DOWN Prepare to Drop 'Volume V' with New Single 'Blood Oath'

The New Orleans heavy metal titans DOWN are set to release their highly anticipated fifth studio album, "Volume V", on 20 November via Nuclear Blast Records. To kick things off, the band has shared the lead single "Blood Oath", a track described as a masterclass in their signature blend of heavy riffs and hummable choruses.

This latest outing was forged through a dedicated writing process at the band's spiritual home, Nodferatu's Lair. To maintain their trademark sonic weight, Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein recorded their guitar parts simultaneously, ensuring the record punches hard. While Anselmo admits the record is unique, Windstein notes the chemistry feels as electric as their debut, only bolstered by decades of songwriting experience.

The record is a journey. It's classic DOWN, but it's also unique.

"Volume V" features a formidable tracklist, beginning with the high-octane "The Myth" before moving into "Merciful Fate". The latter features a rare appearance from King Diamond, who joins Anselmo for a blistering vocal duel amidst rapid-fire solos. The journey concludes with "Twice-Told Tales", a track Anselmo notes carries a distinct, heavy influence from the likes of Ozzy Osbourne.

For the quintet, the project is a continuation of a thirty-year legacy. Despite the members' individual successes with Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, and Eyehatedgod, the bond remains rooted in their shared upbringing in New Orleans. They haven't just survived the industry; they've built a cornerstone of heavy metal, and "Volume V" looks to cement that legacy further.