Down
III: Over The Under

LA RECENSIONE

I didn't know Down before the release of this album, and I must say I've discovered a great band...

In fact, this sort of all-stars team, which also includes Phil Anselmo (Pantera, do I need to say more?!) and other members of Corrosion Of Conformity, managed to deliver a truly phenomenal album in terms of hardness, coherence, and maturity. A great mix of metal, southern-rock, and classic hard rock like I hadn't heard in quite some time.

It's really hard to choose the best track among these as the whole album maintains such high levels: ranging from real monoliths like "n.o.d." and "Pyllamid" (truly powerful and dark) to slower, more expansive tracks like "Never Try" and "Nothing In Return (Walk Away)" without compromising quality below excellence.

Whether it's due to the tragic passing of Dimebag Darrell or the flood that swept through the band's hometown of New Orleans, in general, the whole album is imbued with an aura of melancholy, anger, but above all, in my opinion, pride.

It's impossible to remain indifferent before Phil's vocal lines in songs like "Mourn", "On March The Saints", or the aforementioned "Never Try".

At first listen, I was reminded of another classic of modern hard rock, that "Badmotorfinger" which the much-missed Soundgarden created in 1991, not only for the compactness and pride of the sound but also in the voice, which at times reminded me a lot of the first Chris Cornell.

In conclusion, an absolutely essential album for those who love hard rock that hits the heart and stomach.