The Gasometer turns into Gomorrah

New Orleans in the south of the United States is often portrayed as a place of sins in several songs. It is not only the birthplace of the authentic Jazz, but it is also the home of a new musical genre which is similar to metal, but adds to it a portion of blues, stoner rock and desert sound and thus becomes something original and new.

It is from this place in Louisiana where the members of Down come from. Started as a side project back in the 1990s, Down soon advanced to a full-time project. Throughout the years they managed to build a solid fan base by touring the world and sticking to the original band line-up. On Wednesday, 24 June, they finally presented their distinctive music, which at times sounds dusty like the thirsty throat of a Southerner, to a raving audience in Vienna.

Problem child
This southern rock, yet another definition for the sound Down is famous for, is perfectly embodied by metal redneck Philip Anselmo. Those close to the stage could at times definitely feel afraid, if the audience itself did not consist of potential rednecks who greeted their idol with a clenched fist.

Since the time of Pantera, Anselmo has been feared for his infamous fits of rage like no other lead singer. Each concert can be seen as a thin line between genius and insanity because of Anselmo’s drug problems and rehabs. The tattoo “unscarred” on his belly is still another symbol for his egomania and cannot be taken literally.

But Vienna has been fortunate
Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Rex Brown, Jimmy Bower and especially pre-mentioned problem child Anselmo seemed to enjoy playing in Vienna. The set list included almost all the hits – if you dare speaking of hits in this context – and there was no bashing of the faithless, only good old New Orleans sound at its finest.

With “Stone the Crow” and the obligatory last song “Bury me in Smoke” the concert reached its climax. In any case, Down do not have to prove themselves and they damn know it. Even the bad acoustics in the Gasometer did not ruin the atmosphere. On the contrary, it pushed the audience even more to sing along.

From the beginning it has been clear that the cowboy image also has its charming sides, the fuss about Down is part of the play and only shows the many sides and facets of this band. A band, which is more than only a bunch of famous musicians, but rather the quintessence of their former musical careers.

(Philip Dulle)


Fotos: Norbert Hübner