Down Drenches Montreal in Sludge: A Night to Remember

On the night of August 25th, the iconic sludge metal band Down unleashed their NOLA-bred sound on a nearly packed house at MTELUS. Kicking off the evening, Los Angeles' Spirit In The Room set the stage ablaze with their personal strain of sludge, channeling Phil Anselmo’s vocal prowess while occasionally weaving in the haunting tones reminiscent of Eddie Vedder. Their intensity warmed the crowd, igniting the anticipation for the legendary acts that followed.

As the night progressed, Helmet took the stage, their raw energy palpable among the tightly packed throng. With the floor vibrating underfoot, the audience was left with little room to breathe by the time Down was ready to deliver their sonic assault. The anticipation reached fever pitch as the headliners prepared to unleash their heavy artillery.

Down opened their set with “Blood Oath,” the first taste of their long-awaited Volume V, slated for release this November. This wasn’t just another trip down memory lane; it was a declaration that they refuse to be merely a nostalgia act. As they dug into their back catalog, the crowd was treated to a heavy dose of classics, including “Lysergik Funeral Procession” and “Hail The Leaf.” Anselmo's voice, while weathered by time, still carried the soul-crushing weight that defined their sound.

In a poignant twist, “Lifer,” typically dedicated to the late Dimebag Darrell, was instead offered up to the country icon Dolly Parton, who had passed away that very day. The emotional tribute resonated deeply, showcasing Down's ability to blend heavy metal with heartfelt moments. The highlight of the night came with “Ghosts Along The Mississippi,” a track that encapsulates Down’s unparalleled gift for conjuring the humid, swampy atmosphere of the American South, leaving the Montreal audience feeling every degree of that steamy embrace.