Album Cover Revealed For 'Down IV Part I: The Purple EP'; Philip Anselmo Talks About His Lyrics!

Metal forerunners DOWN will release 'Down IV Part I – The Purple EP', their first body of NEW material in five years, on September 18, 2012 via Down Records (Independent Label Group). Rolling Stone made the exclusive announcement this week with the world premiere of first single “Witchtripper,” calling it a “typically aggressive Anselmo vocal against a twisting, grinding musical backdrop.” [listen HERE!]. Adding further excitement to news of the upcoming release, Sirius XM Radio’s “Liquid Metal” also premiered the NEW single “Witchtripper” and “Misfortune Teller” to radio airwaves this week, while Revolver Magazine revealed the cover art today!

The six song EP is the first in a series of four EP’s planned for release over the next year. DOWN, which includes Philip Anselmo (Pantera) on vocals, Pepper Keenan (C.O.C.) on lead guitars, Kirk Windstein (Crowbar) on guitar, Jimmy Bowery (Eye Hate God) on drums, and Pat Bruders (Crowbar), the newest addition to the line-up, on bass, will kick off a string of tour dates on release day, beginning in Fort Worth, TX, and ending October 2 in Charlotte, NC.

Self-produced and recorded at Nodfertu’s Lair, located at Anselmo’s New Orleans home, 'Down IV Part I – The Purple EP' is undeniably the product of the iconic collective that is DOWN, whose members origins span from Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, and Eyehategod. Staggering riffs, thunderous drums, and Anselmo's inimitable delivery crush and captivate over the course of the collection's six songs. It's dark. It's dangerous. It's decisive. It's DOWN at their best.

"I do believe that we have delivered a record that will be accepted and hopefully enjoyed by the DOWN horde—if you will,” says Anselmo. “If you're looking for a DOWN record, it's very pure and real."

Lyrically, the EP goes beyond just personal experiences, and explores themes that include the faith of mankind, the imperfection of mankind and cultural belief systems.

"DOWN gives me the platform to be poetic and paint imagery with lyrics,” says Anselmo. “That's the approach I took. They complement the music and create an ominous feeling. Ultimately, when people consume the words, it's always their interpretation that matters. I could be image-conscious though when I wrote. It's not so gut level or street. The darker shit is some of my favorite."

With an album sales history totaling over 725,000, these New Orleans natives are no strangers to success. Their legendary 1995 debut 'Nola' is certified platinum, while 'Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow' [2002] and 'Down III: Over The Under' [2007] remain fan and critical successes. Count on The Purple EP to garner similar achievements!

EP 1 Track Listing:

    Levitation
    Witchtripper
    Open Coffins
    The Curse Is A Lie
    This Work Is Timeless
    Misfortune Teller

In case you didn't get the memo... legendary Heavy Metal singer Philip Anselmo (DOWN, ex-PANTERA) will be joining the Sirius XM Liquid Metal family. Anselmo will be hosting a weekly show where he will be playing his favorite Metal! The news was revealed during an interview that Jose Mangin conducted with Anselmo earlier today. Mangin twitted the following:

"WOW hope y'all just caught that! @PhilipAnselmoFA will be doing a weekly show on @SXMLiquidMetal on @SiriusXM where he plays his FAV Metal!"

Down is currently gearing up for a U.S. Tour this fall, followed by a European trek. The band will be touring in support of their forthcoming NEW EP (details below). The following dates have been confirmed so far, with more to be added soon:

U.S. Tour Dates (*) with Saint Vitus, Warbeast and HAARP:

09/18: Fort Worth, TX – Ridglea Theater

09/19: Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom

09/21: Sauget, IL – Pop’s

09/22: Chicago, IL – House Of Blues

09/23: Pontiac, MI – Crofoot Ballroom

09/25: Boston, MA – House Of Blues

09/26: Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory

09/28: New York, NY – Best Buy Theater

09/29: Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom

10/02: Charlotte, NC – Tremont Music Hall

European Tour Dates (*):

10/19: Manchester, UK – O2 Academy

10/20: Birmingham, UK – HMV Institute

10/21: London, UK – Roundhouse

10/23: Antwerp, Belgium – Trix Hall

10/24: Paris, France – Bataclan

10/25: Holland, Amsterdam – Melkweg

10/27: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – Den Atelier

*: More tour dates to be added

Tickets and more information HERE!

Related links:
Philip Anselmo's Official Site 

DOWN
Liquid Metal on Facebook
Sign up for a FREE subscription today and let Liquid Metal proof to you that they are the elite when it comes to Heavy Metal radio! Try Liquid Metal for FREE