Down have announced their long-awaited new studio album, Volume V, set for release on November 20 via Nuclear Blast Records (pre-order).
The 10-track record marks the latest chapter from the New Orleans metal band’s lineup of Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Jimmy Bower and Pat Bruders.
Along with the announcement, Down have released the album’s lead single, “Blood Oath,” and an accompanying music video.
“Anybody who’s from New Orleans is going to get a kick out of the references to the city,” Anselmo said of the track. “Musically, it’s got a big hook. It’s a Down song, but it takes a turn.”
Keenan added: “You’ll know it’s Down right off the fucking bat. It’s heavy in its attack.”
Volume V was largely written during two sessions at Anselmo’s Nodferatu’s Lair studio, with the material taking shape throughout 2025. The album was produced by Eddie Mapp and Down, mixed by Dave Fortman and mastered by Maor Appelbaum.
The record also features a guest appearance from King Diamond on “Merciful Fate,” which includes a vocal exchange between Diamond and Anselmo. King Diamond’s wife, Livia Zita, also appears on the track.
Speaking about the new record, Anselmo commented: “The record is a journey. It’s classic Down, but it’s also unique.”
Volume V tracklisting:
01. The Myth
02. Merciful Fate
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 their North American “Strap It Down” tour with Helmet and Spirit In The Room. The remaining dates include appearances at Zakk Wylde’s Berzerkus Festival and a September 4 show supporting Slayer in Minnesota.
The band also have appearances at Aftershock and Sick New World Texas scheduled for October, followed by Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest Denver in December.
Remaining tour dates:
08/19 – Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
08/20 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
08/22 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
08/23 – Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
08/25 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
08/26 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
08/28 – Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain – Berzerkus Fest **
08/29 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater – Berzerkus Fest **
08/30 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
09/01 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
09/02 – Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theatre
09/04 – Shakopee, MN @ Mystic Lake Amphitheater – with Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies & Hatebreed **
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Festival dates:
10/03 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock
10/24 – Fort Worth, TX @ Sick New World Texas
12/05 – Denver, CO @ Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest
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** No Helmet or Spirit In The Room
Photo by Danin Drahos
