Kirk Windstein Anticipates New Album Release in Fall 2026
Down’s lead guitarist, Kirk Windstein, has shared an update on the band’s highly anticipated new studio album. The heavy metal supergroup from New Orleans has been quiet on the release front for over a decade. In a recent interview on the Pod Scum podcast with “Reckless” Rexx Ruger, Windstein confirmed that fans could expect new music from Down in 2026. While he hinted at a release around September of the same year, he emphasized that it would be “later than sooner.”
Nuclear Blast Records’ release schedule plays a pivotal role in determining when the new material will hit the airwaves. Since both Down and Corrosion Of Conformity, another band led by Down’s Pepper Keenan, are signed to the label, they need to coordinate the releases strategically. Windstein pointed out that Corrosion Of Conformity has a new record coming out in April, and they don’t want to overshadow that release with Down’s album. Once the dust settles after the latter’s release, they plan to surprise fans with a double whammy featuring Down.
When discussing the musical direction of the upcoming album, Windstein mentioned it would still have that distinctive Down sound but with a fresh twist to it. He described it as sounding refreshing yet old-school Down, capturing the essence of the band’s earlier music. Windstein highlighted that they took a straightforward approach to the new material, avoiding complex arrangements and getting back to the basics of their sound.
This album will mark Down’s first full-length studio release since Down IV – Part II in 2014, making it a highly anticipated event for fans of the band. The last full LP from Down dates back to 2007 with Down III: Over the Under. In a previous announcement in April, Nuclear Blast Records expressed excitement over working with Down again, calling their return to the metal world “long overdue.” The label also mentioned reintroducing key past catalog releases on vinyl to celebrate the partnership with Down.
Frontman Phil Anselmo voiced his enthusiasm for signing with Nuclear Blast Records, excited about the recording process ahead. Keenan echoed similar sentiments, drawing on his prior experience with the label through Corrosion Of Conformity. Drummer Jimmy Bower added that it was an honor to work with a label that had released excellent records, reinforcing their confidence in the partnership with Nuclear Blast.
With so much anticipation and excitement surrounding the new album from Down, fans can expect a dose of classic Down sound combined with a renewed sense of energy and creativity. The band’s return to the metal scene is highly awaited, and 2026 promises to be an exciting year for Down and their dedicated fan base.