Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
In a recent interview with “Reckless” Rexx Ruger of the Pod Scum podcast, Down guitarist Kirk Windstein discussed the development of the recording sessions for the band’s highly anticipated new album, as per blabbermouth.net. Kirk is a member of the enduring heavy metal supergroup alongside vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarist Pepper Keenan, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders. He was inquired whether Down fans can anticipate the release of new material in 2026.
Yes. Later than sooner, but I don’t really see why it can’t get out, say, by September, around September-ish. Because Down’s on [the] Nuclear Blast [record label], along with C.O.C. [Corrosion Of Conformity; Pepper’s main band], who have an amazing new record coming out April 2nd. So we can’t put Down, even if it’s ready, we can’t put it out too close to that. And the label’s not gonna wanna do that anyway. We wouldn’t do it anyway. But C.O.C. needs to come out and let everybody get blown away for a good bit. And when the water settles a little bit, we fucking give ’em a double whammy and throw out the Down.
You know it’s Down as soon as you hear them. That’s the way it’s always been, and nothing will ever change that. There’s no mistaking those gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums, and hypnotic howls for absolutely anybody else under the sun. Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Jimmy Bower, Pat Bruders, and Bobby Landgraf uphold a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched.
With a collective resume encompassing Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, and Eyehategod, the quintet puffed out its first haze of sonic smoke from the belly of gritty old New Orleans on the 1995 platinum-selling classic, “Nola”. At that moment, they naturally summoned something akin to a ritual, continually partaking in it with critically revered offerings—”Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow” in 2002, “Down III: Over the Under” in 2007, and “Down IV – Part One” in 2012. Their shows built a certain live lore with unforgettable runs alongside Metallica and Heaven & Hell as well as coveted spots on Download, Soundwave, and OZZfest. On 2014’s “Down IV – Part Two” [Available via Down Records/ADA-Music], the boys once again deliver passionate, powerful, and pure heavy music.
You won’t simply know it when you hear it, you’ll feel it as well.
