Only in Denmark could they come up with a fusion of British metal, British punk, American Southern rock, and American country-and-western. This phenomenon was born in 2001, but the first album, "The Strength, The Sound, The Songs," didn't come out until 2005. The followups, "Rock The Rebel / Metal The Devil" (2007) and "Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood" (2008), brought them to the forefront of metal. Now, if only country and Southern rock scenes could be conquered... Presently the band consists of Michael Poulsen (guitars/vocals), Thomas Bredahl (guitars), Anders Kjølholm (bass), and Jon Larsen (drums).
ROCK THE REBEL / METAL THE DEVIL (2007)
BEST SONGS: "Sad Man's Tongue," "A Moment Forever," "Soulweeper #2"
These guys have taken fusion to a new level. Their music is an mix of mid-era Metallica-style thrash metal, Johnny Cash-style country, Elvis-style 50s rock'n'roll, and Motorhead-style heavy punk. In spite of how bizarre this description sounds, it is actually not at all eclectic, but rather a perfect blend of the mentioned genres. These guys surely know how to combine the uncombinable, and the album sounds wonderfully organic. At times dark ("Mr. & Mrs. Ness"), at times joyful ("Sad Man’s Tongue"), at times sad ("Radio Girl"), at times cheerful ("The Garden’s Tale"), there are some wonderful songs here. The lyrical themes are dark country, a-la late Mr. Cash, and the riffs are mostly Sabbathy (remember, kids: if you run out of riffs, play "Children of the Grave": this album has two such songs, "River Queen" and "You or Them"). Of course, there is banjo and steel lap (no violins?). Album’s heaviest moment is the last track, "BOA (JDM)" (no idea what it stands for): it resembles the thrashiest moments of Metallica's "Load". The only real "unmetal" thing about this album is that there are no guitar solos anywhere (there is a short Motorhead-like lead in one of the tracks). The deep-yet-nasal voice of Michael Poulsen can turn some people off, but you can't deny strong Elvis's influences. Excellent melodies throughout the whole disc make it one of the best (and the most unique) works I’ve heard in a while.
GUITAR GANGSTERS AND CADILLAC BLOOD (2008 / 09)
RATING: ****
BEST SONGS: title track, "Light a Way," "A Broken Man and the Dawn"
Significantly less country and more retro’n’roll. There are still some punk-ish moments a-la Blink 182 and Social Distortion: "Back to Prom" (this album’s "Garden’s Tale") and "We" are excellent examples of melodic punk. There are also more Metallica moments than before ("Hell’s Mad Rover" even mentions Metallica in its lyrics). They even give you some reggae moments ("Still Counting") – apparently the band is unsatisfied with drawing from just four genres, and they are trying to incorporate into their music every genre in the store. Still, the music sounds organic and tight. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as catchy or as "monolithic" as the predecessor. Fortunately, it’s still catchy enough for me to spin regularly. "So Lonesome I Could Cry" is the most Elvisy moment, and it brings a grin to my face every time. "Hallelujah Goat" fulfils the "Children of the Grave" requirement: "every metal band must re-write this Black Sabbath classic." "A Broken Man and the Dawn" is probably the most country song here, and it radiates Volbeat’s trademark sense of melody. I am not quite convinced with the whole "Cadillac gangsters" schtick: it makes me think of the 20s, and this is one era Volbeat does not seem to be drawing from. The overall quality is very even, but it could use a couple more hits, like "Sad Man’s Tongue" and "A Moment Forever."
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