Down Volume V arrives Nov. 20 on Nuclear Blast Records, and King Diamond sings on the album’s second track, “Merciful Fate.” The New Orleans band introduced the record with the official “Blood Oath” video, and Philip H. Anselmo has now described how the King Diamond guest spot came together.
Down Volume V: Anselmo on King Diamond
Anselmo spoke with Oran O’Beirne of Fistful Of Metal magazine, as reported by Blabbermouth. He said the title came first: “Well, we wrote this song, and during the demo sessions, I just started singing the words ‘Merciful Fate’ because it fit the section so well.”
He then brought the idea of a guest vocal to the band. “I’ve known King for a long, long time, so I reached out to him and then sent over the demo,” Anselmo said.
“There were so many times I really tried to imagine what he’d do over the song, but when I heard the actual real deal, I almost fell over. I was that thrilled. He really did such an amazing job.”
According to the band and Nuclear Blast, the song features a vocal duel between Anselmo and King Diamond, and King’s wife, Livia Zita, adds vocals. Pepper Keenan told the magazine the exchange could be “one of the best heavy metal moments of the last fifteen or twenty years.”
Volume V Details
Volume V is Down’s first studio album in 12 years, following 2014’s Down IV – Part Two. It was produced by Eddie Mapp and Down, mixed by Dave Fortman and mastered by Maor Appelbaum. Most of it was written in two sessions at Nodferatu’s Lair, Anselmo’s home studio.
The album comes on CD, digital and 2xLP in several color variants. The lineup is Anselmo on vocals, Keenan and Kirk Windstein on guitars, Jimmy Bower on drums and Pat Bruders on bass.
Down Volume V track listing
- 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
- Twice-Told Tales
Release Show and Live Dates
Down’s official record release show is part of “The Great NOLA Trendkill!” at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, a two-day event on Nov. 20 and 21 that also features Pantera. On Dec. 5, the band headlines day two of the Decibel Magazine Metal and Beer Fest in Denver. No San Diego date has been announced.
King Diamond fans can also read our King Diamond San Diego tour story.
Down Volume V Arrives Nov. 20
Down Volume V is out Nov. 20 on Nuclear Blast. “Blood Oath” and “The Myth” are already out, and “Merciful Fate” with King Diamond arrives with the full album.
