Down Sign with Nuclear Blast, Say They’ll Release Their Next Album in 2026

It’s been a minute since stoner metal supergroup Down released anything. Their last release, Down IV – Part II came out all the way back in 2014, for instance. Sure, they’ve played shows here and there, but after learning they were in the studio, it’s been all about what’s coming next. Despite being mostly radio silent about what’s going on, Down made a big announcement today that shares not only when we should expect their new album, but also the fact that they’re now signed with Nuclear Blast Records.

In the announcement today, the band revealed that by signing with the new record label, they’re able to finally share that fans should expect their next full-length album to come out in 2026. Details about the record “will be unveiled in the months to come.”

As for their signing with Nuclear Blast, it was met with a general sense of excitement, as both sides expect only the best out of each other. As such, the label offered the following statement about the signing:

“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!”

Members of Down also said they were excited about their pairing with Nuclear Blast, but guitarist Pepper Keenan said his experience dealing with the label as a member of Corrosion Of Conformity makes him super excited about the change for Down.

“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.”

So there ya have it. We’ll hear new Down soon. I just wonder if it’s going to be that all acoustic album they teased all those years ago…