DOWN Live In Atlanta

By Cyndi Ford

 

I knew I was in for an exciting evening, having been backstage with Phil Anselmo before, I was ready for the unexpected. This was the first show that my son Parker had ever been to with me while I was doing a review. Needless to say, hanging out with mom was the last thing he had planned to do. So as soon as we got our stamps, he was history...for a while.

I went in and was surprised to see so few people there, but this would be the calm before the storm. Not long and the first band started, Pony Killer, and I was pleased to see a familiar face. It was Collin Yeo, the bass player for Arsen Anthem, another side project for Phil Anselmo. I knew at this point that all the bands were going to be probably all associated with Phil in some way, most likely on his label, Housecore Records. The music was a pleasant surprise, it had more depth than I was expecting; Pony Killer reminded me of Tool, with their complex compositions. It was fun to see Phil get up on stage with them and sing, and in advertently taking over the job of drummer.

It was at this point that I went back stage, thanks to the guys in Pony Killer, and hung out with everyone. And yes, Mr. Anselmo was there getting everyone in a pumped up mood. It was cool to hear him speak with the guys about their collaboration, and laugh about the way it turned out, as Phil sounded out the drum parts. I enjoyed speaking to the members of Pony Killer, and hearing how they came together in New Orleans and formed a band. They had been on a month long tour that was getting ready to end in Mobile Alabama, and they were stoked to have family members there. They stated that they were all like a big family, the people on Phil’s label, and that they had become more like brothers. Very polite group of guys, most def.

Next up was a Norwegian Metal band, the were the typical swinging hair band, with their fist in the air cranking guitar licks. I must admit, I missed a good bit of their show being backstage. But what I did come out to see did not hold my attention. Great try though guys.

Then it was time for Down, and as expected the crowd went wild. They opened up with the song Hail. There had not been a pit at all for the other bands, but the one for Down was excellent. The venue had filled up quite nicely, and Atlanta sure got their money’s worth. Phil Anselmo does not disappoint, and is one of the most impressive front men there is in metal.

One can only imagine the days of Pantera, and Dimebag, and think of how things would have sounded with him up there too. But everyone did get a treat when Brent Hinds, from the band Mastodon got up on the final show of the night, 'Bury me in Smoke', it was epic.

It was nice to see him represent Atlanta and jam with his friends. I look forward to the next time that Phil comes to town, its always a fantastic time.

Cyndi