Photo by Danin Drahos

The powerhouse collective of  Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Jimmy Bower, and Pat Bruders has confirmed their return. Sludge titans DOWN will release Volume V, the band's long-awaited LP on November 20th via Nuclear Blast Records. 

Decamped to Anselmo's home studio in Louisiana, the tandem of Windstein and Keenan began to build the foundation of what would be the next iteration of DOWN. Along with a pair of writing sessions, the songs that would eventually become Volume V took shape in 2025. 

Anselmo spoke about the next chapter of the storied brotherhood in DOWN. “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 Windstein chimed in regarding the consistent creative chemistry of the band more than three decades in. “Everybody played their asses off, wrote great riffs, and Philip is singing amazing. 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.”

Pepper Keenan added how the diversity of the individual members gels collectively. “The five of us are from the same era, grew up together, and accomplished a lot on our own. We all sounded different, but we’re still from the same 20-block radius. As far as what makes DOWN special, we knew one another before any of us had done anything. There’s history.” 

Volume V was produced by Eddie Mapp along with DOWN. The album also boasts a special guest appearance from the iconic King Diamond on the song, "Merciful Fate," as well as an assist from King's wife, Livia Zita. 

To introduce the current chapter of DOWN, the band have shared the corrosive lead single, "Blood Oath". Undeniably heavy, masterfully constructed and durable as all hell, the single offers a stylistic tip of the hat to NOLA and the timeless sludge styling that has defined DOWN for decades.

“Anybody who’s from New Orleans is going to get a kick out of the references to the city,” grins Anselmo. “Musically, it’s got a big hook. It’s a DOWN song, but it takes a turn.”

“You’ll know it’s DOWN right off the fucking bat,” adds Keenan. “It’s heavy in its attack.”

DOWN are currently leading the charge on their North American headlining tour with  Helmet and Spirit In The Room on The Strap It Down tour. Along the ay, DOWN will deliver a special performance as direct support to Slayer and make a guest appearance  at Zakk Wylde’s Berzerkus Festival with Lamb Of God, Black Label Society, and more on August 28th in Scranton, Pennsylvania and August 29th in Wantagh, New York. See a confirmed list of dates and cities below. Get tickets - HERE

Volume V, the new album from DOWN arrives November 20th via Nuclear Blast Records. Order the album - HERE