Down have announced their new album, Volume V, set to arrive November 20th via Nuclear Blast Records. Ahead of its release, the band has unleashed lead single “Blood Oath.”
The band’s latest release is a follow-up to their previous work, with Philip Anselmo‘s vocals evoking Matt Pike of High on Fire with the heft of the partial growl set against a riff that is pure New Orleans sludge metal. The influence of classic doom from Trouble and St. Vitus is worn plain as day by the riffs that make up “Blood Oath,” underscoring why Down has been able to sustain such profound critical and commercial interest despite having released just three LPs and two EPs over their 35-year history.
Album Details
Anselmo stated of the new album, “We were all excited about this. There was a sense of lightness in the air. Everyone’s attitude was positive. There was more focus than ever. It just felt fresh again. Each one of us was individually striving for something, and I believe we achieved what we wanted to achieve. The record is a journey. It’s classic Down, but it’s also unique.”
Kirk Weinstein, who returned to the fold for this album following his absence on Down Volume 4 – Part II, added, “Everybody played their asses off, wrote great riffs, and Philip is singing amazing. There’s so much electricity when we get together. To me, it’s the same vibe as our debut NOLA, but we’ve got another 35 years of experience as songwriters.”
Tracklist and Artwork
The album also features the song “Merciful Fate,” an ode to Mercyful Fate that features King Diamond and his wife Livia Zita, as well as a song titled “Ozz” in honor of Ozzy Osbourne. The album artwork and tracklist for Volume V are available, with the tracklist including: 01. The Myth, 02. Merciful Fate (featuring King Diamond), 03. Turn Out the Light, 04. The Message, 05. Causeway Grief, 06. Blood Oath, 07. They Walk The Night, 08. They Came From Dust, 09. Ozz, 10. Twice-Told Tales.
Down are currently on tour in North America alongside Helmet and Spirit in the Room, and will also perform at Zakk Wylde‘s upcoming Berzerkus festival. Fans can get tickets to their shows and experience the band’s unique sound live.
In conclusion, Down‘s new album Volume V is set to be a memorable release, with its blend of classic doom and New Orleans sludge metal influences. With the band’s current tour and upcoming festival performances, fans have plenty of opportunities to experience their music live and witness the energy and electricity that Down brings to the stage.
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