When it comes to so-called heavy metal supergroups, a lot of them usually don’t last long. But for New Orleans’ Down – made up of Ex-Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, Corrosion of Conformity guitarist Pepper Keenan, Crowbar guitarist Kirk Windstein, and Eyehategod drummer Jimmy Bower – there has been something special that has kept them unified for over 15 years.

This September marked the release of the band’s third album, Down III -Over the Under, one of the most anticipated and worth-the-wait metal albums of this year. Without a doubt the most emotional record we have heard thus far from Down, "Over the Under" finds optimism through tragedy, inspired by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina on their hometown of New Orleans and the loss of loved ones including Ex-Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell.

Down have, over the years, proven to be more than just a supergroup. They have become an entity all their own, strong enough to stand through time, driven by passionate music that continually touches the sole. A true testament that good heavy metal just won’t die.


MethodShop.com Interview with Down drummer Jimmy Bower:

Is it true on your new tour, you are playing sets up to two hours long? Isn't that hard to do night after night?

No, ‘cause we’re amazing. No really, it’s an honor to be able to play as long as we like.

Why the decision to do a solo tour without any opening acts?

We never really like doing the evening with ‘cause we can manipulate kids easier..... it’s cool to see the reaction from the fans when they see their parents in the crowd of the videos we’re playing.

Does a live Down set consist of songs from your other bands as well, or do you keep things strictly Down?

Strictly Down. It’s a Down show.

Did Katrina inspire you guys to get going on the new record "Over the Under"?

When you get as low as Katrina made us, you have no way to go but up. We were gonna make a killer record anyway.

Why was it important for you to get out of Louisiana and go to California to record?

No, just more realistic. All the studios in NOLA (New Orleans, LA.) were either washed away by Katrina or booked up. I don't know if we'll do it again, but it was cool...

How have things such as Katrina, the passing of Dimebag and Phil's recent back surgery influenced the outcome of Down III?

It was really hard for everyone, but the way we bounced back has and will continue to fuel us. We, as a unit, bonded and jammed our way out of any depression we had.

How did Rex’s joining affect Down musically?

Tremendously. Being the drummer, Rex is the kind of bass player any drummer would love to swing with. He is also a true brother and cannot be replaced.

I noticed in Phil's biography of Down on your web site, he often refers to the 'telepathy' between band members....

We always have a good connection that only has grown stronger and will always be our secret weapon.

Is it mostly the demand from fans that has kept Down going for 12 years?

More like our need for each other. We are all so close that we enjoy every year that stacks up. I hope we stomp on forever....

At what point did Down turn from a side-project to a main focus?

Down has always been a real band. Just now everyone else is realizing it.

I saw an interview with Pepper in which he made the comment that heavy music doesn't necessarily have to be negative all the time, and some of today's heavy bands could learn from this. How does Down talk about negative things in a positive way, and how important is music as a form of therapy for Down?

Negativity comes in many forms. Musically it's easy to vent that, but lyrically Phil is genius at that. His way of sending his message out is, to me, poetic. Music will always be therapy for us. It's what we bonded on in the first place and keeps us going at the present.

Did touring with Black Sabbath have any affect on you guys as musicians? Did it inspire you in any way?

Of course it did, it was the biggest thing ever in my life. Anyone that knows me knows that. Sabbath are, and will always be, the lord our savior in riff. They treated us great and are true heroes of the band.

Everyone in the music industry has a different take on selling digital music online. Bands like Tool and Radiohead don't currently offer their catalog in the iTunes Music Store. Trent Rezner from Nine Inch Nails couldn't care less and offers his songs free online and encourages people to share his music. And artists like Alanis Morissette and 3 Doors Down have recorded exclusive albums that are only sold on iTunes. As a both musicians and songwriters, how do you feel about digital music?

Music is about freedom at $16.99 a pop. Avenues for music will always change. Just go with the flow...

	Down - Over the Under (2007) To hear a song sample, click on your flag. 01. Three Suns And One Star 02. The Path 03. N.O.D. 04. I Scream 05. On March the Saints 06. Never Try 07. Mourn 08. Beneath the Tides 09. His Majesty the Desert 10. Pillamyd 11. In the Thrall Of It All 12. Nothing In Return (Walk Away)

What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you guys on stage?

For me, my teeth falling out on stage took the cake. I can’t speak for anyone else.

Finish this sentence: We want all our fans to...

Spread the Down message, for it is the light and way of this world.

This item is available for purchase from Amazon.com Jimmy Bower is known in some circles as the "Godfather of Southern Metal" for his involvement in the New Orleans Metal and Hardcore scene. While he started off drumming in the 80's New Orleans hardcore band Shell Shock, Jimmy Bower has also been a large part in the histories of bands such as Corrosion of Conformity and Crowbar as a touring drummer. For more information, check out: http://www.down-nola.com/ Rating: Requirements: Functional ears and a love for southern sludge metal Manufacturer: Down