Greetings Templars! It is with much enthusiasm that I write my humble review of VOLBEATs latest release "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies". With every album Michael Poulsen and Co. are getting better and better, with no signs of them slowing down anytime soon. For this review, I'd like to welcome to the land of the Outlaws.

From the very first track you are lured into another time and place full allure and mystery. The history of the American West, and the legions that it spawned, have been the subject of so many movies, songs, TV shows, books... the list is almost endless. Our Danish brothers have summoned some of our favorite characters from the Old West in the most metal of ways. "Doc Holiday", "Lola Montez", and "Black Bart" are once again brought to life in songs detailing their lives, with amazing metal flare. Groovy, country inspired guitar riffs with a Metal twist are prevalent throughout the entire album, giving it a rambling yet driven overall tone. Jon Larsen's drums and Anders Kjølholm's base work create an intricate yet solid foundation for the guitars to work their magic, giving each song its own alluring atmosphere. Above it all, Poulsen's vocal work through each song sways from strong arm Metal to country lonesome. Just simply an amazing combination.

One thing that has always amazed me about VOLBEAT, is their ability to write powerfully sad and emotion ridden music, but stay so positive. "Cape Of Our Heroes" and "Our Loved Ones" are two stand out tracks for me that give that conundrum life in their songs. As for a rating, I would say a 9 out of 10. Simply put, everything on this album was done to damn near perfection. Fans of DESPERADOZ or GHOULTOWN will certainly find this album to their liking. As always, stay well, and live free my friends.