What makes NOLA by Down notable?

The album received critical acclaim, often hailed as a classic in the sludge metal genre, and it debuted at number 27 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Its influence can be seen in numerous bands that followed, cementing Down's role in shaping the sound of Southern metal. NOLA was Down's debut album, released in 1995 when the band was formed by members of Pantera and Crowbar. This marked the beginning of their exploration into a heavier, slower sound distinct from their previous projects, establishing them as a key player in the Southern metal scene.

NOLA works well if you're into heavy riffs with soulful melodies, dark atmospheric soundscapes and introspective moments of reflection.

How many songs are on NOLA?

NOLA has 13 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

NOLA

Down · 1995

56 min · 13 tracks · sludge metal

Heavy, sludgy riffs intertwine with soulful melodies, creating a dark yet atmospheric soundscape that defines Southern metal's essence.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stone the Crow — This track showcases Down's blend of heavy riffs and emotional vocal delivery, making it one of their most recognized songs.
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Lifer — With its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, 'Lifer' encapsulates the struggles of addiction and personal turmoil prevalent throughout the album.
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Eyes of the South — 'Eyes of the South' features an intricate guitar arrangement and haunting atmosphere, exemplifying the band's ability to balance heaviness with melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

NOLA showcases strong songwriting and production, establishing a distinct sound within sludge metal.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a heavy, mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower, more atmospheric sections.
Several songs incorporate a call-and-response vocal style, blending harsh and melodic elements to create dynamic contrasts.
The final track, 'Bury Me in Smoke,' extends over seven minutes, gradually building intensity before fading out, which emphasizes the album's thematic weight.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

heavy riffs with soulful melodies
dark atmospheric soundscapes
introspective moments of reflection
cathartic release through intensity

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat and fast-paced music
want lighthearted and cheerful vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: NOLA was Down's debut album, released in 1995 when the band was formed by members of Pantera and Crowbar. This marked the beginning of their exploration into a heavier, slower sound distinct from their previous projects, establishing them as a key player in the Southern metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Crowbar· Eyehategod· Pantera

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Temptation’s Wings 4:24
2 Lifer 4:36
3 Pillars of Eternity 3:57
4 Rehab 4:03
5 Hail the Leaf 3:28
6 Underneath Everything 4:46
7 Eyes of the South 5:13
8 Jail 5:17
9 Losing All 4:21
10 Stone the Crow 4:42
11 Pray for the Locust 1:07
12 Swan Song 3:35
13 Bury Me in Smoke 7:04

What to play next

Listen next

Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow

2002

Go back to

Stone the Crow

1995

Full Down discography Artists like Down

Southern metal sludge metal stoner metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata