Hardcore rap metal veterans Downset. will have their sixth studio album “Maintain” out through Nuclear Blast on June 10th. A first single from that by the name of “The Place To Be” has been shared in advance below. The band’s current lineup features original vocalist Rey Oropeza and guitarist Rogelio Lozano along with bassist Phillip Gonzales and drummer Bobby Blood Ponte.
Oropeza commented of lyrically maintaining an activist stance decades into his career:
“From the beginning I’ve had concerns about the problematic nature of society. I reflect on the experiences of my life. There are concepts that should be challenged and thought about. Everyone is going to come to their own conclusions on how they feel about inequality, misogyny, political topics, etc. but all of these things have kept me critically focused on my activism over the years. My abilities as a vocalist revolve a lot around what I’m feeling, going through, or witnessing at the time; pretty practical.”
As for the album itself, Lozano offered:
“We had a good time and we’re really happy with the way this record turned out. I’m happy with the tones, and with the maturity we show in our writing and recording this time around. Regardless of what kind of responses we get, we genuinely love the album, and that’s what really matters for us. Just like Rey’s lyrics to the final song on the album, READY FOR IT, I’m ready for it, bring it on.”
“Maintain” track listing:
01 – “Maintain”
02 – “Blackest Of Days”
03 – “New Respect”
04 – “Won’t Forget”
05 – “Wreck It”
06 – “On Lock (Only The Defest)”
07 – “The Place To Be”
08 – “Your Power”
09 – “Positive Mind”
10 – “Hear Me Now”
11 – “Deeper”
12 – “Ready For This”
Pre-orders are available here.
