DOWN — NOLA (review)

DOWN — NOLA album cover Album · 1995 · Stoner Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"NOLA" is the debut full-length studio album by US metal act Down. The album was released through Elektra Records in September 1995. Down were formed in 1991 by lead vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist Pepper Keenan, guitarist Kirk Windstein, bassist Todd Strange, and drummer Jimmy Bower. All seasoned veterans of the New Orleans scene (and old friends) and active in acts like Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, and Eyehategod. The band recorded a three-song demo, which they handed out to fans at shows when playing with their daytime job bands, without telling the fans they themselves were playing on the demo. That way the demo and the Down name were spread in the metal underground. It wasn´t until an Elektra Records representative attended a one-of Down show in New Orleans that they band got signed. "NOLA" was a successful release and Down gathered for a 13-date tour, before returning to their main acts again.

The band members originally formed Down because of their mutual love for heavy doomy music like Black Sabbath and Trouble, but on "NOLA" they inject the heavy riffs and rhythms with a sourthern stoner groove and Anselmo´s distinct sounding aggressive vocals (although he also sings more clean and melodic here). It´s a massive heavy sound with a great organic groove. Ultra heavy blues based rock music featuring catchy heavy riffs, groove laden heavy rhythms, and recognisable vocal melodies. Although the heavy groove based riffs are quite dominant in the soundscape, the band successfully incorporate more mellow and laid back moments too. A dynamic songwriting approach which is great for the variation of the album. The stoned mellow moments also go well with the often drug themed lyrics and songtitles like "Hail the Leaf", "Rehab" and "Bury Me in Smoke".

The sound production is raw, organic, and heavy. Personally I´m not a huge fan of the guitar tone, but it´s a subjective observation, and "NOLA" is arguably a well produced release, and the sound production suits the material well. Upon conclusion "NOLA" is a quality stoner metal release by Down. It´s well performed, well produced, and well written, so a 3.5 star (70%) rating isn´t all wrong.
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