Down Unveil ‘The Myth’ Video and Announce ‘Volume V’ for November 20 via Nuclear Blast

‘Down‘ have released “The Myth,” the latest single and opening track from their long-awaited new studio album “Volume V,” set for release on November 20 via Nuclear Blast Records. The track arrives alongside an official music video and marks the band’s first full-length in over a decade.

“Volume V” opens with the blistering “The Myth,” which sets the tone with a powerhouse vocal, pummeling rhythms, and precise down-picking. ‘Philip H. Anselmo’ described the track: “‘The Myth’ has some epic moments. It’s a jammer. It’s got a big nod to Trouble, but vocally I’m thinking of James Dewar, Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, Glenn Hughes, and many of the other greats. The track and video are both straightforward and hammering.”

Guitarist ‘Kirk Windstein’ added: “It’s a perfect example of a classic Down collaboration. Amazing vocals, great riffs, and it comes together in a great Down song!” ‘Pepper Keenan’ agreed: “‘The Myth’ is classic Down in all its hammer fisted glory leading into a ’70s jam trip that’s damn well worthy of the ride.” Bassist ‘Pat Bruders’ noted: “This is one of those songs that almost wrote itself. Especially when we all got in the same room together to work it out. It stands alone like all the other songs on this album.” Drummer ‘Jimmy Bower’ closed with characteristic directness: “It’s one of my favorite tracks off the new record. It’s heavy hitting and has all the right moves. It’s no Myth… This song rules!”

“Volume V” was produced by ‘Eddie Mapp’ and ‘Down’, mixed by ‘Dave Fortman’, and mastered by ‘Maor Appelbaum’ at Maor Appelbaum Mastering in California. Two writing sessions yielded the bulk of the material, with the band retreating to ‘Anselmo’s’ home studio, Nodferatu’s Lair, where songs originated on the spot through face-to-face jamming. ‘Keenan’ and ‘Windstein’ chose to simultaneously record their guitars together, giving the album what the band describes as a timeless punch.

‘Anselmo’ reflected on the creative process: “These days, there’s no pressure. We each showed up with what we had, and everybody added their input. It was a true band effort. Pat was coming up with incredible riffs, and he’s such a great bass player. With Down, I can look across from me, and I know these motherfuckers. I know their shortcomings, and I know their strengths. I also know they’re all blessed. When I see them, they bring a level of comfort. There’s zero weight on my shoulders. I just have to do what I do, and those guys make it easy.”

The album will be released on CD, digital, and 2xLP in multiple color variants including orange (world), yellow and red galaxy (Nuclear Blast US exclusive), and transparent neon orange and black marble (Nuclear Blast exclusive). Several limited variants are already sold out.

The band’s official record release show will take place at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana as part of The Great NOLA Trendkill, a special two-day festival presented by Housecore Horror, Housecore Records, and Live Nation on November 20 and 21. The event will also feature a landmark performance by ‘Pantera’, marking their first show in New Orleans in 30 years, alongside ‘Black Label Society’, ‘Corrosion Of Conformity’, ‘Power Trip’, ‘Crowbar’, ‘Eyehategod’, ‘Rāde’, ‘Herakleion’, and ‘Pig Destroyer’.

‘Down’ will also headline day two of the Decibel Magazine Metal and Beer Fest in Denver on December 5, marking the band’s first Denver appearance in over twelve years.

Remaining festival dates:
24 Oct – Fort Worth, TX – Sick New World Texas
20-21 Nov – New Orleans, LA – The Great NOLA Trendkill
05 Dec – Denver, CO – Decibel Metal And Beer Fest

‘Down’ are:
Philip H. Anselmo – Vocals
Pepper Keenan – Guitars
Jimmy Bower – Drums
Kirk Windstein – Guitars
Pat Bruders – Bass

Find more on ‘Down‘.