Five years have passed since the release of the greatly heralded Down III – Over The Under. Admittedly, in 2010 the treasured live CD/DVD offering, Diary Of A Mad Band, helped bridge the gap between proper studio recordings. Now original members Phil Anselmo (PANTERA) on vocals, Pepper Keenan (CORROSION OF CONFORMITY) and Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR) on guitar, and Jimmy Bower (EYEHATEGOD) on drums, are back – with a new bassist, Pat Bruders (Crowbar) has replaced Rex Brown (Pantera) who went on to join KILL DEVIL HILL. But the music business is an altogether different beast today, compared to what it was back in 2007. As such, DOWN has discarded the traditional full-length album format and opted instead for a series of four EPs, the first of which, The Purple EP, is finally upon us. Described by Anselmo as containing “a touch of darkness,” the six-song effort opens with ‘Levitation’, a track that slowly sinks its way into a tantalizingly twisted groove. Up next is the single / video, ‘Witchtripper’; an irresistible, doom-drenched number guaranteed to delight. ‘Open Coffins’ is defiant and bold with Phil proclaiming, “Bless the bravest attempts to tear us down, Good luck and fuck your retort.” ‘The Curse Is A Lie’ channels the morose influence of the almighty BLACK SABBATH in mind-altering fashion. ‘This Work Is Timeless’ is the shortest song on offer at 3:43, thereby wasting no time and jumping straight into riff stew. Conversely, EP closer ‘Misfortune Teller’ is the longest track, clocking in at just over nine minutes in length (minus a 90-second moment of silence). This beast churns the sludge, causing the dead to rise. Brought to life at the band’s own Nodferatu’s Lair, situated deep in the woods of Louisiana, The Purple EP possesses an underground aesthetic, coupled with undeniable passion from all those involved, making it the perfect soundtrack to the autumn of the year of twelve.
