Down
Diary Of A Mad Band

November 2010
Released: 2010, Down Records
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Celtic Bob

Recorded a few years back while Down was on tour in Europe, this release is available in several different packages giving fans a choice of what they want to purchase. There is the basic 2 CD version (which is what is reviewed here) as well as a deluxe with bonus DVD and then there is the double LP version.



Live Recordings are generally a hit or miss release. On one hand they serve the purpose of giving fans that have not had the opportunity to catch the artist live a small sampling of what they are like in a live concert setting. On the other hand they can be viewed as a ‘Best Of’ to hold us over until the next Studio album is issued. 


DIARY OF A MAD BAND is a nice live double disc that has a real live feel too it and doesn’t appear to be tampered with in the studio. It is gritty and raw like a live Metal show should be. Anselmo and Down come across better in a live setting than on album. The songs seem to fit the stage more so than a studio. There is more energy and life to them. Phil’s between song banter is also classic and interesting to hear. This audience interaction is one aspect of a live show that really connects the listener to the band and this release does that throughout the 2 CD’s.



With only 3 studio albums under their belt now is a good time to release this live disc for the fans. The only setback to it is that it was recorded after the 2nd album so it doesn’t contain anything off the 3rd disc.