VOLBEAT was born in the late 06' as the brain child of Michael Poulsen after the well known Swedish act DOMINUS split up. This band managed to quickly earn significant publicity points through their unique sound. Many describe them as a METALLICA evolution and others as an Elvis-Metal band. These terms are something more than confusing and and definately inappropriate for introducing this strange and (why not) unique performing style.
My first encounter with the Dannish four piece act was through Rock The Rebel / Metal The Devil that hit the stores in October of 2006 and was certified platinum in Denmark. The first thing you notice in VOLBEAT is the sounding like out-of-tune vocals of Michael Poulsen. Michael's voice is something between Elvis (yes the well known Elvis) and James Hetfield with a touch of Glenn Danzig. The music fits the vocals perfectly introducing Rock 'N' Roll finishing touches and 60s grooves that are embed in the general Metal feeling. Due to this strange music recipe VOLBEAT's CDs need additional spins to grow after you have passed the initial introducing shock and have decided to move on.
The album kick in with the homonymous song after the sort banjo-like intro. The heavy guitar groove welcome the loud and clear Rock 'N' Roll vocals that clearly state that something is different here. The 'dirty' guitar riffs smell strong booze while the groovy tempo makes you tap your feet to the rhythm. The interesting thing with this album is that you don't know where the Metal heaviness will pop out. Mary Ann's Place or Hallelujah Goat reveal the Metal foundations with almost Stoner rhythms and even some nicely put solos.
The Rock 'N' Roll with a touch of Punk makes a glorious appearance in the sprightly Maybellene I Hofteholder, the dirty We or in the chilling out Still Counting.
This album could not stand a chance without the crystal clear yet powerful production that is a product of Jacob Hansen in his famous Hansen Studios. He has managed to turn this varied musical basket into a compact ensemble that can be considered as the logical evolution of the previous album. Without escaping their original style they have created more complicated compositions while sticking to the catchy-melody recipe.
I could write a really lengthy review trying to describe in words what is inside the new VOLBEAT album but I bet this would be a failure. You have to listen yourself what is happening inside the mind of this Danish act and decide whether you can follow them. My hunch says that with this album VOLBEAT will become even bigger inviting more fans in their party like music. If you found at least interesting my description above then give VOLBEAT a chance and I bet they will earn you! Take a first taste from the album below.
VOLBEAT - “Maybellene I Hofteholder”