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Down

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Band Timeline

1991

Formation of Down band

Down was formed in 1991 in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a heavy metal supergroup. The original lineup included vocalist Phil Anselmo from Pantera, drummer Jimmy Bower of Eyehategod, guitarists Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity and Kirk Windstein of Crowbar, and bassist Todd Strange also from Crowbar. The members were longtime friends with shared musical influences including Black Sabbath and Trouble. They initially created a three-track demo that they distributed underground to build a fan base, leading to a record deal with Elektra Records after a local show drew a record executive's attention.
1995

Release of debut album NOLA and initial tour

On September 19, 1995, Down released their debut album titled NOLA. The album debuted at number 55 on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim for its blend of heavy metal styles, with standout tracks including "Temptations Wings," "Stone the Crow," and "Bury Me in Smoke." The album was recognized as a landmark in heavy metal, praised for the musicianship of dedicated rock artists combining their talents. To support NOLA, the band embarked on a 13-date tour. Following the tour, the band entered a hiatus as members returned to their other projects.
1999

Lineup change and hiatus period

In 1999, during an indefinite hiatus, bassist Todd Strange left Down and was replaced by Rex Brown, previously of Pantera. The band members were engaged in their separate musical careers during this period. The lineup change set the stage for the band's eventual return from hiatus to record new material, signaling the beginning of their next creative phase.
2002

Release of Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow and Ozzfest tour

After returning from hiatus in late 2001, Down recorded their second album, Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow, in just 28 days at vocalist Phil Anselmo's barn known as 'Nödferatu's Lair.' Released on March 26, 2002, the album received mixed reviews, with some critics noting a less cohesive composition compared to their debut. Despite the criticism, the album debuted at number 44 on the Billboard 200. To support the album, Down toured the second stage of Ozzfest in 2002, reaching a broad metal audience. This period highlighted the band's raw and intense creative energy, even as they faced challenges maintaining the same acclaim as their previous work.
2006-2007

Reformation and release of Down III: Over the Under

In 2006, Down reformed after signing with Warner Bros. Records and spent about a year writing new material. The lyrics of their third album, Down III: Over the Under, touched on heavy personal and social themes, including the breakup of Pantera, the tragic murder of Pantera's guitarist Dimebag Darrell, the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and Phil Anselmo's struggles with back surgery and addiction recovery. Released on September 25, 2007, the album debuted at number 26 on the Billboard 200 and was met with generally positive reviews, reaffirming the band's influence and evolving sound in the heavy metal scene.
2012-2014

Release of Down IV – Part I and Part II EPs

Building on their legacy, Down began working on new material in 2008, leading to the release of two EPs: Down IV – Part I in September 2012 and Down IV – Part II in May 2014. These EPs continued to showcase the band's heavy metal roots and songwriting prowess, sustaining their presence in the metal community while exploring new creative directions. The releases were well received by fans and helped maintain the band's relevance in the evolving metal landscape.

Albums

down_1st_album
NOLA
13 tracks
1995
down_2nd_album
Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow…
15 tracks
2002
down_4th_album
Down II
15 tracks
2002
down_3rd_album
Down III: Over the Under
13 tracks
2007
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jimmy Bower

1991

Drums (drum set)

Patrick Bruders

2011

Bass guitar

Pepper Keenan

1991

Guitar

Phil Anselmo

1991

Lead vocals

Bobby Landgraf

2013

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Rex Brown

1999
2011

Bass guitar

Kirk Windstein

1991
2013

Guitar

Todd Strange

1991
1999

Bass guitar

Story of Down

Down: A Heavy Metal Supergroup From the Bayou

Down, a legendary American heavy metal supergroup, emerged from the swamps of New Orleans in 1991. This powerhouse lineup features vocal titan Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Superjoint Ritual), powerhouse drummer Jimmy Bower (Crowbar, Eyehategod, Superjoint Ritual), guitarists Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity) and Kirk Windstein (Crowbar), and bassist Pat Bruders (Goatwhore).

These musical titans, all friends with shared roots in classic heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath, Trouble, and Saint Vitus, crafted a sound that resonated with a raw, blues-infused heaviness. Their early days saw them circulating a three-track demo, anonymously distributing it amongst metal fans. This tactic, a guerilla marketing campaign spearheaded by Anselmo and Keenan, helped build anticipation for their debut.

From Swamp Roots to Global Recognition

Their self-titled debut, NOLA (1995), became a landmark album in the heavy metal scene, showcasing Down's signature blend of doom, sludge, and southern rock. The band went on to release three more full-length albums, Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow (2002) and Down III: Over the Under (2007), further solidifying their legacy.

A Legacy of Heaving Riffs and Intricate Rhythms

In 2008, Down delved into new material, culminating in two EPs, Down IV - Part I (2012) and Down IV - Part II (2014). These releases served as a testament to their unwavering dedication to crafting heavy, atmospheric music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Down's influence on the heavy metal landscape is undeniable. Their unique blend of genres, coupled with their ferocious live performances and the undeniable charisma of its members, has cemented their place as one of the most influential and respected heavy metal bands of all time.

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