Kingcrimsonprog
The New Orleans based band Down released their debut album NOLA all the way back in 1995 and over the years it has moved from a sort of cult classic to one of the essential heavy metal albums of our time.
Down brought together Phil Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein and surprisingly Jimmy Baur on drums to play a sort of sludge and southern rock influenced stoner rock style.
NOLA, named after the band’s New Orleans Louisiana roots, contains many of the band’s most loved songs, from the likes of big rocking songs such as ‘Lifer,’ ‘Bury Me In Smoke,’ and ‘Hail To The Leaf,’ to softer more contemplative moments like ‘Jail,’ and ‘Pray For The Locust.’
The album has no weak links, basically every track is a classic and the majority of the album is played live to this day which should speak volumes of about its quality.
As well as inspired songwriting, and great performances, the album has an exceptional production job, almost years ahead of its time. The album sounds big and meaty, with an immense drum sound yet at the same time sounds like an old undiscovered vinyl gem from back in the 70s.
NOLA may come from a pretty esteemed pedigree, but at the same time actual manages to still be greater than the sum of its parts. If you have the slightest interest in Down or even just in the genre, you really need to check this album out.