Down played a loud and heavy show at the House of Blues in Cleveland on August 19. The show was part of their Strap It Down tour. Helmet and Spirit in the Room played before them. The venue is small and intimate. This made the whole night feel very close, sweaty, and intense.
Spirit in the Room opened the night with a dark and moody set. Then Helmet took the stage. They played fast and tight. Their sharp riffs got the crowd moving early. By the time Helmet finished, the room was packed to the doors. Everyone was ready for Down.
Down took the stage and the crowd went crazy immediately. Phil Anselmo took the microphone and led the room with strong vocals and great energy. The band played thick, slow, and heavy Southern metal riffs. The sound was very clear and the bass hit hard in the chest.
The setlist had plenty of classic songs that fans love. The band played “Lysergik Funeral Procession” and “Lifer” early in the night. The crowd sang along to every word of “Hail the Leaf” and “Stone the Crow.” The band also surprised everyone by playing “Blood Oath” live for the first time on this tour. The new song sounded heavy and fit perfectly with the older tracks.
The band did not rush through their set. They played a full main show and came back out for a massive encore. They ended the entire night with “Bury Me in Smoke.” The heavy riff went on for minutes as smoke filled the stage.
Down proved that they are still one of the best live heavy metal bands around. They do not need big arena lights or fancy stage props. A loud PA system and a packed club are all they need to deliver a killer metal show.
