, Collections, Punk, Philosophy

219 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 1996

About the author

Henry Rollins (born Henry Lawrence Garfield; often referred to simply as Rollins) is an American singer-songwriter, spoken word artist, author, actor and publisher.

After joining the short-lived Washington, D.C. band State of Alert in 1980, Rollins fronted the Californian hardcore punk band Black Flag from 1981 until 1986. Following the band's breakup, Rollins soon established the record label and publishing company 2.13.61 to release his spoken word albums, as well as forming the Rollins Band, which toured with a number of lineups until 2003 and during 2006.

Since Black Flag, Rollins has embarked on projects covering a variety of media. He has hosted numerous radio shows, such as The Henry Rollins Show and Harmony In My Head, and television shows, such as MTV's 120 Minutes and Jackass, along with roles in several films. Rollins has also campaigned for human rights in the United States, promoting gay rights in particular, and tours overseas with the United Service Organizations to entertain American troops.

Reviews

[Lance Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Henry and this was the first book that I ever finished as a kid that made me want to be a writer someday. I always held it up on a pedestal.

That being said, it just didn’t have the same effect reading it at this point in my life. It’s still a good read but it wasn’t the same life changing experience it was when I read it 20+ years ago. I still appreciate the hell out of it though.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full-on ranting. Close to a primal scream, but for the fact that the speaker is still able to form coherent sentences.

Acquired Sept 5, 2007
Powell's City of Books, Portland, OR

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Chicken Soup for the Misanthrope's Soul from Mr. Sunshine himself.

[Frank Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always feel bad writing or talking about Henry Rollins' books. As a long time devotee of Black Flag, Rollins Band and Henry's spoken word efforts it kills me that I can only give Eye Scream 3-stars. Don't even wish to list the ones I would rate less.

But I don't dismiss his writing, and continue to read his new stuff, because the real magic of a Rollins book is't the story: it's the inspirational power. At least for me. You see, I try to be a guy who writes from his gut - not from polished (read: self-censored) idealism - and Henry Rollins is as good at that as anyone. So three-stars overall stars or not his stuff is always a treat of raw emotion & naturalism; and whether you side with his perspective or not he has a way of setting your own views on fire.

Grab Eye Scream or Black Coffee Blues or Get in the Van or Solipsist and have some fucking fun reading.

Jackass on a Camel: Fossils, Freaks & Mayhem in the Cradle of Mankind

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this edition, Hank is extremely crazed and angry from the get-go. This book is like a truck ride down a pothole filled road, where you want it to stop because you feel like you're going to be sick, but yet want it to keep going because you're having so much fun!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the poetry and images are disturbing in this one. I found myself reading through a part, then immediately going back and reading it again just to make sure it was really what it said. It does make you take a step back and look at yourself and your perspective on life. Interesting read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

disturbing? yes, and then some. Eye opening? Unfortunately, yes. Did my eyes scream? Yes. and they still hurt. Rollins is AMAZING.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st Read: October 9, 1997 - October 21, 1997 (***** Rating)

This is my first Henry Rollins book of which I connected to quite unexpectedly. I was well aware of who Henry Rollins is as the vocalist for Black Flag and the Rollins Band, as well as the actor, and the Spoken Word/Poet. I ate this shit up completely!

After I'd finished this book, somehow I couldn't disagree that I agreed with much of what his viewpoints are in this world. In some regard, we are cut from the same block of stone, having been affected by things that make us feel the way we feel, and do the things we do. Even more though, why we are the kind of people who love and hate the solitude we exist and live in.

At the same time, we are not that hateful that we deny the existence of goodness and beauty in the world. I see it and feel it everyday living near the mountainous regions of Canada. It can't always be bad and negative. Those negative things and people are out there as much as the positive things and people which are out there.

This is a definite keeper in my collection. I hope to acquire more of his books and also catch him live on a spoken word tour soon. He's not for everyone and to those people I say, "Go and see your Jim Carrey types then!"

2nd Read: October 11, 2017 - October 31, 2017 (** Rating)

I didn't care for this book half as much as I did the first time, twenty years ago. My head was in a different place at that point in time and today, I no longer have the sentiment of that first review. Time does indeed change people.

[Stephen Holland · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve always been a big fan of Henry Rollins. He’s a nonstop worker and I think his spoken word stuff is where he really shines. I quite like his travel writings as well and his autobiographical books are always good. But unfortunately, when it comes to his writing, I think works like Eye Scream show him at his weakest.

It raw and it’s angry but a lot of it feels like it has no purpose.

It sometimes come across as quite misogynistic and I know from hearing him speak that’s not really him, he’s a very empathetic person, but I guess he’s trying to get everything onto the page and isn’t worrying about self-censoring himself at all.

I feel like over the years Rollin’s has mellowed out a lot and isn’t quite as bitter or angry at the world and humanity as he once was. I’d like to know how he feels about this book now it’s been a couple of decades since it’s publication. I’ll continue to read his stuff, he’s got a voice no one else has, but this is the book by him I’ve enjoyed the least.

[Kenneth]

Audio CD

[Siamese Twin Cobra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Everything" is like Travis Bickel's unfiltered memoir if he was from LA and not NY. Be prepared.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

lowkey fucked up but that’s also just the way he is

[Alex Ankarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this one. Pretty intense. That's Henry for ya.

[Grant Kanigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most disturbing book I've ever read, this visceral, profane, occasionally profound work will stick in your mind for ages. Exploring themes from pop culture to sexism, abuse to love, Rollins truly comes into his own as a poet. Powerful literature, but be warned: this is depressing and violent stuff that's best read when you're not in a depressed mood.

[merryxmas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fived because I was very surprised at how good his writing truly is. His music sucks so I was thinking jesus this is gonna blow but someone recommended it to me very emphatically. I was enthralled. His show is funny too.

[Gary Scott Gebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm just going to say Henry Rollins is an interesting cat -

[Robin Burton · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I’m familiar with Henry Rollins as the singer of the band Black Flag, but his professional career is extensive. Maybe writing isn’t his strong suit? At least in my opinion. It surprised me he wrote this at 25, because the misogynistic ramblings were reminiscent of teenage angst of a boy who had gotten through his first heartbreak or dealt with so much rejection that he turned his hatred outward. Overall it felt repetitive and draining to read, but I might give his other works a try another time.

[Jason Kordyban · Rating 4 out of 5]

A disjointed collection of dark thoughts and stories. As eye opening as it is disturbing, it feels like a search for optimism in a sea of misanthropy, a hope for understanding despite the pessimism and violence. This book is a great companion for your own dark mood, forcing a larger perspective of "civilization" into your mind (pair it with a band like Ringworm for even greater effect).

[Jonathan Lollis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depravity, anger, violence, solitude are only a few words I thought of while reading Eye Scream.
This book can change someone's mind on whether they love/ hate Rollins.

Oh yea.. His disdain for cops is without question, fueled by hatred. Countless pages are dedicated to their violent removal. Be warned.

[Sellmeagod · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like everything else-Rollins, it will make you feel miserable, and it's so blunt as to be almost artless. But, at the same time, there are some very human feelings expressed in a more direct way than anyone else would be willing to do, so I can't say it's without merit.

[Martin Fleming · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grim

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

so far i am enjoying this greatly...trying not to compare it to "Roomanitarian", the latest release, which is hard. :D

[Greg s · Rating 4 out of 5]

short stories & dreams.

[Nina! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry Rollins is crazy

[Karl Steffey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eye Scream by Henry Rollins (1996)

[Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

So disappointing compared to other books by him. Maybe I just wasn't deep enough to get it.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

More complaining from Rollins.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is where Henry really expanded his writing talents.