VOLBEAT return with the follow up album from the successful 2016 release of "Seal the Deal & Let's Boogie". Since that album came out, VOLBEAT added bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen to the lineup. VOLBEAT return with their groovy Hard Rock sound, which is very much their own creation. Not many bands mimic VOLBEAT's style.

"Die to Live" (feat. Neil Fallon of CLUTCH) enjoys the inclusion of CLUTCH's very own Neil Fallon. It adds an edge to a song, which is spunky, but with some of the heaviness feeling deflated. The song seems more like a Hard Rock adept at getting people to dance with the piano flying through the melody. It's not for everyone, but is maybe trying to a more mainstream and softer audience.

"Sorry Sack of Bones" is a faster approach that the album has missed so far. It still feels it's not quite to the band's usual dirt and tendencies. It feels again, more like a ballad attempt.  There is some good guitar play in here that makes up for a slow mid-section, bringing back the feel that we are used to. The balance is good, it holds the song well together, it has a decent melody in relation throughout the instruments

"Cloud 9" has a slight increase in tempo, with an overall feel to the album already very much implanted. The song has the steady pick up with Rob seemingly flexing more into the chords. The bluesy vocals are joined by an unnamed female backing, with adds a nice depth to the song, without it, it would fail to bloom.

"Cheapside Sloggers" (feat. Gary Holt of EXODUS & SLAYER) introduces itself with a sea of guitar melody which has been missing throughout. Intensity still not hitting the roof to start, but the song works out well how to present itself. The slow break when Mr. Holt is introduced is exactly what the song needs. A slower, but heavier approach is in full flow to levels we have come to expect. The solo is needed, Gary and Rob will have enjoyed this. I feel it should have gone on longer, but that is coz I love Thrash and I'm not overly impressed with the album in whole.

This album is very much a toned down version of what we have come to expect. There will be fans that love their sound and won't mind the lack of fast paced energy from their previous albums. This album would probably be a good album to introduce to people who are happy with a Hard Rock, disco mix. However, for those that was expecting a continuous progression of sound from the previous albums, I'm sorry to say, it may not be for you. It's got a few songs on here that will go on my Spotify and iPod list, but will probably be skipped more than more of VOLBEAT's previous songs. This is just my opinion; you will have your own. Enjoy finding out.Production    6