DimK: Before driving to Bottom Lounge I had my doubts whether VOLBEAT would be able to gather a significant number of metalheads in their first headlining live date at Chicago.The reason for these second thoughts was the fact that VOLBEAT is a European band without a large back catalogue and hence questionable appeal to the US scene. But, as you will read below, things turned to be something more than good for the Danish Rock 'n Roll-meets-Metal band.

MariaV: The first appetizer for VOLBEAT's main dish for our cultivated 'teeth' (or ears, if you prefer) were DOMMIN; the American gothic-a-billy quartet from Los Angeles created by Kristofer Dommin (vocals, guitar). I was pretty curious to watch them on stage and discover the special thing that helped them won a record deal with Roadrunner Records in the beginning of 2010. A band's looks and attitude are sometimes not enough but the music has the first word, especially if you can support these on stage. When the time clocked 7:30 pm, DOMMIN stepped on Bottom Lounge's stage and with some extra courage and a lots of boldness began their 30-minutes' appearance with "New" that rocked the whole venue for good! Kristofer, Billy, Konstantine and Cameron easily gained the female part of the crowd with their stage-comfort. In fact the stage was divided into two parts, the hard rockabilly one (reminding a lot of Danzig's first steps in MISFITS) and the other the atmospheric gothic one with the red roses in every mic stand. Highlight of the DOMMIN set was undoubtedly the NIRVANA cover in "Heart-Shaped Box" that was really awesome and it wasn't just a 'copy/ paste' version but a real cover. These boys showed us that they got the guts and the look to do amazing things in the near future and I definitely look forward for a new album or some new tour dates to watch them again. After all, that's the success of a brand new band: to gain admirers from the very first live show.

DOMMIN setlist:

1. "New"
2. "My Heart, Your Hands"
3. "Dark Holiday"
4. "Heart-Shaped Box"
5. "Tonight"
6. "One Feeling"

DimK: After the very pleasant surprise from DOMMIN considering that I am not into the Gothic oriented music, another out of my league band was about to get on stage. THE SLEEPING is a five piece act that has a not so clear musical direction. Seeing a Hammond organ on stage and the almost 'core' looks of the band member I was not sure where should I musically place THE SLEEPING. So, after 15 minutes the stage was ready for THE SLEEPING to show up and try to answer to my question about their musical style. Or not?

Doug Robinson start singing with a mixed profile spanning from shouting-over-your lung with a Metalcore directions to more melodic lines flirting with Rock forms enhanced by the vintage keyboard sounds. The genre was changing track-by-track giving me a sense of cold to warm shower that eventually made me lose my interest. "Bomb The World" was a nice track with nice Hammond sounds and pretty good melodic vocal lines if one was to ignore the shouting parts. "You'll Be A Corpse Before Your Time" gave me the same taste with the previous track and additionally made me look towards Paul Cadena who did well with his guitar especially during the lead parts laying down some pretty cool riffs. "Don't Hold Back" was also a nice treat mainly due to the dancing groove and the almost sing-along chorus melody.

I have to give some kudos to the band since they acknowledged the fact that this musical style was not 100% compatible with this concert supporting VOLBEAT. It is always nice for a band to know where it stands and in the end show respect and be thankful for the chance to perform in front of different crowds. So, after 40 minutes THE SLEEPING left the stage earning the honest applause from the 600+ metalheads who showed respect for the band's effort and energetic performance.

DimK: The small venue seemed almost packed during the preparations of the stage for VOLBEAT. It turned out that this band had a solid fan base in Chicago that was pumped and ready to enjoy all the grooviest tracks and sing with Michael the killer vocal lines. So, after a 15 minute break the lights went off and a short intro brought the venue on its feet because one by one the band members were coming on stage. It was clear that even VOLBEAT was not expecting that enthusiastic welcome; everyone was shouting as the first banjo sounding musical notes of "The Human Instrument" were prefacing the main distorted guitar riff. One hour before the gig VOLBEAT's drummer told us in the context of a METAL TEMPLE interview that Michael had a sore throat so, I was expecting him not to sound 100% right. Fortunately, this was not something serious since Michael really nailed the vocal melodies and for this he was joined by almost everyone in the venue. Without pausing, the band hit us with "Radio Girl" during which the crowd's singing became louder making Michael smile like a little kid in front of a candy store. Thomas had recently resolved the visa problems and hence he was for the first time with band for these US live dates. Actually, Michael made fun of this Homeland Security issue by saying "We have Thomas with us tonight, but do not be afraid he won't be stealing from you".

Watching VOLBEAT on stage and feeling the crowd's reaction standing at the front rows I got the feeling that this gig started in full speed. I tell you there was not a warm up period and from the moment the band set foot on the small stage everyone was dancing and singing the Johnny Cash / Elvis / Danzig / Hetfield influenced vocals that have made VOLBEAT'ssound so special. Everyone was pumped with energy; Thomas was relentless with his guitar while Anders did his part by being in touch with the crowd having a big smile during the entire set. Jon left aside the evening hang-over and joined the sweaty festivities in Bottom Lounge reflecting the reaction from the gathered metalheads. The first real pause came after "Mary Ann's Place"; Michael talked about the upcoming new album "Beyond Hell/Above Heaven" and its release date on the 10th of September. Although he added, that this will not be released in the US I am dead sure that after this live dates this will be scheduled soon enough. Nevertheless, "Fallen" was the logical choice from that album since it is also the first single. To tell you the truth this did not face the same enthusiasm like the previous tracks despite the fact it has been available for quite some time. On the other hand this is the usual reaction most of the new tracks are receiving from the fans. Watching VOLBEAT giving one hell of a performance I realized that this is not a studio band; the songs sound way better live and by adding the band's relentless presence you have an explosive combination.

I mean "Pool of Booze, Booze, Booza", my favorite "Boa [JDM]" or the sing along Dusty Springfield cover "I Only Want to Be With You" have such a dynamic profile that is only enjoyed to the maximum through the loud concert volume and the sweaty feeling you get from dancing with the hearty and most of the times Rockabilly grooves. Time passed annoyingly fast and the riff driven and ton heavy "River Queen" was the first stop in VOLBEAT's setlist. Of course, there was no chance for them not to come back judging by the loud volume of the "we want more" screams. And so they did and Michael said that they would do a cover song and everyone was sure that it was time for MISFITS' "Angelfuck". I was surprised to see the reaction of the crowd that as it seemed had a deep love from this punk based band. According to the US traditions time was getting late and since the next day was a working one VOLBEAT had to say 'goodbye' after "Still Counting" that for the last time made everyone sing and give the last portion of energy left from the overwhelming indoor humidity.

That was the end of VOLBEAT's first headlining gig in Chicago and I am sure that this will not be the last. This band is climbing the publicity ladder with a fast pace and a really down to earth profile. It is also a band that is not afraid to pay respect to all the influences by laying down some riffs from songs like "Raining Blood" or "I Disappear" during the between songs pauses. So, If you like your Metal served with honesty and powerful performance than go ahead and check this Danish act out since there not that many US dates. As for the European fans be aware 'cause VOLBEAT are coming!

Many thanks to Steve for the press accreditation arrangements.

VOLBEAT setlist:

1. "The Human Instrument"
2. "Radio Girl
3. "Sad Man's Tongue
4. "Hallelujah Goat"
5. "Mary Ann's Place"
6. "Fallen"
7. "I Only Want to Be With You"
8. "Boa [JDM]"
9. "Pool of Booze, Booze, Booza"
10. "Rebel Monster"
11. "Caroline Leaving"
12. "Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood"
13. "River Queen"
14. "Angelfuck"
15. "The Garden's Tale"
16. "Still Counting"

(photos by the Soulweeper)