When you think of Rex Brown the last thing that comes to mind is acoustic guitar and bass. Even though Rex plays bass in two of the heaviest bands in the world, he actually does most of his song writing on acoustics. Of course the only acoustic guitars and basses that can withstand the constant touring and abuse that Pantera and Down deliver are Ovation Acoustic/Electrics.
Pantera Bio: Critics writing about Pantera fall over themselves in search of adjectives to describe the fiercely independent foursome: “Boot kicking” “A Metal massacre” “Crushing” “Searing” - the list goes on and on. Log onto the numerous websites manned by rabid and loyal fans, and you’ll find chat rooms filled with their own testaments of faith to the band: “They never sold out.” “They always speak their mind.” But ask Philip Anselmo, the charismatic, often merciless frontman of Pantera about his take on their success and you get the true, living, breathing definition of this uncompromising phenomenon. “We’ve survived every trend. Heavy metal, grunge metal, funk metal, rap metal - and we’re still here. Our fans know we’re true right down to the core.”
Pantera’s incredible rise to the top of the metal heap has been nothing short of miraculous when you consider they’ve made their historic climb with virtually no radio support or MTV exposure. With 4 platinum albums under their belt, 3 gold home videos and 2 Grammy nominations, Pantera are just beginning to garner the recognition they deserve. Relentless touring since 1990’s breakthrough album Cowboys From Hell, has seen them go from local Texas phenoms to mortifying trailblazers of the legendary Ozzfest.
The band’s relentless touring and fierce dedication to their fans have inoculated them against the usual trappings that have brought down other metal bands, making them the standard-bearers for integrity minded rock.
Down Bio: “Okay, so let’s get this straight. Five guys originally from New Orleans, in four different bands, got together many moons ago and started a little side project called “Down”. Seemed innocent enough, just a couple of freaks who were into bands which were into Sabbath—before it was cool to be into Sabbath. We would jam and blow our heads off in this little garage…then something started to happen.”—Pepper Keenan, DOWN
Down is made up of Philip Anselmo, a.k.a. “Nodferatu” (Pantera) - vocals and guitar; Pepper Keenan, a.k.a. “Sgt. Pepper” a.k.a. “The Sarge” (Corrosion of Conformity) - guitar; Kirk Windstein a.k.a. “Toots Sweet” (Crowbar) - guitar; Rex Brown a.k.a. “Crown Brown” (Pantera) - bass; and Jimmy Bower a.k.a. “Flash” (EYEHATEGOD/Corrosion of Conformity) - drums. Six years later, “Down” is still coming on strong. DOWN seems to have taken on a life of its own, purely supported by those who keep listening to it and asking for it. With very little radio, even less promotion, and still even fewer live shows, DOWN has spread like some kind of yellow fever to basically become a staple heavy metal record.