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.”
“Blood Oath” is a nasty doom grinder, as Philip Anselmo’s vocals evoke 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.
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.”
Founding guitarist 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.”
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.
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. Get tickets here.
Watch the music video for “Blood Oath,” and see the album artwork and tracklist for Volume V, below.
Volume V Artwork:
Volume V Tracklist:
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
