Down Releases New Single The Myth From Upcoming Album

New Single "The Myth" and Music Video

Down has shared the official music video for "The Myth," directed by MetalDave Media. As the opening track of the new record, the song is described as a "blistering barnburner" that features powerhouse vocals, pummeling rhythms, and precise down-picking. The members of the quintet—Philip H. Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Jimmy Bower, and Pat Bruders—each shared their perspective on the new 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."

— Philip H. Anselmo

"It's a perfect example of a classic DOWN collaboration. Amazing vocals, great riffs, and it comes together in a great DOWN song!"

— Kirk Windstein

"'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. Deliberate decisions of all the things we love… Quoting my main man. 'When times are tough, they count on us!'"

— Pepper Keenan

Bassist Pat Bruders noted that the song "almost wrote itself" when the band gathered in the same room, while drummer Jimmy Bower called it one of his favorite tracks, stating,

"It's heavy hitting and has all the right moves. It's no myth…. This song rules!"

— Jimmy Bower

The Making of Volume V

The upcoming album, Volume V, was produced by Eddie Mapp and Down, mixed by Dave Fortman, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum in California. The recording process saw the band return to Nodferatu's Lair, Anselmo's home studio, where they jammed face-to-face. According to the band, the music naturally took shape throughout 2025. To achieve a "timeless punch," guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein chose to record their parts simultaneously.

Anselmo described the atmosphere during the sessions as having a "sense of lightness" and more focus than ever before. Windstein compared the "electricity" of the sessions to the vibe of their debut album, NOLA, but with the benefit of 35 additional years of songwriting experience.

Tracklist and Special Collaborations

The album features several notable tracks, including "Merciful Fate," which features a vocal duel between Anselmo and King Diamond. The track also includes "dark accents" from King's wife, Livia Zita, and features solos executed at 120bpm. The lead single "Blood Oath" includes references to New Orleans, while the closer "Twice-Told Tales" is described as a mix of blues rock and classic metal.

Volume V Track Listing:

• 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

Live Performances and Record Release

Down recently finished the "Strap It Down" North American headlining tour, which ended with a performance supporting Slayer in Shakopee, Minnesota. The band is scheduled to perform at the Sick New World festival in Fort Worth, Texas, later this month.

A special record release show is set for November 20 and November 21 at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans as part of "The Great NOLA Trendkill!" festival. This event will feature a landmark performance by Pantera—their first in New Orleans in 30 years—alongside Black Label Society, Corrosion of Conformity, Power Trip, Crowbar, Eyehategod, Rāde Herakleion, and Pig Destroyer. In December, the band will headline day two of the Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest in Denver, marking their first appearance in the city in over twelve years.

Historical Context

Formed in 1991, Down is a quintet rooted in New Orleans that has explored the genres of Stoner Metal and heavy metal for over three decades. The band's history began with a legendary three-song demo that led to their 1995 platinum-certified debut, NOLA. The members originally crossed paths as teenagers in local bands before gaining individual fame in groups such as Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, and Eyehategod. Over the years, the collective has released fan favorites including Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow (2002), Down III: Over The Under (2007), and the two-part Down IV (2012 and 2014).