Down guitarist Kirk Windstein has shared a promising update on the band’s long-awaited new studio album, offering the clearest indication yet of when fans might finally hear new music from the New Orleans heavy metal supergroup.
Speaking in a new interview with “Reckless” Rexx Ruger of the Pod Scum podcast, Windstein confirmed that new Down music is expected in 2026, with a potential release window in the fall.
“Yes. Later than sooner,” Windstein said when asked if fans can expect new music in 2026. “But I don’t really see why it can’t get out, say, by September—around September-ish.”
Windstein explained that timing around Nuclear Blast Records’ release schedule is a major factor. Both Down and Corrosion Of Conformity — the latter led by Down guitarist Pepper Keenan — are signed to the label.
“[Corrosion Of Conformity] have an amazing new record coming out April 2nd,” Windstein noted. “So we can’t put Down out too close to that… C.O.C. needs to come out and let everybody get blown away for a good bit. And when the water settles, we give ’em a double whammy and throw out the Down.”
Windstein has also offered insight into the musical direction of the new material, suggesting fans can expect something familiar, but refreshed.
“It just sounds like Down,” he told Concrete Spew earlier this year. “It sounds refreshing because we haven’t done it in so long… To me, it sounds more old-school Down.”
He added that the band has deliberately avoided overthinking the process: “We’re not trying to make things too complex. We just got back in a room and did it like we did from the beginning.”
This will mark Down‘s first full-length studio release since Down IV – Part II in 2014 and their first full LP since 2007’s Down III: Over the Under. In April, the band announced they had signed with Nuclear Blast Records, with the new album expected in 2026.
When the deal was announced, Nuclear Blast called Down‘s return “long overdue,” adding: “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. There are so many longtime Down fans at Nuclear Blast who are excited to be working with one of their all-time favorite bands. 2026 can’t come soon enough!”
Frontman Phil Anselmo said: “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 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 echoed the sentiment: “Nuclear Blast is a great label that put out some excellent records. It’s an honor to have them work our jams!”
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