Down

Down is an American heavy metal supergroup formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1991 by a circle of close friends representing some of the most important names in Southern and extreme metal. The founding lineup brought together vocalist Phil Anselmo of Pantera, guitarist Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity, guitarist Kirk Windstein and bassist Todd Strange of Crowbar, and drummer Jimmy Bower of Eyehategod. The band launched in complete secrecy, distributing demo tapes without identifying who was on them and asking listeners if they had heard of this band Down. The tapes spread across the US until an Elektra Records executive attended one of their early shows, discovered the lineup, and signed them. Their debut album NOLA (1995), named for New Orleans Louisiana, became a landmark of Southern sludge metal rooted in Black Sabbath worship, New Orleans culture, and the personal weight of addiction and struggle. Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow (2002) was written and recorded in 28 days in Anselmo's barn. Rex Brown of Pantera served as bassist from 1999 to 2011, with Pat Bruders of Goatwhore taking over. Down III: Over the Under (2007) followed, along with the EPs Down IV Part I (2012) and Down IV Part II (2014). Kirk Windstein departed in 2013 and was replaced by Bobby Landgraf. The band has operated around multiple hiatuses but remains one of the most respected supergroups in metal history.