| Written by Alex Stojanovic TRACK LISTING The Devil's Bleeding Crown Marie Laveau The Bliss The Gates Of Babylon Let It Burn Black Rose Rebound (Teenage Bottlerocket cover) Mary Jane Kelly Goodbye Forever Seal The Deal Battleship Chains (Georgia Satellites cover) You Will Know The Loa's Crossroad Release Date: June 3, 2016 Label: Republic Records / Universal Music Website: www.volbeat.dk www.facebook.com/volbeat |  |
VOLBEAT IS:
Michael Poulsen - Lead vocals & rhythm guitars Jon Larsen - Drums Rob Caggiano - Lead guitars Kasper Boye Larsen - Bass
Michael Poulsen - Lead vocals & rhythm guitars Jon Larsen - Drums Rob Caggiano - Lead guitars Kasper Boye Larsen - Bass
When it comes to diversity on rock and metal records, Volbeat knows no boundaries and that's why they are ranked for me as one of the best bands around today. I remember first hearing of them when I saw them open for Metallica in 2009, not knowing a thing about them, but after a few listens to their records, their music grew on me quickly with the diversity and as a musician, that's what I love. The last album Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies was their most diversified record with the mix of mariachi, pop, country, rockabilly and others along with their primary rock and metal sound, and it was a tall order to follow up. Having solidified a unique sound since The Strength/The Sound/The Songs, they haven't moved away from that sound, but they continued to pump out eclectic albums that showcase their wide arsenal of influences. On their new album Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie, the band continue to add different influences and elements like banjo and even bagpipes to keep the album eclectic, but they focus more on the rock side of things and kept the album devoid of slow songs.
I know Michael Poulsen's Elvis Presley-meets-Johnny Cash vocals can be a bit polarizing to many people, but they're quite enjoyable to my ears, especially with the melodies he writes. Prime examples where he really shines would be "Marie Laveau", "The Gates Of Babylon", "Mary Jane Kelly" and "You Will Know". For those who prefer your Volbeat heavier, don't worry, the album has its fair share of heavier cuts like the bouncy opener "The Devil's Bleeding Crown", the raging title track and closer "The Loa's Crossroad". Poulsen's catchy vocal melodies combined with the mesmerizing riffs and harmonies unleashed by him and Rob Caggiano make a really potent combination.
Guest appearances have become a common element on Volbeat's records ever since Rock The Rebel/Metal The Devil. With a wide variety of guests from all over the musical spectrum like Mille Petrozza from Kreator, Barney Greenway from Napalm Death, Sarah Blackwood from Walk Off The Earth, Johan Olsen from Magtens Korridorer (who returns on the new album) and King Diamond appearing on the band's records in the past, you just never know who's going to guest on the next record. Adding his stamp to the new album is Danko Jones on "Black Rose" who along with Poulsen delivers some very syncopated vocals. The band's attempt at modernizing the classic Georgia Satellites track "Battleship Chains" instantly hits the bulls-eye. This is another one of Poulsen's strongest vocal points. Covers are also common on Volbeat records, but they're usually classic country, southern rock or punk songs. Along with "Battleship Chains", the band covers "Rebound" by Teenage Bottlerocket, which is also a home run.
Of course on every great album, there's a flaw or two. While "The Bliss" is a great catchy song, it feels like I'm listening to "Lola Montez" from the last album all over again. The melodies and the structure are highly similar and the verses are also slightly similar to the verses in "Fallen" from Beyond Hell/Above Heaven. The only difference on the track is the banjo lick in the middle. However, what's cool is that the song also has a Danish counterpart titled "For Evigt" where the chorus is sung in Danish and features Johan Olsen on guest vocals. There's a multitude of memorability on Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie with many riffs and melodies that are so captivating that getting them out of your head is going to be such a challenge. If you're a Volbeat fan, you will find plenty of moments on the album that will pleasure your ears.
Highs: Fantastic performances, giant hooks and solid songwriting. Standout tracks include "The Devil's Bleeding Crown", "The Gates Of Babylon", "Mary Jane Kelly", "Seal The Deal" and "Battleship Chains".
Lows: "The Bliss" sounds almost identical to "Lola Montez"
Final Rating: 8/10
I know Michael Poulsen's Elvis Presley-meets-Johnny Cash vocals can be a bit polarizing to many people, but they're quite enjoyable to my ears, especially with the melodies he writes. Prime examples where he really shines would be "Marie Laveau", "The Gates Of Babylon", "Mary Jane Kelly" and "You Will Know". For those who prefer your Volbeat heavier, don't worry, the album has its fair share of heavier cuts like the bouncy opener "The Devil's Bleeding Crown", the raging title track and closer "The Loa's Crossroad". Poulsen's catchy vocal melodies combined with the mesmerizing riffs and harmonies unleashed by him and Rob Caggiano make a really potent combination.
Guest appearances have become a common element on Volbeat's records ever since Rock The Rebel/Metal The Devil. With a wide variety of guests from all over the musical spectrum like Mille Petrozza from Kreator, Barney Greenway from Napalm Death, Sarah Blackwood from Walk Off The Earth, Johan Olsen from Magtens Korridorer (who returns on the new album) and King Diamond appearing on the band's records in the past, you just never know who's going to guest on the next record. Adding his stamp to the new album is Danko Jones on "Black Rose" who along with Poulsen delivers some very syncopated vocals. The band's attempt at modernizing the classic Georgia Satellites track "Battleship Chains" instantly hits the bulls-eye. This is another one of Poulsen's strongest vocal points. Covers are also common on Volbeat records, but they're usually classic country, southern rock or punk songs. Along with "Battleship Chains", the band covers "Rebound" by Teenage Bottlerocket, which is also a home run.
Of course on every great album, there's a flaw or two. While "The Bliss" is a great catchy song, it feels like I'm listening to "Lola Montez" from the last album all over again. The melodies and the structure are highly similar and the verses are also slightly similar to the verses in "Fallen" from Beyond Hell/Above Heaven. The only difference on the track is the banjo lick in the middle. However, what's cool is that the song also has a Danish counterpart titled "For Evigt" where the chorus is sung in Danish and features Johan Olsen on guest vocals. There's a multitude of memorability on Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie with many riffs and melodies that are so captivating that getting them out of your head is going to be such a challenge. If you're a Volbeat fan, you will find plenty of moments on the album that will pleasure your ears.
Highs: Fantastic performances, giant hooks and solid songwriting. Standout tracks include "The Devil's Bleeding Crown", "The Gates Of Babylon", "Mary Jane Kelly", "Seal The Deal" and "Battleship Chains".
Lows: "The Bliss" sounds almost identical to "Lola Montez"
Final Rating: 8/10
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