Review Summary: Nola is a benchmark for southern metal..
Far too often I hear bands trying to put out a record for the sole purpose of putting out records. Bands trying to achieve a godlike level of reverence will try and be faster, heavier, and more mindless than anyone else in the modern music scene. When you wonder where you can find passion, and a band making music because they enjoy it, look to this record.
As a group of already established musicians, Down is what a “supergroup” should be. Consisting of members of Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Eyehategod and Crowbar, Down releases a southern metal album that should be looked upon as a benchmark. It’s obvious that this record was made because these five guys enjoy playing music together. Not once does the album cease to feel like you could open up a garage door and find these guys jamming out in a basement.
From start to finish, 'Nola' is filled with bluesy southern riffs, powerful drums, vocals that range beyond the norm for Anselmo, and some downright enjoyable musicianship. You can’t help but pick up on the chemistry that the band has while listening, and it’s infectious. Instantly the album has a certain ‘Southern Charm’ to it.
The musicianship on this album is impressive, by every member of the band. The chunky riffs and grooves are rooted in southern rock, and broken up by some bluesy leads and solos. What I really enjoyed and respected out of Keenan and Windstein, is their ability to play without becoming pretentious. The attention is never put on ridiculous shredding, but instead, soulful leads and solos that avoid following the same blues scale over and over. The drums are a powerful backbone to the songs. Jimmy Bower does a great job of staying within the tone of the band, setting the pace for the album.
I’d say that the biggest surprise of this album is Anselmo’s vocal work. It is nothing short of spectacular. His shrieks, hollers, and more emotive clean singing provide an incredible experience for the listener. On Nola, Anselmo finds a range that strays away from his normal performances with Pantera.
All in all, this album is dirty, sludge-filled southern metal album that should be looked upon as one of the defining albums of the genre, if the not the defining album. The appeal of 'Nola' is instantaneous. Whether it’s slow and heavy riffs, intricate guitar work, methodical drumming, or true southern rock vocals you desire, this album is for you.
