NOLA sludge metal supergroup DOWN have finally announced the release of their long-awaited new album, ‘Volume V’, which is now slated to arrive on November 20th via Nuclear Blast.
The 10-track effort marks the band’s first proper full-length collection of new material since 2014. DOWN co-produced the record with Eddie Mapp, whose credits include Black Label Society and Stone Temple Pilots. Dave Fortman (Mudvayne, Slipknot) handled the mixing, with Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford) overseeing mastering.
The album will also feature a notable guest appearance from Mercyful Fate frontman King Diamond, who contributes vocals to the track “Merciful Fate.” His wife also makes a guest appearance on the song.
Another track, “Ozz,” appears to serve as a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. Speaking about the song that follows it, the album-closing “Twice-Told Tales,” frontman Phil Anselmo (Pantera, etc.) offered:
“It’s a conglomerate of tight riffs and blues rock mixed with the diligence of classic metal. It’s an important song to us. I could feel Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on me in the strangest way.”
Alongside the album announcement, DOWN have also debuted “Blood Oath” as the record’s first single, accompanied by an official music video. Anselmo explained that the song contains plenty of references that should resonate with those familiar with New Orleans.
“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.”
Guitarist Pepper Keenan added:
“You’ll know it’s DOWN right off the fucking bat. It’s heavy in its attack.”
Looking back on the making of ‘Volume V’, Anselmo described the sessions as a particularly positive experience for the band.
“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.”
Guitarist Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, etc.) echoed that sentiment, while also comparing the energy surrounding the new album to the band’s iconic debut, ‘NOLA’.
“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.”
Keenan also emphasized the long history shared by the members of DOWN, noting that their connection predates their individual careers.
“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’ Track Listing
01 – “The Myth”
02 – “Merciful Fate” (feat. King Diamond)
03 – “Turn Out the Light”
04 – “The Message”
05 – “Causeway Grief”
06 – “Blood Oath”
07 – “They Walk the Night”
08 – “They Came from Dust”
09 – “Ozz”
10 – “Twice-Told Tales”
Pre-orders for ‘Volume V’ are available through the official album pre-order page.
DOWN are currently on the ‘Strap It Down Tour’ with Helmet and Spirit In The Room.
DOWN Tour Dates
- 08/19 Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
- 08/20 Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
- 08/22 Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
- 08/23 Toronto, ON – HISTORY
- 08/25 Montreal, QC – MTELUS
- 08/26 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
- 08/28 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA – Montage Mountain Amp (‘Berzerkus’) (no Helmet)
- 08/29 New York, NY – Jones Beach Amp (‘Berzerkus’) (no Helmet)
- 08/30 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
- 09/01 Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
- 09/02 Chicago, IL – Ramova Theatre
- 09/04 Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater (DOWN only) (with Slayer, etc.)
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