Down Pass Midpoint of Recording New Album

Down have moved beyond the midpoint of recording their long-awaited new studio album, according to guitarist Kirk Windstein. The record is expected in 2026 and will be the band’s first substantial collection of new material since the “Down IV — Part Two” EP in 2014.

Windstein says the drum tracks are complete, while he and fellow guitarist Pepper Keenan have finished the main rhythm guitars. Bass has also been recorded. At the time of the update, Windstein was uncertain whether vocalist Phil Anselmo had begun his final performances.

The band plan to resume detailed guitar work before Phil Anselmo completes vocals and the record enters mixing.

Touring commitments for the members’ other bands temporarily interrupted the sessions. Down planned to reconvene in November to complete remaining guitar and bass details before handing the project to Anselmo and moving into the mixing stage.

The album will be released through Nuclear Blast, which signed Down in April 2025 and also intends to restore parts of the group’s catalogue to wider circulation, particularly on vinyl. The current lineup features Anselmo, Windstein, Keenan, drummer Jimmy Bower and bassist Pat Bruders.

Windstein previously described the new songs as a return to the simple, instinctive writing process associated with 1995 debut “NOLA”. Rather than increasing complexity, the band have concentrated on direct riffs and arrangements developed collectively in the rehearsal room. Down resumed intermittent live activity in 2021 after several years away.