DOWN Unleash “The Myth” Ahead of Long-Awaited Volume V Album
New Orleans heavy-metal giants DOWN have released the official video for “The Myth,” the opening track from their long-awaited studio album, Volume V.
The record arrives November 20, 2026, through Nuclear Blast Records and marks DOWN’s first full-length album since 2007’s Down III: Over the Under. The current lineup features Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Jimmy Bower and Pat Bruders.
“The Myth” follows the album’s first single, “Blood Oath,” and immediately delivers the swamp-heavy grooves, crushing riffs and unmistakable Southern-metal weight that made DOWN one of the Gulf Coast’s most important heavy bands.
Two writing sessions at Anselmo’s Nodferatu’s Lair studio produced most of Volume V, with the musicians building the songs together in the room. DOWN and Eddie Mapp produced the album, Dave Fortman handled the mix, and Maor Appelbaum mastered it.
“The record is a journey,” Anselmo said in the album announcement. “It’s classic DOWN, but it’s also unique.”
Windstein compared the chemistry behind the record to the band’s landmark 1995 debut, NOLA, while noting that the musicians now bring another 35 years of songwriting experience to the room.
The album also includes “Merciful Fate,” featuring King Diamond and additional vocals from Livia Zita. Closing track “Twice-Told Tales” carries what Anselmo described as an unexpected influence from the late Ozzy Osbourne.
Volume V tracklist
The Myth
Merciful Fate — featuring King Diamond
Turn Out the Light
The Message
Causeway Grief
Blood Oath
They Walk the Night
They Came from Dust
Ozz
Twice-Told Tales
Volume V will be available digitally, on CD and in multiple double-vinyl editions. The complete album is not available yet; only “The Myth” and “Blood Oath” have been released ahead of the November 20 street date.
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