Review Summary: Kind of like how Freddy Krueger is the son of a hundred maniacs, Volbeat are the sons of a hundred musicians who know how to rock. Hard.
When I listen to Volbeat, I am oddly and perhaps sickeningly reminded of being married. The almost uncontrollable urge to drink is aligned with the substantial feeling of having the $hit kicked out of you (metaphorically speaking), and of having your balls firmly entrenched in a blender with the “on” button permanently engaged. The only difference is listening to Volbeat is unequivocally awesome; these experiences are manifested in a good way, namely, the way of Rawk. To say Volbeat rocks hard is an understatement of proportions similar to saying Lindsey Lohan is a disheveled crack whore. We can invent some big words and flashy sentences to describe the fist-pumping energy Volbeat transcends, but it’s much easier and more succinct to simply say that they absolutely, positively, without retort, f*cking rock. Like Andrew WK rocks. Volbeat doesn’t waste much time in delivering the goods in a face-caving manner. In short, they are a metal band. More complex, they sound like the result of Glen Danzig, Elvis Presley, Clutch, Metallica, and Johnny Cash having a disgusting gangbang with a willing groupie. Kind of like how Freddy Krueger is the son of a hundred maniacs, Volbeat are the sons of a hundred musicians who know how to rock. Hard.
One thing I can tell you is that Scandinavians know how to party. Volbeat are Danish, which probably explains the aura of kick-a$s surrounding their songs. Their debut “The Strength/The Sound/The Songs” is a 15 song journey into good time, face-mashing yet accessible metal that is clearly designed for moshing, fighting, and partying. If the Vikings were still around, they would bump Volbeat while pounding mead, house wenches, and over-sized legs of Mutton. Metal is made to crush skulls, but Volbeat’s brand of metal is something else entirely. The presence of chugging guitars, rockabilly influence, thrash riffs, massive hooks, a whole lot of shouting, and big time choruses have all been done before, they just haven’t been done this way. It really is difficult to describe. You’ll know it immediately after songs like “Rebel Monster,” “Pool of Booze,” and “Healing Subconsciously” are finished with their thorough kicking of your a$s. You’ll know it when the whoa-oh chorus of “Always, Wu” and the rapid fire chugging of “Danny and Lucy” overcome their ridiculously stupid titles with a healthy serving of manly riffing. You’ll finally realize it when not one, but two songs with the word “Caroline” in their titles turn out to be a whole lot more awesome than you would think. When Volbeat is done, you will either be exhausted or want more. Chances are it will be a combination of both. If you own a set of testicles, you will unquestionably love this.
I listened to this a while ago after someone recced it to me. I can't say I enjoyed it as much as you do reading from the review, but there's always another go.
yeah they do, at least Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil does. I'm thinking this is on my plate for my 1,000th rating (I'm at 999 currently). Nice review buddy.
OTHER THAN THE FACT that EVERYONE has been STEALING MY IDEAS lately, this is a great review for a great band.
Saw them live, and they sounded much less metal than on record. Their cover of Dusty Springfield's "I Only Wanna Be With You" came across as pure punk-pop. And it was AWESOME. I wouldn't say they beat the headliners - Metallica - but they sure came close.
