DOWN, the mythical heavy steel supergroup led by means of Philip H. Anselmo, is again within the studio!
The long-lasting steel band—that includes crushing guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders—has formally began paintings on their long-awaited new album, tentatively scheduled for free up later this 12 months. Thrilling occasions, proper? And sure, we’ve were given a few sneak-peek pictures from the studio for you which ones will also be observed underneath.
A Go back to the Level: DOWN’s Eventful 2024
DOWN’s adventure to the studio comes sizzling at the heels of a rescheduled live performance on the Inn Of The Mountain Gods Hotel And On line casino in Mescalero, New Mexico, on September 27, 2024. The display, at first slated for June 20, 2024, needed to be postponed because of a couple of wildfires threatening a close-by tribal reservation. As an alternative of sitting idle, the band handled lovers to 2 impromptu gigs in Louisiana—one at Southport Corridor in New Orleans and any other at Varsity Theatre in Baton Rouge.
When the preliminary live performance used to be introduced in April, it used to be published that Kirk Windstein would pass over the display because of commitments together with his different band, Crowbar. Former DOWN guitarist Bobby Landgraf stepped in for the June 2024 gigs, however Windstein rejoined his bandmates for the rescheduled New Mexico display, a lot to lovers’ pleasure.
DOWN’s Efficiency Historical past: Highlights and Hiatuses
The September 2024 live performance marked the band’s first efficiency since September 2022, once they took the degree on the Blue Ridge Rock Competition in Alton, Virginia. Previous to that, the band made choose reside appearances in 2022, together with a three-date U.S. excursion in Might that kicked off on the Welcome To Rockville pageant in Daytona Seashore, Florida, adopted by means of presentations in Atlanta and Dallas. Additionally they carried out at Eu gala’s that summer season.
DOWN has a historical past of distinctive occasions, like their August 2021 “NOLA The town Throwdown” on the Fillmore in New Orleans, which combined in-person and digital reports. And who may just overlook their August 2020 “Quarter Century Throwdown” livestream, celebrating 25 years in their iconic debut album “Nola“.
The Go back of Kirk Windstein
Kirk Windstein, a founding member of DOWN, at first left the band in 2013 to concentrate on his circle of relatives and Crowbar. Guitar tech-turned-guitarist Bobby Landgraf crammed his footwear all over that length. Windstein’s go back in 2019 used to be a game-changer, reuniting the vintage lineup. The band’s plans for 2020, together with gala’s celebrating NOLA’s twenty fifth anniversary, had been sadly derailed by means of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s Subsequent for DOWN?
It’s been over a decade because the band’s final free up, “Down IV – Section Two” (2014), which debuted at No. 23 at the Billboard 200 chart. The EP’s predecessor, “Down IV Section I – The Red EP” (2012), had additionally made a powerful affect, touchdown at No. 35. Each had been recorded at Philip Anselmo’s house studio, Nodferatu’s Lair, and produced by means of Michael Thompson.
Enthusiasts too can catch DOWN reside quickly as they hit the street with Danzig in past due March 2025. This West Coast trek will see the band enjoying along Abbath and Cro-Mags visiting towns Danzig hasn’t carried out in for years.
Why This Issues
DOWN’s go back to the studio and degree marks a thrilling bankruptcy for lovers of heavy steel. With their signature mix of crushing riffs and uncooked emotion, this supergroup has a legacy that continues to encourage. Whether or not you’ve adopted them since “NOLA” or jumped aboard later, 2025 is shaping as much as be a 12 months of epic comebacks and headbanging new tune.
Keep tuned for updates at the new album and excursion dates. DOWN is again, and the steel international couldn’t be extra able!
