Tyler, The Creator’s annual festival, the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, sold out before it unveiled its lineup. A day before unveiling the festival poster, the Camp Flog Gnaw website teased its lineup with an unscrambling word game that really wasn’t very difficult, which means that lineup has already been all over the internet since yesterday. But now, the Camp Flog Gnaw lineup is officially out. The fest returns to LA’s Dodger Stadium Nov. 14-15, and Tyler will share headlining duties with fellow Odd Future veteran Steve Lacy, rap titans Future and Don Toliver, and the omnipresent festival conquerors Turnstile.
Down will release Volume V on November 20 via Nuclear Blast Records, with lead single “Blood Oath” out now. It’s the New Orleans supergroup’s first full-length studio album since Down III: Over The Under in 2007 — nineteen years, which is why they’ve called it Volume V rather than Down V. Ten tracks, recorded largely at Phil Anselmo’s home studio, with a guest appearance on track two that’s going to make a lot of people grin.
Let’s get the maths right, because most of the coverage today isn’t.
You’ll see “first album since 2014” all over the place. That’s not quite it. Down IV Part One – The Purple EP (2012) and Down IV Part Two (2014) were EPs — six songs and five songs respectively, chunks of a planned four-part series that never got finished.
The last time Down released a proper full-length studio album was Down III: Over The Under. That came out in 2007.
Nineteen years. And it explains the title — this isn’t Down V, it’s Volume V, the fifth volume in a body of work that includes the two Down IV EPs as a single instalment.
For a band whose entire mythology is built on patience and stubbornness, that’s about right.
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What the band are saying
The quotes here are unusually warm, which is worth noting from a group who’ve historically described their own sessions in more punishing terms.
Anselmo: everyone was excited, there was a lightness in the air, everyone’s attitude was positive, more focus than ever. It felt fresh again. Each of them was individually striving for something and he believes they got there. His summary — the record is a journey, classic Down, but also unique.
Windstein’s is the one that’ll sell it to the faithful: everybody played their asses off, wrote great riffs, and Anselmo is singing amazing. There’s so much electricity when they get together. And then the line that matters — to him, it’s the same vibe as NOLA, but with another 35 years of experience as songwriters.
Keenan frames it differently, and better. The five of them are from the same era, grew up together, all accomplished things separately, all sounded different — but they’re still from the same twenty-block radius. They knew each other before any of them had done anything.
Two writing sessions produced most of Volume V, and they happened where every Down record since Down II has happened: Nodferatu’s Lair, Anselmo’s home studio and the band’s de facto clubhouse.
Songs came together on the spot, jamming face to face, across 2025.
One detail worth flagging for the guitar players: Keenan and Windstein tracked their parts simultaneously, in the room together, rather than layering separately. That’s an old-fashioned way to make a record in 2026, and it’s a big part of why the band are describing it as having a timeless punch.
Eddie Mapp produced alongside the band. Dave Fortman mixed. Maor Appelbaum mastered.
The King Diamond thing — and the joke in the title
Track two is called “Merciful Fate,” and it features King Diamond.
Look at that spelling again. Mercyful Fate is King Diamond’s own band. “Merciful Fate” isn’t a typo — it’s a deliberate wink, and if you didn’t catch it, that’s the joke landing exactly as intended.
The track builds to a vocal duel between Anselmo and King Diamond over solos running at 120bpm, and King’s wife Livia Zita adds her own dark accents on top. That’s an enormous get for any record, and on paper the pairing of NOLA sludge and Danish theatrical falsetto shouldn’t work at all.
Elsewhere: opener “The Myth” is described as a barnburner built on powerhouse vocals and precise down-picking, and closer “Twice-Told Tales” is a heavy, hypnotic finish that Anselmo calls an important song to them — a conglomerate of tight riffs and blues rock mixed with the diligence of classic metal. He also says he could feel Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on him in the strangest way while making it.
Track nine, incidentally, is called “Ozz.”
“Blood Oath”
The lead single is out now with a video.
It’s built on a riff the band describe as alternately hard-hitting and hummable, resolving into a big clarion-call chorus. And it’s stuffed with New Orleans references — Anselmo says anyone from the city is going to get a kick out of them. The band’s own description is that it practically bleeds old gold, black and white, which if you know NOLA you can decode immediately.
Keenan’s verdict, in his usual understated fashion: you’ll know it’s Down right off the bat. It’s heavy in its attack.
Anselmo’s is more interesting — it’s a Down song, but it takes a turn.
Volume V tracklist
The Myth
Merciful Fate (feat. King Diamond)
Turn Out The Light
The Message
Causeway Grief
Blood Oath
They Walk The Night
They Came From Dust
Ozz
Twice-Told Tales
We’ve been tracking this one for two years
Small point of pride here.
Kirk Windstein has been on the Loaded Radio Podcast twice, and back in October 2023 he sat down with us and talked about the possibility of Down writing again — well before there was anything to announce.
Windstein said it would sound like NOLA with three and a half decades of songwriting behind it. Two years later, that’s exactly the pitch the band are making.
The Strap It Down North American headline run is already underway, with Helmet and Spirit In The Room supporting. It opened August 15 in Atlanta and closes September 4 in Shakopee, Minnesota with a direct support slot for Slayer.
Along the way they hit Zakk Wylde’s Berzerkus Festival on August 28 in Scranton and August 29 in Wantagh, alongside Lamb Of God and Black Label Society.
October brings Aftershock and Sick New World Texas. In December they headline day two of Decibel’s Metal & Beer Fest Denver on December 5 — their first Denver show in over twelve years.
The album: Volume V, out November 20, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. Ten tracks.
The gap: it’s Down’s first full-length studio album since Down III: Over The Under in 2007 — nineteen years. The 2012 and 2014 Down IV releases were EPs.
The single: “Blood Oath,” out now with a video, packed with New Orleans references.
The guest: King Diamond appears on track two, “Merciful Fate” — a deliberate play on his own band’s name — with Livia Zita also featured.
How it was made: written across two sessions at Phil Anselmo’s home studio Nodferatu’s Lair, with Keenan and Windstein tracking guitars simultaneously. Produced by Eddie Mapp and the band, mixed by Dave Fortman.
Live: the Strap It Down tour runs through September 4, including a Slayer support slot, with Aftershock, Sick New World Texas and Metal & Beer Fest Denver to follow.
FAQ
When is Down’s Volume V released?
November 20, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. It’s the band’s first full-length studio album since 2007’s Down III: Over The Under, a gap of nineteen years.
What is the Volume V tracklist?
Ten tracks: “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” and “Twice-Told Tales.”
Who is featured on Down’s Volume V?
King Diamond appears on “Merciful Fate,” trading vocals with Phil Anselmo over solos performed at 120bpm. His wife Livia Zita also contributes to the track. The song title is a deliberate play on the spelling of King Diamond’s own band, Mercyful Fate.
Who is in Down?
Phil Anselmo on vocals, Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein on guitars, Jimmy Bower on drums and Pat Bruders on bass. All five came up in the same New Orleans scene, with Anselmo also known for Pantera, Keenan for Corrosion Of Conformity, Windstein for Crowbar and Bower for Eyehategod.
Why is it called Volume V and not Down V?
Because it’s the fifth volume of work rather than the fifth album in a simple count. The band’s Down IV releases came as two separate EPs — Part One in 2012 and Part Two in 2014 — which together comprise the fourth instalment.
Nineteen years between proper albums, King Diamond on track two, and a band who still only write in the same room. What are you hoping Volume V sounds like? Tell us in the comments. And keep it locked on the Loaded Radio stream — follow Loaded Radio for daily rock and metal news.
Billboard Style’s eponymous debut single was love at first sound for us, so we’re eager to hear what else the band has on deck. Today, the partnership of Ben Guterl (Forth Wanderers) and Dan Howard (Victoryland) is back with a second single from their debut album Pull Of The Moon. “Meloxicam” is a two-minute delight inspired by Guterl’s formerly long-distance romance. “Do you dream at night? What’s your favorite snack?” he sings. “Do you feel like dying when the clocks turn back?” This one shimmers with the best of them, and
Melodic Post Hardcore band, Topdown, has a new record coming out later this year on October 16 via Diverse Chorus and Sweet Cheetah Records. The Earth and All Its Pavement, is the second album from this Austin, Texas five piece. Below you can hear a preview of their song “Dissonance.” Per lead singer Grace, The ‘Dissonance’ is in not knowing how to love properly.“
Maynard James Keenan pictured with his hard wood travel chopsticks; photo courtesy of Queen B Sushi
Aug. 18, 2026, Cottonwood, Ariz. – Maynard James Keenan has spent the past two decades helping turn the Verde Valley into an unlikely wine and culture destination. In 2024, he and his wife, Jennifer Keenan, expanded Queen B Vinyl Café to include a café and coffee roaster. Today, it’s Northern Arizona’s exclusive Record Store Day location and an artist-friendly venue, with recent and upcoming performances from Khemmis, Author & Punisher, and more.
On Sept. 4, Keenan opens Queen B Sushi at 816 N. Main St. in Old Town Cottonwood. Reservations are available here.
“Although I’ve been enjoying sushi since my days in Boston, circa 1987, my first Japanese tour wasn’t until 2000 with A Perfect Circle,” Keenan says. “It was an eye opening and mind-blowing experience. While there, I picked up these amazing titanium and hard wood travel chopsticks from Snow Peak. And I’ve carried them with me ever since. Last year I ran into Janeane Garofalo at the Chelsea in NYC. She was saying to David Cross and Dave Hill, ‘I haven’t seen Maynard in several years but one thing I remember is that he used to carry chopsticks in his pocket.’ At which point I reached into my pocket and pulled them out. Twenty-five years I’ve been carrying these chopsticks. That’s how much I love sushi.”
Queen B Sushi is led by Culinary Director Chef Brett Vibber, whose résumé spans Roka Akor’s London, Hong Kong, and U.S. locations. Vibber built the Queen B Sushi team around two hires: Chef Chuhiro “Thomas” Kato, who trained under Nobu Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills and Masaharu Morimoto in New York, and Chef Sheridan “Sher” Chase, an Arizona native who built his career in kitchens from California to Texas before returning home.
The concept began almost by accident. When Keenan and his wife, Jennifer, were developing the menu for Queen B Vinyl Café, they shelved the idea of a full sushi program, assuming they wouldn’t find the right chef in a town of 12,000. Vibber, already on staff, turned out to be exactly that chef.
Queen B Sushi will pour a rotating selection of Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards wines.
Keenan has spent more than two decades building Northern Arizona’s wine industry, including a successful campaign for the Verde Valley’s AVA (American Viticultural Area) certification in 2021. His footprint in the area began with the Caduceus Cellars Tasting Room in Jerome and has since grown to include the Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria and Caduceus Cellars Hilltop Facility, a seven-acre complex on the site of Cottonwood’s former Masonic Lodge.
Queen B Sushi in Cottonwood, Ariz.Queen B Sushi interior
The music welcomes you with radio-like vocals layered over a distorted bass, instantly creating a unique atmosphere. This initial sound is further enriched by a voice imbued with a nearly megaphonic effect, adding a particular intensity. As the percussion and guitar join in, the auditory space opens up, transforming into a cyber-rock reality. This piece evokes a futuristic vision, intertwining elements reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails with hints of Muse.
What resonates strongly with me about this band is their authenticity. It is evident that these three “aliens” have labored in the studio to achieve this unique chemistry. The overall atmosphere has a slightly dystopian quality. At the two minute and twenty-five second mark, the listener is enveloped in eerie vibes that evoke mystery and futurism. These sonic elements define the band’s distinct sound, showcasing a unique and imaginative vision.
From the outset, the track captures attention with its infectious energy. The interplay between the distorted bass and the varied vocal effects creates a sonic journey. The distorted bass lays a foundation that is both gritty and engaging. This core element is complemented by other instrumental layers that enter strategically throughout the composition.
3iATLAS – Sound and Atmosphere
The melding of the vocals with the distortion creates an engaging texture. The megaphone-like effect serves to draw in the listener, generating a sense of immediacy. As the percussion materializes, it punctuates the arrangement, building a tension that propels the track forward. The guitar erupting alongside the drums further enhances this momentum, allowing the music to take flight.
As the song progresses, the dynamics shift, introducing unexpected variations that keep the listener engaged. The band skillfully employs silence, allowing certain sections to breathe, creating a tension that eventually bursts into louder, more vibrant moments. The bridge exemplifies this through its subtle build-up, leading to an explosion of sound that emphasizes the band’s creativity.
3iATLAS – Performance and Production
The song’s structure neatly encapsulates various moods, each carefully curated to contribute to the overarching narrative. Each element feels intentional, making it clear that the band has a distinct vision.
In a sea of music releases, this track stands out significantly. It introduces a new dimension to the experiences one can have while engaging with rock music. This discovery is a recommendation for anyone seeking fresh, inventive sounds that defy categorization.
Ultimately, the creation of this track is a refreshing experience that invites repeated listens. It lingers in the mind, encouraging reflection on its powerful execution and artistic ingenuity. This is a band that is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
The song opens with suspended guitar chords that leave you uncertain of the direction it will take. As the artist’s voice enters, it brings an impressive ability to convey lyrics that resonate deeply. His unique and intense timbre elicits strong emotions. The minimalist structure features a steady drumbeat that establishes a sly rhythm, complementing the guitar strumming beautifully.
In particular, the chorus evokes a grunge vibe, especially when the lead vocals are supported by background harmonies. This section brings to mind influences from Alice in Chains, highlighting a sense of nostalgia. Around the two-minute mark, the song experiences a notable shift in tempo. This moment elevates the tension and alters the overall energy, driving the piece forward with an increasingly relentless rhythm.
The dynamics of the track are extraordinary. It not only showcases the artist’s musical capabilities but also his willingness to explore profound emotions. There is an authenticity in his narrative, particularly as the song addresses themes of homelessness and addiction with unwavering clarity. These subjects often carry a heavy emotional load, yet the artist approaches them with a sincerity that is commendable.
Imodiumonoxide – Sound and Atmosphere
Throughout the song, the arrangement plays a significant role. The interplay of guitar and drums creates layers that enhance the listening experience. It reflects a careful balance between reflection and momentum. The minimalist approach focuses on the essence of the message, allowing the rawness of the emotions to shine through.
The chorus stands out as a high point. It draws the listener into the depth of the subject matter. Listeners will find themselves fully engaged by the gripping melodies and thoughtful lyrics.
The shift around two minutes serves as a turning point. It captures a surge of energy that aligns with the intensifying narrative. The artist deftly maneuvers through various emotional landscapes. In doing so, he invites the audience to confront uncomfortable realities while still evoking a sense of hope.
Imodiumonoxide – Performance and Production
Colt Holmes is an artist unafraid to venture into vulnerable themes. His words explore the complexities of human struggle. The song demonstrates his ability to communicate these issues without sensationalism. He takes listeners on a journey through personal experiences, making the narrative relatable and impactful.
The artist’s honesty resonates on multiple levels, making the experience personal and universal.
This track exemplifies the talents of a very skilled artist. Colt Holmes combines lyrical depth with distinctive musical elements. His creativity shines through, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in modern music.
This is a truly beautiful song that resonates on many levels. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Brian Weitz, the Animal Collective member better known as Geologist, has been busy as shit in 2026. In January, Geologist released Can I Get A Pack Of Camel Lights?, his first-ever solo album. After that, he launched Croz Boyce, his duo with Animal Collective bandmate Avey Tare, and their self-titled debut LP came out in May. Now, Geologist is half of another duo, with another new album on the way. This latest enterprise has a truly unique way of making music, and it involves the moon.
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