Down "IV Part 1: The Purple E.P."

       Five years after the release of their last album of original studio recording, the followup to their stellar live album Diary of a Mad Band, and almost 17 years to the day of the release of their debut album sees this “supergroup” relaease the first quarter of their new project. I’ll cut to the chase, and say that if you were a fan of their songwriting style on their debut, you may like this. They don’t try to distract the listener with experimentation, and keep it basic. That is not a bad thing because they can expand their subject matter, or focus more on the impact the song has. That is saying it out of respect for their previous discography; I just do not have the words.
       You have their southern stoner’s metal aesthetic present, as well the feeling of doom. The sound is dense, ominous, and almost sounds as if it was recorded live.  I personally enjoyed this E.P., every song is worth multiple listens, and the longer cuts did not feel like they overstay their welcome. There is some Black Sabbath, and to a lesser extent, mid-career Mudvayne in the sound. “WitchTripper” sounds like it recalls the midnight masses in the forest during The Scarlett Letter. “Open Coffins” wins with its opening stanza, but keep interest when it focuses outwards for commentary. “This Work is Timeless,” and some may say it recalls Pantera, but so is their work. A glimpse in the eyes of a “Misfortune Teller” in  what associates them with Doom-metal bands; “A rise, in the dead…..A grave mistake,” and so much more. Are the final 24 seconds a taste of the next E.P.?