DOWN to Release Four EP's in the next Few Years

Rock AAA sat down with guitar master Kirk Windstein (Down, Crowbar, Kingdom of Sorrow) during these weekend's Download Festival and updated the fans on all things Down! The big news is that Down will be entering the studio on September 1st and recording the first of a series of EP's. The band plans to release a new EP every 9 months and keep the fans with enough Down music in their bellies. Here is the interview:

Down from Rock AAA on Vimeo.

LIVE footage from their performance yesterday at Sweden Rock festival!


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DOWN
Rock AAA

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Down IV

After a short North American tour, New Orleans All-star band Down is currently busy working on their fourth studio album. After the success of their third album "Over the Under", the band knows that their rabid fans expect another masterpiece. After seeing them perform live last month here in New York City, we have no doubt that the band is entering the production of Down IV at the right time and with the right mindset.

The only obstacle the band faces is whither Rex Brown (Pantera) is still in Down. Rex was nowhere to be seen on stage while the band was on tour, instead Crowbar's bassist Patrick Bruders took over. All this after Rex announced the formation of the Kill Devil Hill supergroup with Vinnie Appice (Heaven & Hell) and Mark Zavon (Ratt, W.A.S.P., 40 Cycle Hum), and after he recently quit Arms of the Sun. This is what Rex told Metal Assault about this matter:

"This is it. I’m not doing any Down. This is my devotion right here. There’s no side gigs, or anything else that’s going on. So this is what it’s going to be for the future."

The band has not made an Official statement yet, but as soon as they do we'll let you know. For now here is a video of the band's recent show at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, New York City.





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DOWN Own New York City

Last night Down performed a legendary concert at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. From the second Phil Anselmo and the boys got on stage, the crowd went wild and didn't stop raging out of control until security emptied the place up after Down destroyed everyone's necks and vocal chords. Down does not take anything for granted and they know that New York City always expects the best from them, and last night they performed their best show in New York City to this day.

The energy last night in the heart of Times Square was unbelievable, there wasn't one person standing still or frowning. Down's mission is always to jam their hearts out and regardless of how chaotic the crowd is, Phil Anselmo always demands more chaos! In a token of appreciation to all the rabid Down fans, Phil performed the entire set with a cracked open head after being hit with Pepper Keenan's guitar while the band was playing "Lifer", which they always dedicate to Anselmo's former band mate "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. This made the crowd go absolutely insane, and from that moment on the whole place erupted into a huge mosh pit.

Performing all the "hit" songs from their three albums with full Bower Power combined with the shredding guitar of Kirk Windstein (Crowbar) and Pepper Keenan, Down is one of the tightest bands you will ever hear and last night was no exception. As in any successful band, the lead singer is the master of ceremony and Phil Anselmo last night proved that he is the best front-man in Heavy Music history. The man makes the guys lose their minds and the girls scream obnoxiously loud. All in all, a great mix of extreme music and amazing people. New York City is quickly becoming the capital of Metal, and nobody can stop us! \m/

"It's not the first time this happens, and it will definitely not be the last one." - Anselmo after having his head cracked open while on stage.





Here are the remaining dates for the 2011 DOWN US tour:

Apr. 29 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
Apr. 30 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom

Photo credit: Bards Eye Photography
Videos shot by: Alex 'Cliff'

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Riffing It Up with Kirk Windstein

Kirk Windstein is synonymous to crushing riffs that seek vulnerable ears and destroy them without mercy. His guitar tone is recognizable by millions of Heavy Music fans worldwide, and as result imitated by almost every band out there. Many can try to sound like Kirk, but there is only one man that can handle being in three successful bands, being a father, and a soon to be husband.

After being an active musician for almost 25 years, you would think that Kirk is ready to slow down and lay back. The truth of the matter is that when it comes to the circle of hard-hitting musicians that come from New Orleans, they play music from the heart and not even a devastating hurricane can stop them from spreading their music like a wild fire.

Taking it easy has never been part of Kirk’s ritual; the man is by far one of the hardest working musicians in Heavy Music today. Not only does he lead Crowbar, but he is also a vital part of the mighty Down and Jamey Jasta’s right hand man in Kingdom Of Sorrow. He is also working on a solo record that he hopes to release sometime this year (more details in the video interview).

During Crowbar’s recent stop in New York City for the Metalliance Tour, we sat down to chat with Kirk about life on the road, his music and how after 25 years he decided to leave his boozing years behind in order to focus on his family. This exclusive interview took place in side Irving Plaza as the fans were arriving to catch one of the best tours of the year.


Before we get into the interview, here are some facts about Kirk Windstein:

- Kirk was born in Middlesex, England on April 14, 1965.

- His career started in 1987 when he joined a band called Victorian Blitz as guitarist. The band was a Judas Priest and Iron Maiden cover band.

- Today he sings and plays guitar in Crowbar, Down, and Kingdom of Sorrow.

DISCOGRAPHY:


- Obedience Thru Suffering: released on September 26, 1991
- Crowbar: released on October 12, 1993
- Live +1 (EP): released on March 29,1994
- Time Heals Nothing: released on May 23, 1995
- Broken Glass: released on October 29, 1996
- Odd Fellows Rest: released on July 7, 1998
- Equilibrium: released on March 7, 2000
- Sonic Excess in its Purest Form: released on August 8, 2001
- Lifesblood for the Downtrodden: released on February 9, 2005
- Sever the Wicked Hand: released on February 2011


- NOLA: released on September 19,1995
- Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow : March 26, 2002
- Down III: Over the Under: September 25, 2007
- Down IV: TBD


- Kingdom of Sorrow: February 19, 2008
- Behind the Blackest Tears: June 8, 2010

Without further due, here is the exclusive interview we did with riff master Kirk Windstein, in which he discusses life as a touring musician, his future musical plans and how he was able to get his life back on track.



We want to thank Kirk, Bill Meis at EOne Music and Steve Seabury!

Photo credit: Bards Eye Photography

Related links:
Crowbar
E1 Music
Down
Kingdom of Sorrow

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Liquid Metal Kidnaps Kirk Windstein

Liquid Metal decided it was time to kidnap Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down, Kingdom Of Sorrow) and the only way that they will let him go is if he annihilates the satellites with some hard hitting powerful music.

Here is the OFFICIAL press release:

"Sludge Metal lord Kirk Windstein joins Liquid Metal host Jose Mangin inside the Sirius XM headquarters for an hour special surrounding the latest release from CROWBAR called Sever The Wicked Hand (out now through E-One Records). You’ll hear Kirk discuss the new album, their current stint on the Metalliance Tour (featuring Saint Vitus & Helmet), his upcoming summer plans with Kingdom Of Sorrow on the Mayhem Festival, the update on the recording of the new Down, and how life as a father has grounded the 20 year plus Metal veteran and made him see things in a new light. Tune in not only for the exclusive content but also for hard hitting numbers from all his bands, plus some of his favorite cuts from Pantera & Black Sabbath!"

Here are all the details:

- Where? Liquid Metal (Sirius 27/XM 42)

- Who? In-Studio guest: Kirk Windstein

- When? Thursday, March 31 @ 8 PM Eastern

Repeat broadcasts:

- Friday, April 1 @ 5 PM Eastern
- Saturday, April 2 @ 12 PM Eastern
- Sunday, April 3 @ 3 PM Eastern



Photo credit: Bards Eye Photography

Related links:
Crowbar
E1 Music
Down
Kingdom of Sorrow
Sirius XM Liquid Metal

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DOWN: 2011 Tourdates

New Orleans, Louisiana supergroup Down, has just announced a few US tour-dates for this Spring! We know that some of you are skeptic about Down, since seeing Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown with another band makes you miss Pantera's fury, but Down is a band you must see live . Ever since the demise of Pantera in 2001, Down became a musical powerhouse and their lineup is unmatched:

Philip Anselmo: Vocals
Kirk WIndstein & Pepper Keenan: Guitars
Rex Brown: Bass
Jimmy Bower: Drums

Their music is also unmatched, specially live:



Don't miss this chance to see one of the best Heavy Music bands today LIVE! Here are the 2011 DOWN US dates:

Mar. 04 - New Orleans, LA - The Hangar
Mar. 05 - Maxwell, TX - The Cotton Gin
Mar. 06 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
Apr. 28 - New York, NY - Best Buy Theatre
Apr. 29 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
Apr. 30 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom

Stay tuned for more updates!

Related links:
DOWN

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Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down, Kingdom of Sorrow) is one of the godfathers of the New Orleans Heavy Music scene, and since the inception of Crowbar in 1989 he’s kept his craft intact. Kirk has been a fundamental asset to the ever changing New Orleans Heavy Music scene, which has brought us bands like Crowbar, Down, Acid Bath, Goatwhore, Eyehategod, Soilent Green, and many others.

What sets the NOLA scene apart from other scenes in the country is that the scene was not created around a particular genre; it was created around the musical paradise that is only present in New Orleans, Louisiana: a city that gave birth to Jazz, Sludge Metal and to the New Orleans Saints (current Superbowl champions).

Sludge Metal became an important genre, thanks to musicians like Philip Anselmo (Pantera, Down) Pepper Keenan (COC, Down), Jimmy Bower (Eyehategod, Down), Ben Falgoust (Goatwhore, Soilent Green), and Mike Williams (Eyehategod), who’s goal was to create a musical movement in which everyone unites and challenges each other’s creativity. This movement has lead into a very unique sound, which Windstein has helped to create and establish.

It is evident from the moment Kirk steps on any stage, that everyone loves the “old man” (as Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed calls him). One of the elements that has made Kirk loved by millions of fans worldwide, is the passion and soul he delivers through his music. Whither it’s Crowbar, Down, or Kingdom of Sorrow, Kirk is always the same humble guy who found music as a creative and therapeutic outlet.


Last weekend Kirk brought his “baby” Crowbar to New York City’s Santos Party House, and made it an unforgettable night of Heavy southern Sludge Metal! Crowbar has never disappointed, and wherever they go they make sure everyone leaves with a wide smile. What impacted us the most about Crowbar is how fans of different musical styles always unite at their shows, groove their bodies uncontrollably, and got their soul Crowbent.

What’s in the agenda for Kirk Windstein in 2011?

- New Crowbar record (February 8th through E1 Music).
- US tour in March with Crowbar.
- Recording of the new Down record in the summer.
- Touring with Kingdom of Sorrow in the summer.

We are pretty sure that what you really want to do right now, is watch our EXCLUSIVE interview with Kirk Windstein inside Santos Party House, right after Crowbar's New York City takeover. \m/









Related links:
Crowbar
E1 Music
Down
Kingdom of Sorrow

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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DOWN: Diary of a Mad Band

New Orleans has always been known for its influence in music and its multilingual cross-cultural heritage. This ever-changing region of the United States gave birth to Jazz music, and is universally known for its cuisine. Recently they became known for their NFL football team, thanks to the New Orleans Saints victory over the Indianapolis Colts at this years Super Bowl in Miami. What does all this have to do with Heavy Music? Well, NOLA is the birthplace of one of the best bands in the country, which band are we talking about? DOWN!

Formed in New Orleans in the early 90's, Down started as a side project formed by Pantera's own Philip Anselmo, COC's Pepper Keenan, Crowbar's Kirk Windstein, Eyehategod's Jimmy Bower and former Crowbar bassist Todd Strange. After the demise of Pantera, Philip Anselmo recruited Pantera's bassist Rex Brown, and got Pepper, Kirk and Jimmy on board for the rebirth of one of the best "super-groups" in Heavy Music today. They immediately entered the studio and recorded one of the best sounding records of the last 10 years: Down II "A Bustle in Your Hedgerow". Soon after the completion of the album, they went on the road for what they called "An Evening With Down". The concept was to have videos from legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zepellin and Metallica play before Down's set, instead of having opening acts.

In 2006, Down went to Europe for their first European tour and documented it all on video. The end result is a 130 minute DVD featuring 17 live songs, and plenty of behind the scenes footage. This is what guitarist Pepper Keenan had to say about the DVD:

"The DVD is an in-depth look at what five boys from the wrong side of the tracks can achieve when motivated by the will to escape hard times, fueled by an unexplainable quest to destroy live and be embraced by the love of fans whom we had not had the pleasure of meeting yet. This is how it's supposed to be: rock solid."

"Diary of a Mad Band", will be released in the United States on October 5th through Down Records/ADA. Here is the OFFICIAL trailer:


Make sure you support the underground music scene and buy this amazing DVD.

Related links:
DOWN's Official Site
PREORDER "Diary of a Mad band

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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BRAND NEW Kingdom of Sorrow song!

Kingdom of Sorrow is the merger of two amazing musicians: Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) & Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down). Their new album titled "Behind the Blackest Tears" is set to be released on June 8th through Relapse Records and it is heavier than steel!

Here is their first single titled "God's Law In The Devil's Land"!

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