NOLA (1991-1995)
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.
[MetalUnderground.com http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=20514. Accessed 14 March 2007]
Along with
Megadeth, Down opened for
Heaven and Hell (featuring members of
Black Sabbath) on their 2007 Canadian tour.
[Blabbermouth.net http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=65651. Accessed 01 February 2007] During this tour, Down's March 13th set in Edmonton as well as every subsequent show were cancelled last minute as Phil developed
Strep Throat, much to the dissappointment of fans hoping to see them. 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, once again to much disappointment.
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 Hammerand a 4/5 in
Kerrang. Down are now planning to commence a 2 month tour of the
USA in support of the album.