American heavy metal supergroup Down have announced their long-awaited new studio album, “Volume V,” set for release on November 20 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band also unveiled the lead single, “Blood Oath.” The announcement highlighted the band’s decades-long legacy and described the new single as a standout track anchored by a memorable riff and a strong chorus.
“American heavy metal icons Down will unleash their long-awaited new studio album, ‘Volume V,’ on November 20th via Nuclear Blast Records,” the announcement read. “For over three decades, the quintet – Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Jimmy Bower, and Pat Bruders – have quietly built a legacy like no other. When these individuals congregate, magic ensues, conjured by earthquaking grooves, bellowing straight from the soul, and riffing loud enough to awaken an ancient deity. Lead single, ‘Blood Oath,’ is anchored by an alternately hard-hitting and hummable riff, culminating on a clarion call chorus. With a sly tip of the hat to their stomping grounds, it practically bleeds old gold, black, and white.”
Frontman Phil Anselmo spoke about the creative process behind the new record and the energy within the band during its making.
“We were all excited about this,” Anselmo said. “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 echoed that sentiment, comparing the chemistry of the sessions to the band’s earliest work.
“Everybody played their asses off, wrote great riffs, and Philip is singing amazing,” Windstein said. “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.”
Guitarist Pepper Keenan also reflected on the shared history that continues to define the band.
“The five of us are from the same era, grew up together, and accomplished a lot on our own,” Keenan said. “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” marks a significant milestone in the band’s storied career, and its arrival carries weight well beyond a typical album cycle.
The record stands as Down’s first full-length studio release since 2007’s “Down III: Over the Under.” Nearly two decades separate the band’s last outing from this long-awaited follow-up. That gap deepens the anticipation surrounding “Blood Oath” and the album that follows it.
“Blood Oath” itself plays as a nasty doom grinder, built on the kind of weight and menace that has defined Down’s sound since its inception. Anselmo’s vocals on the track evoke the raspy intensity of Matt Pike of High on Fire. The vocals are layered over dense, sludge-soaked riffing that traces directly back to the band’s New Orleans roots.
The single dropped on August 19. Down and Eddie Mapp produced the track jointly, with songwriting credited to Anselmo and Keenan. “Volume V” will run ten tracks deep. The tracklist includes a collaboration titled “Merciful Fate,” featuring a guest appearance from King Diamond, adding another layer of intrigue ahead of the album’s release.
Down have set the stage for what could be one of the most anticipated comebacks in heavy metal this year, with “Blood Oath” now out and “Volume V” locked in for a November 20 release.
