Kirk Windstein recently revealed details about Down’s upcoming album release timeline. He shared the information during an interview on Pod Scum.
The Crowbar and Down guitarist addressed fan expectations for new music from the band in 2026. He provided a specific timeframe for the release.
“Yes. Later than sooner, but I don’t really see why it can’t get out, say, by September, around September-ish,” Windstein said. “Because Down’s on [the] Nuclear Blast [record label], along with C.O.C. [Corrosion Of Conformity; Pepper’s main band], who have an amazing new record coming out April 2nd.”
Windstein explained the strategic timing behind the release schedule. He considered other Nuclear Blast releases in his planning.
“So we can’t put Down, even if it’s ready, we can’t put it out too close to that,” he continued. “And the label’s not gonna wanna do that anyway. We wouldn’t do it anyway. But C.O.C. needs to come out and let everybody get blown away for a good bit. And when the water settles a little bit, we f*cking give ’em a double whammy and throw out the Down.”
The September 2026 target date gives fans a concrete timeframe to anticipate new material from the influential sludge metal supergroup.
Windstein’s announcement comes at a significant time in his career. He continues to balance his commitments between multiple influential metal projects. Solar Guitars reported that he is a founding member of the supergroup Down, which he started in 1991. He has released four records with them over the years.
The guitarist’s dedication to the New Orleans metal scene spans decades of consistent touring and recording. New Orleans Musicians noted that Windstein was born in Middlesex, England in 1965. He moved with his parents to Texas for a year before settling on Steamboat Ln. in River Ridge, Louisiana. There he became deeply rooted in the local music community.
Windstein’s career trajectory showcases his versatility across multiple heavy music projects. Metal Wiki documented that Kirk Windstein is an English-American sludge metal singer and guitarist for the New Orleans bands Crowbar, Down, and other projects. He established himself as a key figure in the Southern metal movement.
The upcoming Down album represents another chapter in Windstein’s extensive discography. He continues to contribute to both Crowbar and Down while maintaining the distinct identity of each project. His strategic approach to release timing demonstrates the careful planning required in today’s competitive metal landscape.
