Music review: Down - NOLA (1995)

Much mellower than my previous review! The foremost flag bearer for the southern metal genre and probably its best release. Written by a NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) scene supergroup made of members from Pantera, Crowbar, Eyehategod, Corrosion of Conformity and Goatwhore.

Its sound is quite special because to me, it's like you took Eyehategod's Dopesick-era groove, removed 99% of the sonic negativity (still there lyrically) and added a few cool interludes. Makes for a very relaxed but still captivating release, with very few duller moments and more quality riffs than what most bands can write in a lifetime.

The other quite distinctive feature is Phil Anselmo really sounding at his best here. Much more varied and interesting than his Pantera work. Seamlessly switching between grungy crooning and powerful screaming, always on point with the music.

Add a perfectly fitting production expertly balancing clarity and dirt, and you simply get a gem. Only reasons I'm giving it 8 is because it's overlong (could do without "Underneath Everything" and "Swan Song") and conceptually pretty weak: "just" a bunch of great songs, but not something that will open your musical chakras.