DOWN Drops Heavy Bombshell: 'Volume V' Set to Ignite Metal Hearts on November 20

In a recent gut-punch interview with Michael Christopher of Vanyaland, DOWN's riff maestro Pepper Keenan unleashed the details of the band’s impending studio beast, 'Volume V', arriving like a thunderstorm on November 20 via Nuclear Blast Records. This isn’t just another record; it’s a sonic resurrection, harkening back to the primal magic of their platinum-certified debut, 'NOLA'. Keenan explains, 'We recorded it closer to how we did 'NOLA'. I’m in one speaker, Kirk’s in the other. It’s raw, stripped down, much like AC/DC's 'Back In Black'—no frills, straight to the gut.'

But don’t mistake simplicity for lack of depth. Keenan insists that the band zeroed in on the essence of songwriting and arrangements without drowning it in excess. 'The world needed that a little bit,' he asserts, reflecting a desire to cut through the noise with authentic, no-bullshit metal. For a band that has spent years crafting their legacy, this is a reassertion of their identity, a return to their roots without losing touch with their evolution.

As the band prepares to unleash this sonic journey, frontman Phil Anselmo echoes Keenan’s sentiments, describing a palpable sense of lightness during the recording sessions. 'It felt fresh again,' he reveals. 'Each one of us was striving for something unique, and we believe we achieved that.' The chemistry is electric, reminding them of the raw energy that birthed 'NOLA', yet matured with over three decades of experience. 'Everybody played their asses off,' Windstein adds, highlighting the collective effort that fuels their creativity.

DOWN's history is woven into the fabric of New Orleans' metal scene, with each member carving out their own legacies before reuniting under the DOWN banner. Keenan reflects, 'We all sounded different, but we’re still from the same 20-block radius. There’s history here.' It’s this bond that empowers their music, a camaraderie that transcends the years and the projects they’ve individually embarked on.

With writing sessions held at Anselmo's lair, the band locked themselves away to jam and create, leading to the birth of tracks that resonate with the soul of DOWN. The album kicks off with the blistering onslaught of 'The Myth', setting a relentless pace that continues through tracks like 'Merciful Fate', featuring the iconic King Diamond himself. The album is a testament to their roots with modern touches, promising to leave listeners with a sense of nostalgia and a craving for more.

Lead single 'Blood Oath' serves as a direct call to arms, blending heavy riffs with catchy hooks, while lyrically nodding to their New Orleans heritage. 'Anyone from New Orleans will get a kick out of the references,' Anselmo grins, demonstrating the band’s commitment to their roots while pushing forward. 'You’ll know it’s DOWN right off the fucking bat,' Keenan asserts, as fans brace themselves for the unabashed metal onslaught that is 'Volume V'.