Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow…

Released seven years after their landmark debut 'NOLA', Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow… represents a pivotal moment for the supergroup. Recorded in 'Nodferatu's Lair' - a barn converted into a studio on Phil Anselmo's property - the album was famously tracked during a period of intense drug use and isolation, which heavily influenced its sprawling, 15-track structure and psychedelic undertones. While 'NOLA' was a collection of tight, riff-heavy anthems, 'Down II' is more atmospheric and experimental, incorporating elements of acoustic folk, blues jams, and even gospel-inflected harmonies. The album's title is a direct nod to Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven', signaling the band's deeper dive into 70s rock influences. Despite the chaotic recording conditions, the album is hailed for its organic production and for solidifying the 'Southern Metal' subgenre, blending the crushing weight of sludge with the melodic sensibilities of classic rock. It remains a polarizing but essential chapter in the band's discography, capturing a raw, unvarnished snapshot of NOLA's heavy music royalty at their most creatively unhinged.