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DOWN Roars Back: Anselmo and Crew Kick Off North American Assault

By Jason •
The legendary supergroup embarks on a ferocious tour while teasing a long-awaited album.

The heavyweights of metal, DOWN, have unleashed their thunderous presence across North America, igniting the stage on August 15 at The Eastern in Atlanta, Georgia. Fronted by the inimitable Philip H. Anselmo, alongside axe-wielders Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, the drumming powerhouse Jimmy Bower, and the steady groove of bassist Pat Bruders, this tour is a testament to their relentless spirit and unyielding dedication to heavy metal.

As they kick off their two-week trek, aptly titled the "Strap It Down" tour, DOWN is set to headline all dates, culminating at the historic Ramova Theatre in Chicago on September 2. Metalheads in Shakopee, Minnesota can look forward to a special date on September 4, where DOWN will join forces with the titans of thrash, SLAYER. With a slate that includes appearances at Zakk Wylde's infamous "Berzerkus" festival, featuring the likes of LAMB OF GOD and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, this tour is poised to be a monumental return to form.

Adding to their already formidable arsenal, DOWN recently unleashed a cover of Dr. John's classic "Right Place, Wrong Time," which surfaced earlier this year in a celebratory Mardi Gras video. Now, it’s available for headbanging on all streaming platforms, allowing fans to experience the band’s unique take on this classic.

In a candid chat with Metal Nation, Kirk Windstein revealed that the much-anticipated new album has officially been recorded. "It's done. We self-produced it, and now we're on the hunt for the right person to mix it properly," he stated. Fans can expect its release as early as October, and Windstein's confidence in the material is evident. He reminisced about the songwriting chemistry that sparked during the sessions, likening it to the golden days of the '90s when they laid down the iconic "NOLA" record.

With contributions from all members, including Anselmo’s undeniable prowess as a riff writer, the album promises a collection of killer tracks that will resonate with die-hard fans. Windstein has high hopes for the LP, pitching it as either a monumental success or a complete flop—but for those loyal to DOWN, he believes it will undoubtedly deliver. The band's approach to songwriting and recording is refreshingly organic, shunning click tracks for a more raw, live feel that captures the essence of their legendary sound.

As anticipation builds for the new material, Kirk's excitement is palpable. The chemistry within DOWN is electric, and with a commitment to authenticity, this upcoming release is shaping up to be an essential addition to the heavy metal canon.