Down IV – Part I

Background

In January 2012, Philip Anselmo announced that the band have been recording songs in the studio since October 2011. The band plans to release a series of EPs over the next few years. On May 21, 2012, Down performed "Misfortune Teller" for the first time in North Carolina. On July 26, 2012, another new song, "Witchtripper" was made available for streaming. It was made available for purchase on iTunes on July 31, 2012. The band revealed the artwork and title of their first EP to be Down IV Part I – The Purple EP in July 2012.

Lyrics and style

With the EP, the band decided to go back to its roots and earlier style of song writing that was most prominent on the band's debut album. Much of the work was done at Anselmo's barn named "Nosferatu's Lair", where the band recorded their entire second album, Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow. Influences such as Black Sabbath, Trouble and Witchfinder General would play a significant role in the writing process with the EP containing traces of doom metal and southern rock influences, giving the EP a dark, raw and ominous feel.

Anselmo described the album as:

"very stripped down. Nothing flashy. Straight to the point… really just DOWN music. If you liked the first record, the demos… something like that… This record, we're pretty dead straight and honest and on the money as far as making it as simple and direct as possible and I think we did that. . . It has that practice-room vibe to it. We didn't really try and fucking slick it out and anything. We went the more raw route, as far as an approach."

The lyrics tackle subjects outside of just personal experiences unlike most of the band's previous work, exploring such themes as the faith and imperfection of mankind and cultural belief systems.

Critical reception

The EP was well received by critics. Artistdirect.com and Loudwire both giving the EP a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating. Natalie Zed of About.com gave the album 3.5 out of 5 stars in her review. She stated:

"While the sound of this record is classic Down, delivered without experimentation or flourish, the form of the album is where the band allow themselves freedom to explore, and very successfully. The Purple EP is at once extremely satisfying, but also leaves the listener hungry and wanting more – a fine balance."

Commercial performance

Released on September 18, 2012, nearly 17 years after their debut album NOLA, The Purple EP debut on the Billboard 200 at number 35, number 15 on the Rock Albums chart, number 7 on the Independent Albums chart, and topped the Hard Rock Albums chart all in the week on October 6, 2012. The album peaked at number 57 on the UK Albums Chart.

Track listing

All lyrics written by Phil Anselmo; all music composed by Down.

Personnel