Reactivated DOWNSET Releases 'Forgotton' Single

"Forgotton" (sic),the new single from the reactivated Los Angeles rap/hardcore/metal act DOWNSET, has been made available via iTunes and Amazon.

Formed in 1986, DOWNSET released albums on the Mercury and Epitaph labels before disbanding in 2009.

Vocalist Rey Oropeza is not part of the group's current lineup, which is comprised of Neil Roemer (vocals),Rogelio Lozano (guitar),Christopher Lee (drums),and J.D. Manhart (bass).

In a new interview with Markus' Heavy Music Blog, Lee stated about the absence of some of the DOWNSET original members from the band's current lineup: "There was an effort to get all the original bandmembers together and do a tour and possibly an album, but particular members did not want to do it at the end of the day for their own reasons. Roy and I still love playing and touring so we decided to honor some obligations of the band and it’s growing from there."

Asked what happened to DOWNSET since the release of the band's last album in 2004, Lee said: "A lot has happened musically and in life. Of course, we toured for a little bit in 2004 and 2005 on that album and then there was time off from DOWNSET. There have been several other side project bands and other efforts by most of us. A few guest appearances and studio sessions on other albums, and a lot of other interests and involvements. Most importantly, we are trying to enjoy life."

Regarding DOWNSET's plans to record and release new music in the not-too-distant future, Lee said: "We may release a small single to gauge response, but that's the only thing being talked about at the moment… There are also some new songs in the [DOWNSET's current] setlist. We have already written a handful of songs and have ideas for a few more. There is a lot of power in the new songs and they bring a great opportunity for fans to hear something new."