Down - Over The Under Reviews

• Different but brilliant

  
  By A2G50AJCE67SRP on 2007-09-25
  Down III is in stores, at long last! My first impression after about 4 or 5 spins is that, again, their sound has changed quite a lot while maintaining their classical trademarks. Some observations:
  - The songs have become more complex, the production more sophisticated (reminds me a bit of C.O.C.'s In the Arms of God). The album features few potential hit singles (Down I had lots of those, remember the video to "Stone the Crow"? Down II had for example "Ghosts along the Mississippi").
  - Phil screams less, sings cleanly most of the time, sings background to his own lead voice a lot.
  - Kill me if you like, but I some passages remind me of Alice in Chains! Maybe a more mature touch? I guess "less outright aggression but still the same intensity" describes what I mean.
  - Very often, a simply melody is repeated endlessly, like an incantation. They already did that on Down I, but here it's almost in every song. The first couple of times I listened to the album I thought this way of composing wasn't really dynamic enough, but now I can't help but nod my head during every one of those passages.
  
  In a nutshell: the album is less "user-friendly" but not less brilliant than its predecessors. It's a new dimension to Down. It takes a couple of spins to get into the new way of nodding but once you're there you know once more that Down is one of the greatest outfits of misfits out there!
  
  

• Five years of anticipation have crawled by

  
  By A1BEKAQQGP8CMF on 2007-09-25
  The monstrous southern rockers have returned! Seven years separate the first (1995) and second release (2002), and now five years of anticipation have crawled by since Down's last release, Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow. Another anxious wait is over. The band (Phil Anselmo - Pantera; Pepper Keenan - Corrosion of Conformity; Rex Brown - Pantera; Kirk Windstein - Crowbar; Jimmy Bower - Eyehategod) had been on hiatus for several years and we, the fans, have wondered if we would ever hear the greatness of Down again. The impact these men have on the music world is incalculable. Not only do Anselmo and Brown continue to work together as an ex-Pantera duo (as Vinnie Paul and the late Dimebag did so in Damageplan), but the sounds emitted from the union of these five members are easily some of the best heard in the metal industry over the past ten years or so. What started out as a Pantera side project has turned into something epic, and metal heads around the world have rejoiced. Down now brings forth their third release, Down III: Over The Under.
  
  Anselmo is drug-free, Keenan has placed Corrosion of Conformity on hold, and the band has come together yet again. The setting: Louisiana. Picture five scruffy, but established, musicians in tattered clothing with instruments in their laps and beers in their hands. Now picture the instruments caked with mud, weeds, and anything else which could come straight out of a murky swamp. Assemble these images together and that's how the music sounds. What we might expect to hear: thirteen mammoth songs saturated with filthy, yet heavenly substance. What we'll get: exactly what we'd expect. Down continues to deliver the heavy metal that fans are accustomed to hearing from this band. They don't stray off their southern rock course they set back in their debut, NOLA, and are in cruise control from start to finish in Down III: Over The Under. While remaining in control album to album, this is perhaps the weakest of the three, but is still a strong effort regardless of comparison. Will we see a fourth release? Will it be within the next five to seven years? Only time will tell, and until then, embrace what we have and anticipate what we could have...
  
  

• Back in the saddle

  
  By AJKWF4W7QD4NS on 2007-09-28
  A lot has happened in the five years since the release of Down's previous album. Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown's former Pantera bandmate Dimebag Darrell was senselessly murdered not long after the band disbanded, and New Orleans, the hometown to most of Down's members, was devestated by Hurricane Katrina. All the tragedy and sadness that has been experienced has been laced into "Over the Under", which re-unites Phil, Rex, Corrosion of Conformity frontman Pepper Keenan, Crowbar's Kirk Windstein, and Eyehategod's Jimmy Bower; and all five pour their emotion into their music. They also manage to concoct the best brand of southern-fueled hard rock, which shouldn't really be a surprise to anyone really. Phil does much less screaming here and really puts his heart and soul into his lyrics, while the rest of the band is what you would expect to hear if you're a fan of Down or any of the member's other outfits. Opening track "Three Suns and One Star", "The Path", "On March the Saints", the aptly titled "Mourn", and the "Jail"-flavored "His Majesty the Desert" are spectacular and uncompromising in their delivery. There's no real instantly listenable tracks here like "Stone the Crows", but make no mistake that that is not a bad thing. It should be also noted that "Over the Under" is a different animal than what was heard on "NOLA" and even "A Bustle in Your Hedgerow"; but don't let that put you off of this. All in all, "Over the Under" is a triumphant return for the beloved Down, and here's hoping that there will be more to come with less tragedy to fuel it.
  
  

• Phil? Weak? No such thing

  
  By A13WJV15UB5MG2 on 2007-09-25
  Ok, i'm not sure what this first shmuck is talkin' about...but i'll be a s.o.b if this isn't one of the greatest things to grace the shelves of the record store this year. that guy from *gasp* crowbar and of course pepper are 2 of the baddest guitar lickin' dudes out there today besides *another gasp* jimmy bower of eyehategod who...fathom this, is also in the band but playin' drums. i don't know what it takes to please some ppl but if you like drinkin' whiskey and bangin' your flippin' head buy this. if you think, oh, maybe they missed a quarter note there then take your arse to bestbuy and pick up the latest AFI album or whatever these wretched emo-kids are cutting themselves to nowadays.
  
  

• jesuis pas sur........

  
  By A314M677NI82H on 2007-09-27
  Je vien de me procurer le nouvel album de down (belle pochette !!) et voici ma critique :
  
  Avant, quand on écoutait le 1er album, on pouvait immediatement voir l`influance coc, crowbar et pantera.Pour cette album mme et messieurs, c`est fini !! Il ny a plus de gros riff a la crowbar, il na a plus de force a la pantera (Phil ne crit pas une fois sur cette album, le 1er de tout ca carriere qui a entierement fait ajeun....) et pire encore il na aucune trace de Black Sabath ou meme Led Zepplin !! Pour les fans du 1er, vous allez etre decus.C`est completement un nouveaux band, c`est completement un nouveaux son, c`est completement une nouvelle ambiance.Je ne suis pas sur si je l`aime encore (seulement une ecoute) je suis sur que jai tres tres hate au show par contre.
  
  Ps: jai vue un entrevue sur le net avec Kirk, il a pas arreter de boir ...... mais il sest inscrit au gym et il dit vouloir perdre du poid, c`est exactement comme ca que l`album sonne........ Mois gras.
  
  
  Borman
  
  
• 3rd times a charm
  By A2CWTJ4Z8TBKS2 on 2007-09-28
  The third CD from DOWN has effectivley established them as the best hard rock/metal band of the last 10 years. This 3rd CD is not as crushingly brutal as the first Cd and it is more focused and polished then the second. It still utilizes the crunchingly heavy catchy riffs and bare lyrics and vocals that made previous DOWN music so effective but this time there is more of a blue's influence and more soulful vocals to complement the inherent raw power. It also contains perhaps the best guitar tones on record since Tony Iommi. Perhaps the influence of DimeBag's untimely death and Hurricane Katrina's devastation has manifested itself in subtle musical additions to their sound. DOWN has not disappointed with each successive release. Lets hope that we have not heard the last of them.
  
  Standout tracks: "Nothing in Return", "I Scream", "Beneath the Tides" "N.O.D."
  
  
• ON MARCH THE SAINTS OF METAL!
  By A15Q8WM87VF1RZ on 2007-10-10
  *PYLLAMYD ROCKS*
  More down and dirty riffage, more down-south attitude, more down-tempo moshy-worthy metal sludgery... more DOWN - at last! This one never lets up. There are less breaks in intensity and the whole album has a cohesiveness to it that allows you to put it on repeat and keep bangin' all night. Some say they've changed or that it sounds different. WhatEver. Some even say they've lost their steam? Those who enjoy their other bands know this can never be true. I sort of think of DOWN as their art project.
  
  This is classic DOWN. If you like them, you should already have it.
  *PILLAMYD ROCKS*
  
  
• A Lion Eating a Sun!
  By A3ERPCAZK0AEWZ on 2007-09-26
  When a new Down release comes around, I get very excited. To me, Down is a group where every member shines, you get the feel of these guys in their natural environment. This new one progresses their sound further, though I am tempted to say its closer to the original album. Every song is very groove-laden, lots of nifty hooks and heavy, moderately-paced rock and roll. Phil Anselmo's voice has softened a bit, but I suggest that it fits with the tone of the music by standing out less than he has been known to do. They are still powerful vocals performances, his maturity is starting to show. Pepper and Kirk are at the top of the riffing game, and Jimmy and Rex keep the head bobbing. This is today's classic rock folks! Some Down fans didn't like II as much, you may really enjoy this album, it has the *ahem* 'sloppiness' of Nola, with the songwriting sensibility of II.
  
  Oh and those still making Pantera comparisons... go listen to Damageplan and Hellyeah again. Then listen to Down. Now compare ;)
  
  
  
  
• Sloppy Sludge
  By A2G12VJQHJ9HVM on 2007-09-25
  With each passing album, down the drain they go. You have to appreciate what these bandmates are capable of but perhaps with a little practice and the help of a production that doesn't hide the talent, this album would have been hands down better than their sophomore release. Can we keep time here, no. Has Phil lost his commanding voice, yes. It's depressing. This comes from someone who loves what the bands these guys come from do. Fair warning.
  
  
• The return of Phil and the boys
  By A1W0PWKIBTSDBT on 2007-11-17
  About 10 years ago I came across the first down album and loved it, at the time Pantera was one of the best bands in the world while Down was something as a different approach to the singing style most weren't use to by Phil.
  
  Alot has happened since then and as many know that old saying, "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger", which in this case means more than ever.
  
  There were lots of Pantera fans (even myself) that thought that it was because of Phil was one of the reasonings Dime whinded up where he is. RIP!!!
  
  As time went on, I took a step back and realized that things just happen that is beyond anyones control. Hell no one knows what tomorrow will bring, you just got to live your life to the fullest and that prick who killed one of the greatest guitarists ever is burning for it...that is if you believe in religion, but that's not the point here.
  
  Things may have been messed up at the time of the dismemberment of Pantera which led to some things I'm sure Phil regrets saying but you have to know when to keep your arms open for someone that was a big part of it. Vinnie has alot of hate for Phil but I don't care what anyone says, this is the time where whether he knows it or not to have Phil back into his life, the same with Rita. I know I am probably gonna to piss people off by saying that but I don't care because it's my opinion.
  
  People need to know that bands break up and have lots of tension but in time, those people put things behind them and know they are better than that. No one knew Van Halen was going to come back but they did and I was at the last concert which rocked! So you just never know.
  
  This is a different circumstance but if Dime was still around, you never know what could've happened. Hopefully in time, both Vinnie and Phil will realize that they both cared more than enough for Dime, putting their differences aside and know they don't have to have hate for one another, I think it's more on Vinnie but I don't know cause I don't live their life.
  
  It's all about forgiving and if we don't some how find a way to do so, then we doom ourselves of not knowing just how much we are missing out.
  
  If the song "Mourn" doesn't speak in volumes, I don't know what will.
  
  That, amongst other things. The CD is great! The first time I heard some of the songs before the album came out, I wasn't sure if I'd get it, now it's funny cause those same ones I'm liking even more...or more than I did.
  
  It's an album that grows on you. I liked the entire album at first listen but liked it even more the second time around. For anyone that keeps an open mind and doesn't shut it out because of of your own personal reasons of Phil, than this album is for you.
  
  
• WHO mixed this CD??
  By ABQ1WGE6A9FFG on 2008-03-29
  WHAT A WASTE of one of THE best vocalists of all time - they have the talent, and the right idea, BUT, they HAVE to either replace the sound mixer, producer, or WHOEVER let this out of the studio the way it is. It sounds as if it were recorded in a garbage can or cardboard box!! There is no clarity, no definition - sounds like 12 year olds put it together. I LOVE Phil Anselmo - when I can clearly tell when he is singing. I have heard some pretty poor recordings in my lifetime - as far as I am concerned, there is NO excuse for it any more. I PRAY they digitally remaster this and their first CD - THEN they might just get the following they need. PHIL!! COME BACK TO ME!!!
  
  
• DOWN is 100% true
  By A1F56ILELOV5IL on 2007-11-22
  DOWN has really captured the magic once again. "Over the Under" keeps the hard hittting riffs coming, but they expand their sounds well beyond that. DOWN keep the creativity strong with longer , psychedelic songs, and Phil Anselmo is a helluva SINGER, not just a screamer...and he writes some very strong lyrics. Dig "On March the Saints", a dig at the way the gov't mishandled their hometown of NOLA after Hurricane Katrina... among many others. Pepper and Kirk do some really interesting guitar work, sometimes layering different parts together to create songs, in addition to the gut wrenching heaviness, without EVER sounding cheap or "attempting" to sound commercially acceptable.
  Best Hard Rock Album of the Year...no question!!
  
  
• Down III
  By A3PZUU2DQ3NNHT on 2007-11-28
  "Over the Under" is the is the third and much anticipated release from DOWN. I like it but, not as much as the first two. It didn't have the same feel as NOLA and Down II / A Bustle in your Hederow. Songs like Bury me in smoke, Losing all and Where I'm going all have a smoldering slow groove, that "feel" was not on this alblum. Don't get me wrong it still rocks but, if you are expecting what you got on the first two you will have to re-adjust your expectations bit.
  
  
• THANKS J.P. FOR STEPPIN' UP...
  By A1XDMP1CXQDDQ0 on 2007-09-26
  WHY DO SOME PEOPLE FEEL THE NEED TO COMPARE THE WHOLE AGAINST THE SUM OF IT'S PARTS?! IT'S LIKE SAYING THEN THAT JOHN LENNON AND GEORGE HARRISON'S SOLO CAREERS MEANT NOTHING AND THAT THE BEATLES AS A BAND HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR UNDYING SUCCESS. HOW MANY TIMES IS PANTERA GOING TO BE WEIGHTED AGAINST DOWN? ACCEPT IT, PANTERA IS DEAD. THAT'S SAID, HAVING WAITED A FULL YEAR OR MORE FOR THIS ALBUM TO FINALLY COME OUT (WHEN PEPPER FIRST SPOKE OF IT ON THE NOLA WEBSITE)I KNEW THAT THE MATERIAL ON THIS ALBUM WOULD BE THEIR HEART-FELT BEST. POUNDING DOOBIE-LADEN GROOVES AND ANSLEMO'S ASTONISHING DOG ROSE MELODIES, DOWN III, SOUNDWISE IS DEFINITELY MORE REFLECTIVE OF TUNES LIKE STAINED-GLASS CROSS FROM II. DON'T GET ME WRONG YOU ARE STILL GETTING COMPARITIVE "HITS" FROM THE BAND WHO WROTE QUITE POSSIBLE THE HEAVIEST SONG OF ALL TIME, BURY ME IN SMOKE. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THEM OUT LIVE TOO BEFORE YOU GO GIVING THIS 2 STARS...
  
  
• This is what I wanted and expected!
  By A1EHAQG0QMCB82 on 2007-09-27
  Down is my favorite release from all of these guys! I've always been a hard core Pantera and COC fan, but I love the way they put this southern rock sound together! It's a modern day Southern Hard Rock band. Nola has always been my favorite from these guys, but this one is close behind. Something to chill to. These guys know how to make it sound just right! Unreal! Love it!
  
  Not sure what the one guy was doing, but ... to each his own. Don't let him discourage you, it's still 100 percent Down, baby!
  
  
• Really solid
  By A2M04O92INOPS2 on 2007-09-27
  As a disclaimer: I have only listened to this record about 10 times, so it's still pretty early to be writing a review. It often takes me many listens to appreciate all the nuances of a particular record. That being said, first impressions are usually a good starting point, so here are mine: I understand that it's become a 'political' issue to compare Down with Pantera, but as a previous reviewer mentioned, this record does remind me, strictly sonically, more of Pantera than Down's previous two albums. There's more consistency here than on Down II. Meaning that the production on Down III is more even (and there's just more of it, too.) It's almost as if, compared to the other records, the guitars and everything are in 'slow motion.' David Fricke's 4 star review in Rolling Stone compared Phil's vocals to James Hetfield, and I can kinda see that. The vocals definitely aren't as raw as they could be. I've always loved Phil's voice and everyone has copied it over the years... but I think the production does slightly take away from it, and the album in general. it's so hard to make any criticism of such talented artists, but even when the riffs are really pounding, somehow it just doens't match the energy level of "Ghosts Along the Mississippi" or "Bury Me in Smoke." I suppose people are saying this record sounds more mature because the band members themselves are in a different place - more mature. It seems like they put in a lot of hard work on this. Phil seems really committed to the making of this record and really into the music (based on his blog entries.) He seems to be a more centered person, perhaps even a bit spiritual. All of that is awesome - and it's reflected in the sounds on Down III, so the whole thing just seems somehow a bit more even keeled. The same signature sound is maintained, and there are bluesy moments as on Down II. The guitars on this are just AMAZING, some similar riffs to Pantera. Maybe not as melodic as the second album (fine by me.) Overall this is a GREAT record and a million times better than 99% of what I have heard this year. On its own I think this record would please everyone more universally, but the problem persists of people comparing it to Down's previous work which is just impossible to top... as a random example: kind of like when Radiohead made OK Computer, then had to follow it up.... a tall order.
  
  
• Stepping up the song writing
  By A2MA18HNETKFH3 on 2007-09-27
  IMO this is a natural progression from where the left off on II. The guitars are really working together to create a diverse sound with the harmonys. They also stepped up and got a better drum sound on this album ala John Bonhamish.. Phil is on point and isn't screaming through everything.. Great hooks and fist pumping riffs. Awesome cd!
  
  
• Oh Yeah!!
  By AXWF3P7EMY7XW on 2007-09-26
  I you liked the first two Down cd's?, then you'll love this one.
  
  What you'll find here is typical Down style writing, southern metal with a big helping of Sabbath mixed in. What's not to like?
  
  Down continues to evolve in a good way. The first Down cd had tons of great tunes and lots of angst. The second release had another helping of great riff's, but perhaps not as maybe hits so to speak. However I thought the second release was a step forward as far as the band went. The tunes weren't as rough sounding and seemed to be laid out with a little more thought. Yes that power and aggression was tamed just a bit from the first release, yet the angst and attitude was still alive and well. This release is yet again a step forward, Phil sings more, screams less, Peppper and Company are tight as hell and the sound is more polished overall. I'd say this is Down's best effort to date. I'm not sure if they'll ever recapture the magic of that first release?, but the fact of the matter is, they continue to get better even though the hits (if you want to call them that?) aren't their.
  
  Buy it!!
  
  
• Over the Under
  By A22CYZ1FGSHIBV on 2007-09-27
  Yep, as everyone's already said, 5 long years have 'crawled' by since the last Down album, and Over the Under has been one of the most anticipated records of the year if not decade. So... does it live upto expectations? Of course! After hearing a live version (on video) of I scream way back in March, i knew this was going to be big. This is a mammoth album. Heavy, groovy and you can tell that they've spent a lot of time writing this material. Its very personal. The band also seemed to have improved by leaps and bounds in terms of musicianship.Bower Power for example, just blew me away on this. Awesome control, fills and execution on the kit. The songs, without exaggerating almost all of the track are stand out; NOD, 3 suns, Path, Nothing in return, On march the saints, I scream, Pillamyd... absolutely awesome. The tracks on this album are all instantly catchy, which is a good thing, where as II was more of a grower. I'm just glad Down is back... you can feel the pain, the anguish in this record... takes you down to New Orleans. Down Rocks. 5 stars. NOD and Pillamyd are absolutely brutal! Awesome!
  
  
• Love it!!
  By AFTC30R1ZJ1M6 on 2007-09-29
  With each listen, I love this cd. It's eerie how much they sound like early Sabbath. It's like Black Sabbath with a southern influence. I like that Phil is singing now more than screaming. I highly recommend this.
  
  
• WORTH THE WAIT! BEST YET!
  By A2XWUXZ9VD3669 on 2007-10-18
  All of us Down fans have waited a long time for this. If you are down with Down, why are you reading all these loving reviews, and haven't bought it yet? This album has been in my stereo since I got it! Only gripe, is that Amazon TOOK WAYYYYYYYYY TOO LONG to ship out the CD! Fave songs are: Beneath the Tides, Pillamyd and In the Thrall of it All, and Nothing in Return. Stop Reading. Buy Album. Play Loud. Repeat ... PLAY LOUD! If Down is playing in your town. GO! Sorry to be so bossy. But, I'm right, as always. ;-)
  
  
• Down III
  By A37QBN3CPH394U on 2007-10-19
  Its a little differnt from the past two cd's but all in all its worth the money if your a Pantera / Corrosion of Conformity fan. Just recently saw them in concert and would recommend seeing that to. I still think Nola is there best cd but if you keep putting out the same stuff all the time it gets boring.
  
  
• Down - 'Over The Under' (Down Records)
  By A2WQY1B8ZS7QRZ on 2007-10-20
  It's been awhile now and I wasn't quite sure as to what became of this metal supergroup {sort to speak} that features members of Pantera, C.O.C. and Crowbar. So good to see these guys back with their third effort. Extreme metal at it's finest. Tunes here that I was most blown away with were "Three Suns And One Star", the frantic "I Scream", "Never Try" and the near-brilliant "Nothing In Return". I've recently seen the band on tour in support of this blistering modern day metal classic. Go SEE them live is my advise to you. Line-up: Phil Anselmo-vocals, Pepper Keenan & Kirk Windstein- guitars, Rex Brown-bass and Jimmy Bower-drums. Recommended.
  
  
• Down still have it
  By A3J356L2ADK05Z on 2007-10-21
  I was apprehensive about what this album might bring,but after listening to it for the first time under the influence of thc and candlelight,I can honestly say that this is the most thoughtfully put-together and technically-advanced Down material so far.It's the spawn of the heaviness of the first album and the mellow experimentaions of the second,but a third head has been reared as well.I wouldn't dare to call this album "commercially acceptable",but I think that years down the road this album will be veiwed as one of the turning points of metal because of the vocal and instrumental risks taken in it:not everybody,fan or commercial-rock radio-lover,will "get" what this album is;I sure as hell don't have a full scope of what it is yet.This is an album that DEMANDS that you read the lyrics,surrender yourself to a mood,and allow yourself to be swayed by sound.As of now,I'm tempted to liken "over the under" to a country-tinged merging of Pink Floyd-styled rock and an airy type of 70's/90's metal.
  
  I like that the with third Down album the members have chosen to take their own path;I hope that that path will start a movement towards heavy music becoming more intelligent and less superficial in content and meaning.
  
  
• A whole different monster than NOLA, but still amazing.
  By A3L51TJ5BFKJ59 on 2007-11-15
  Down is a southern stoner metal band featuring numerous member's of high quality metal act's such as Phil Anselmo (Pantera), Jimmy Bower (Eyehategod, Crowbar), Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity), Rex (Pantera), and Kirk Windstein (Crowbar).
  The music is in the vein of Black Sabbath, Pantera, Led Zeppelin or Danzig, with a southern stoner metal vibe. Anybody who are fan's of the previous band's mentioned should give this album a listen. This is one of the best metal/rock band's out there right now and it's great to see them back in the saddle.
  Down's third album is a whole different monster than NOLA but this is not a bad thing (even though honestly I was hoping for a return to the NOLA sound). When I first listened to a couple of song's on the internet, I honestly was not that impressed at all, and it even took me a couple of week's to actually pick up the record, just because I was hoping for that NOLA sound. I could not have been more wrong.
  Over the Under is a more musical album with weaving guitar lines and harmonie's with better structeres than some of their previous work. The sound is a lot thicker and tight than anything they have released so far and while it's not AS heavy as NOLA, it's makes up for it in songwriting skill's and great molodies.
  This album just refuses to leave my car stereo no matter how hard I plead with it.
  
  
• COOL AND WELL PACED METAL ALBUM
  By AFEN54UGJQOK9 on 2007-12-05
  
  Metal supergroup DOWN recorded one awesome album way back in 1995. In 2002 they released a follow up completely out of nowhere. Although some didn't think the second quite lived up to the first, I was just as impressed. The collaborated group proved that they could mix their downhome breed of heavy metal hard rock, with some old school classic rock riffery... they even threw in some electric organ.
  Now in 2007 they have returned out of nowhere again. This time it's only been a short five years between albums, but the roads have been long for all of them. And this shows throughout this album... In my opinion, the finest of the three... DOWN once again combines the best elements of modern metal, with classic influences, such as seventies Sabbath riffery, and southern rock melodys. Alot of the writing in this one gets pretty deep, and its worthwhile on me. Some of the tunes on the other hand are just good time head pounders...the pace keeps cool throughout, but we get some of the vibe back, that I know I've been sort of missing since Pantera broke apart, and some other tragic events ensued. I don't know why fans are crapping on this one at all! Some songs that stand out THREE SUNS AND ONE STAR, BENEATH THE TIDES, and PILLAMYD....
  Give this one a few spins and let the sound simmer on you. I'm not the biggest metal fan alive, but I know what I like and I thought this one was damned good.
  
  
• Good, not great, but sometimes that's ok.
  By A135S38ESV3P on 2007-12-06
  All the elements are there to make this a competent serving of southern groove metal. The riffs are heavy and are churned out with that infectious southern swagger. Sabbath and Skynard elements abound.
  
  However, for my money, the album is at its best when it breaks from the standard southern metal sound and into more meandering, epic territory. This is best encapsulated by the last track on the album track 'Nothing In Return (Walk Away)' nearly nine minutes of sweeping melody and organ vibrato, punctuated with forceful metal punch and more than a hint of grunge (when I first listened to the album I repeated that track two or three times).
  
  However, it doesn't make up for the preceding songs on the album, which seem basic in comparison, and overall the album lacks the originality to leave any lasting impression or warrant too many repeat listens.
  
  
  
• Its not that Great
  By A3780O3CR6F2D4 on 2007-12-13
  If I were you I'd download March of the Saints, if you have the first two albums your set. Phil Anselmo says he doesnt't drink any more, this album makes it obvious. Like I said, March of the Saints is a good song, get the first two albums and then your set. I forked over 16 bucks it wasn't worth it. No production and no guitar solos.
  
  
• Different Down
  By A2K99SWSNVZYI0 on 2007-09-30
  I'm not going into the story of the past five years, what happened since Down II, blah, blah, blah.
  This album is very different from the other two LPs. The songs on the other albums were all good and listenable, but there were stand-out tracks on both, sort of their "hits". Over the Under isn't like that. Every song seems to fit into one single groove. The changes and differences are more subtle, but they are there for sure. This album is darker, lyrically and musically. Phil is one of the most personal lyric writers, but he goes off the edge this time. The music is deeper with a heavier groove. It reaches deep.
  Sit in a dark, quiet room and crank this up. Then you'll understand.
  
  
• Amidst personal problems & tragedies, Down rises.
  By A1HBHS6G5KT910 on 2007-10-26
  Five years later, and a whole slew of personal problems for the band members during that time including major surgeries, murder of friends, sobering up, major floods, etc., Down returns and those problems all come out beautifully in this wonderful-sounding southern grinding sludge through the mud. Unlike Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow, which was written & recorded during a drunken, drug-induced 28-day period, Down decided to take their time with this record, and Phil Anselmo claims in a recent interview with Revolver Magazine to have done this record completely sober. It shows. Now that he is finally all cleaned up and surgically repaired, Phil is ready to go and THANKFULLY didn't become just another casualty of substance abuse...a direction I truly thought he was headed in a few years ago. In fact, based on the interviews I've read/heard with him as of late, I'll go out on a limb to say that Phil himself would probably agree with me now that he has his head on straight. On a personal note, I am 100% shamelessly humbled and grateful that Phil has straightened himself out and is alive today to talk about his ordeals and to make great music. And more about that great music, Phil is doing some of his finest singing, he looks better than he has in years being that he lost weight and got hit by a razor, a pair of scissors, & a bar of soap, and the music is tight and polished. Don't get me wrong, this is still Down, and it sounds like Down, but you can definitely tell this is NOT their first effort at recording a record. The experience is there. You can hear it. Buy it.
  
  This particular imported edition of Down III comes in a DIGIPAK case and includes a bonus track: Invest In Fear. Even though it is NOT listed on the back of the case, it is there, and it is the 13th track. It clocks in at 5 minutes and 20 seconds. A great track, by the way. Definitely worth the few extra dollars to get this imported version as opposed to the regular release. Again, do yourself a favor and buy it.
  
  

• Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow
• NOLA
• Death Magnetic
• Rise of the Tyrant
• Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace