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Down is an American heavy metal band formed in 1991. The band is composed of Phil Anselmo (ex-Pantera and Superjoint Ritual vocalist), Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity guitarist and vocalist), Kirk Windstein (Crowbar guitarist and vocalist), Rex Brown (ex-Pantera bassist), and Jimmy Bower (Crowbar drummer; Superjoint Ritual and Eyehategod guitarist).
History
Demo and Tape-trading (1991-1995)
After the formation of Down, a 3-track tape of songs, later to appear on their self-titled first album (including Bury Me in Smoke), was circulated by Pepper and Phil. The anonymity of the band was such that at one COC gig Pepper was handed a tape and told to "check this band out". Further tapes were made, and the band's reputation continued to grow. The band's initial fame thus came from an underground word-of-mouth tape-trade. [4]
NOLA (1995)
The first release was NOLA (for New Orleans, Louisiana) in 1995, an album combining a New Orleans "sludge doom" sound with distinct blues overtones. A short tour of 13 dates was undertaken shortly after the album's release. Following the tour, Down was put on hold to allow its members to return to their respective bands.
Down II (2001-2002)
The band regrouped in 2001 to record the more diverse album entitled Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow. The line-up was the same, apart from the replacement of Todd Strange with Rex Brown as bass player (It should be noted that Rex Brown had been in the band since 1999). Another tour was undertaken, both on their own and as part of Ozzfest in the summer of 2002. The band was then once more put on hold, as lead singer Anselmo wished to focus his efforts on Superjoint Ritual, which also featured Bower on guitar.
Down III (2006-Present)
Down have released a new studio album, named Down III: Over the Under. Anselmo is understood to be one of the driving forces behind the new album and is quoted as saying "I want my band back", in reference to Down. In a recent statement from bassist Rex Brown, Down will be re-releasing their debut album NOLA with Rex playing the bass tracks. He has also stated that both Down albums are going to be remastered and re-released.[3]
Down were the "secret" act at Download Festival 2006 in Donnington, England, playing the main stage on the Saturday morning, and along with Megadeth, they opened for Heaven and Hell (featuring members of Black Sabbath) on their 2007 Canadian tour.[4] During this tour, Down's March 13th Edmonton, March 14th Calgary and March 16th Regina shows were cancelled due to Phil developing Strep Throat.[5] The band has stated that they will be returning for "make-up" dates but has not added these dates on their new North American tour as of yet.
The entire Over the Under album leaked onto the internet on August 29 2007, and the album was released on September 25 2007 (a day earlier internationally). The album has been generally received positively by the music press, gaining a 10/10 review in Metal Hammer and a 4/5 in Kerrang. Down are now planning to commence a 2 month tour of the USA in support of the album.
Band members
- Phil Anselmo - Vocals
- Pepper Keenan - Guitar
- Kirk Windstein - Guitar
- Rex Brown - Bass
- Jimmy Bower - Drums
Former members
- Todd Strange - Bass
Discography
Albums
Year | Title | Label | U.S. Sales |
---|---|---|---|
1995 | NOLA | Elektra | 500,000 Gold [citation needed] |
2002 | Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow | Elektra | - |
2007 | Down III: Over the Under | Warner Bros. Records | 50,000 |
Singles
Year | Title | Album |
---|---|---|
1995 | "Stone the Crow" | NOLA |
1995 | "Temptation's Wings" | NOLA |
1996 | "Bury Me in Smoke" | NOLA |
2002 | "Beautifully Depressed" | Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow |
2002 | "Ghosts Along the Mississippi" | Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow |
2007 | "On March the Saints" | Down III: Over the Under |
Music videos
Year | Title | Album |
---|---|---|
1995 | "Stone the Crow" | NOLA |
1995 | "Temptations Wings" | NOLA |
2002 | "Ghosts Along the Mississippi" | Down II |
2007 | "On March The Saints" | Down III: Over the Under |
References
- ^ Down band page @ Encyclopaedia Metallum
- ^ Down - Nola review @ Metal Observer
- ^ MetalUnderground.com [1]. Accessed 14 March 2007
- ^ Blabbermouth.net [2]. Accessed 01 February 2007
- ^ Blabbermouth.net [3]