Interview: Philip Anselmo of Down
May 5, 2014
Down’s latest offering Down IV, Pt. II represents everything that a timeless hard rock or heavy metal record should. Lumbering blues-infused riffs abound as well as mind-bending and meandering musical epics marked by moments of entrancing psychedelica and Sabbath-ian bombast. The Louisiana metallic mystics once again summon greatness at every turn, and that’s why Down IV Part II will undoubtedly be revered in the same way NOLA is.
In this exclusive interview with ARTISTdirect.com editor in chief Rick Florino, Down mainman Philip Anselmo opens up about the EP, hints at what’s next, and gives us a whole lot more knowledge like he always does!
Down IV Part II embodies what Down was always meant to be. It’s a natural continuation of the Black Sabbath inspiration and exploration more than ever. The songs are longer in places and tread dreamier territory. It codifies what you guys have always talked about and really captivates.
Thank you, Rick. At the end of the day, it has to sound like Down. Down was founded straight up because of Black Sabbath and all of the influences therein. To me, having the new infusion of writers is important. Pat’s contribution on the second EP was massive. Our new guitar player Bobby Landgraf came in as a contributor right off the bat having watched us for many years and been a fan of the band. To have a great guitar player like that come in and give his spin on what he feels a Down riff should sound like or qualify as, it’s an absolute injection of new blood and enthusiasm throughout the entire band. I can’t give those guys enough credit for what they brought to this particular record. I’m in full agreement with you. It’s a Down record one-hundred percent through and through. It couldn’t be mistaken for any other band really at this point in time.
