MetroPulse.com

When: Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, 7 p.m.

Where: The Valarium, 940 Blackstock Ave., Knoxville

Cost: $25

Age limit: All ages

Categories: Music

Description: A metal meta-collaboration that includes Pepper Keenan and former Pantera and Superjoint Ritual singer Phil Anselmo as well as members of Crowbar and Eyehategod, Down has legs that have carried it well beyond the point where most supergroups fall victim to egos and the conflicts inherent to having members whose first allegiance is to other bands. The group’s first record, NOLA, from 1995, was an instant classic of neo-Sabbath riff metal that blended the best elements of its contributing outfits: Crowbar’s crushing heaviness, Anselmo’s kinetic howl, and the viscous swamp-blues of C.O.C.

According to Keenan, it was readily apparent, on NOLA’s release, that, other commitments notwithstanding, Down had taken on a life of its own. “The fans kind of let us know that every time,” he says. “That Down lives, whether we want to continue it or not. The records kept selling, and it was keeping us out there. And it continued to stay like that.”

Down’s third and latest effort, Down III: Over the Under, is perhaps its strongest yet, still chock-full of powerful, indelible riffs, but with more textured songwriting and space to breathe even amongst all the roiling metal fury. Keenan says the songs were heavily influenced first by Katrina’s devastation of their home New Orleans, and then by the death of former Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell, particularly its effect on former bandmate Anselmo. (Mike Gibson)