DOWN Announce New Album, Drop New Single “Blood Oath”
Photo credit: Danin Drahos
DOWN is back with a new album, their first new music since 2014. The long-awaited album, Volume V, will be released on November 20 via Nuclear Blast Records.
The supergroup consists of vocalist Phil Anselmo (Pantera), guitarists Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity) and Kirk Windstein (Crowbar), bassist Pat Bruders (ex-Goatwhore, Crowbar), and drummer Jimmy Bower (guitarist in Eyehategod), all of whom return on the new 10-track album.
It’s been quite a long stretch without any new music, with Anselmo sharing, “We were all excited about this. There was a sense of lightness in the air. Everyone’s attitude was positive. There was more focus than ever. It just felt fresh again. Each one of us was individually striving for something, and I believe we achieved what we wanted to achieve. The record is a journey. It’s classic DOWN, but it’s also unique.”
Kirk Weinstein added, “There’s so much electricity when we get together. To me, it’s the same vibe as our debut NOLA, but we’ve got another 35 years of experience as songwriters.”
The new album was written and recorded at Anselmo’s home studio, Nodferatu's Lair in Louisiana. Guitarists Weinstein and Keenan recorded guitars simultaneously, giving the album that visceral punch you get from a live show.
The lead single, “Blood Oath”, features the classic melodic and heavy DOWN sound, with Anselmo noting, “Anybody who’s from New Orleans is going to get a kick out of the references to the city. Musically, it’s got a big hook. It’s a DOWN song, but it takes a turn.”
Keenan adds, “You’ll know it’s DOWN right off the fucking bat. It’s heavy in its attack.”
Check out the new music video below:
‘Volume V’ was produced by Eddie Mapp and DOWN, with mixing by Dave Fortman and mastering by Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering in California. The new album will be released on CD, digital formats, and as a double LP in various color variants. Fans can preorder the album in their format of choice here.
Volume V Track List:
The Myth
Merciful Fate
Turn Out The Light
The Message
Causeway Grief
Blood Oath
They Walk The Night
They Came From Dust
Ozz
Twice-Told Tales
