Southern metal juggernauts DOWN have officially inked a deal with powerhouse label Nuclear Blast Records, setting the stage for their highly anticipated return to the metal landscape. The legendary supergroup—featuring vocal powerhouse Philip H. Anselmo (ex-Pantera), guitarists Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity) and Kirk Windstein (Crowbar), drummer Jimmy Bower (EyeHateGod), and bassist Pat Bruders—is currently putting the finishing touches on their first full-length release since 2014, targeted for a 2026 release.
The announcement comes as welcome news for fans who’ve been waiting patiently for new material since the band’s last EP, Down IV – Part Two. Nuclear Blast, clearly thrilled about the partnership, released a statement expressing their excitement: “Nuclear Blast is proud to be in the trenches with NOLA legends DOWN as their partner in their long overdue return to the metal world. In addition, we are excited to bring some of their key past catalog releases back into the spotlight, especially on the vinyl side.”
For the label, this is more than just another signing—it’s personal. “There are so many longtime DOWN fans at Nuclear Blast who are excited to be working with one of their all-time favorite bands,” the statement continued. “2026 can’t come soon enough!”
The Band Weighs In
The members of DOWN seem equally pleased with their new label home. Frontman Philip H. Anselmo kept his statement characteristically straightforward: “It’s good to sign with Nuclear Blast Records. It’s a good label home and we’re ready to make some awesome recordings!”
Guitarist Pepper Keenan, who’s already familiar with the Nuclear Blast operation through his work with Corrosion Of Conformity, added: “Having already been a part of the Nuclear Blast family with Corrosion Of Conformity, it is an honor and a privilege to be here as well with my brothers in DOWN. The team at Nuclear Blast is a well-oiled machine and you can definitely tell they love what they do. We are in the right place.”
Drummer Jimmy Bower rounded out the band’s reaction with his own endorsement: “Nuclear Blast is a great label that put out some excellent records. It’s an honor to have them work our jams!”
Catch Them Live
While details about the forthcoming album remain under wraps for now, fans won’t have to wait until 2026 to see DOWN in action. The band is set to headline the opening night of this year’s Milwaukee Metal Fest on May 16, 2025, at The Rave/Eagles Club. The performance follows their recent successful West Coast tour with horror-punk icons Danzig.
A Legacy of Southern Metal Supremacy
Since their formation in the early ’90s, DOWN has carved out a singular place in heavy music history. Their 1995 debut album NOLA went platinum, establishing the supergroup as more than just a side project of its already-established members. With their unmistakable fusion of doom-laden riffs, swamp blues leads, thunderous percussion, and Anselmo’s distinctive vocals, the band created a sound that’s immediately recognizable and impossible to replicate.
The group’s discography includes the critically acclaimed Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow (2002), Down III: Over The Under (2007), and the Down IV EP series. Throughout their career, they’ve shared stages with titans like Metallica and Heaven & Hell, while becoming fixtures at major festivals including Download, Soundwave, and Ozzfest.
With this new chapter beginning at Nuclear Blast, DOWN appears poised to add yet another milestone to their already legendary career. Stay tuned for more updates on the new album in the coming months.
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