Review

Down - Down III: Over The Under

11.01.2008 | Cam | 0 Comments

Genre: Metal/Rock/Stoner
For Fans Of: Pantera – Corrosion Of Conformity - Eyehategod
Favourite Songs: Three Suns And One Star – N.O.D. – In The Thrall Of It All
Running Time: 57:50
Year: 2007
Website Link: http://www.down-nola.com
Myspace Link: http://www.myspace.com/downnola

Score: 90

Smoke riffs…

REVIEW.

At the height of Pantera’s popularity Phil Anselmo and RexBrown got together with some friends – no one important, just a few guys from Crowbar, Corrosion Of Conformity and Eyehategod – and formed a band called Down.

After dropping their debut record Nola in 1995 we didn’t hear any new music from the band for seven years, but at the tail end of 2002 Phil and co kindly delivered their third and quite possibly strongest album to date. You can stop looking for the soundtrack to your next bar fight, coz this is it!

If you’re a fan of Down’s previous work then you are going to love Over The Under. The band’s trademark groove is as strong as ever and the quality of the riffs is second to none, however it’s the more bluesy, almost “classic rock” moments that will make this record appealing to people outside of the metal community.

The thumping drums and guitar feedback that introduce “Three Suns And One Star” is a gentle introduction to the sleazy riffs that are about to come through your speakers. Throw that into the mix with Phil’s crooning vocals and you’ve got yourself one hell of a song.

“The Path” sounds like Pepper Keenan (Corrosion Of Conformity) and Kirk Windstein’s (Crowbar) guitars have been smoking as much weed as they do… never has the term “sludge” been a more appropriate description for a series of guitar parts! The rumbling bass line of “N.O.D.” gives the song a solid foundation to build from, and the remainder of the band happily oblige as you’re hit with riff after southern inspired riff.

Too many heavy bands make the mistake of over producing their albums and end up sucking the life out of their own songs. Down is one band that understands the importance of capturing the raw intensity of their live show on record, and “I Scream” is a prime example. Every instrument cuts through the mix and is perfectly audible but there’s still a natural energy present on each track that cannot be ignored, especially in the mid paced drive and chorus of “On March The Saints”, which is one of the catchiest things Down have written in their decade long existence.

As I mentioned earlier, the band’s fascination with classic rock has allowed them to significantly diversify their sound. “Never Try” could have been written by the resident band at the sleaziest New Orleans bar, while Phil’s vocal performance in “Beneath The Tides” is reminiscent of Chris Cornell’s (Soundgarden) throaty melodies.

CONCLUSION.

If I’d reviewed Over The Under in 2007 I have no doubt that it would have made my top 10 list. Sonically the record is flawless and there isn’t a weak track on offer. A worthy addition to any record collection!