VOLBEAT has released their ninth studio album “God Of Angels Trust”. The material is once again produced by Jacob Hansen, as well as singer and rhythm guitarist Michael Poulsen. In addition to Poulsen, the band consists of drummer Jon Larsen and bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen as usual. “G.O.A.T.” is, however, the first record without guitarist Rob Caggiano, who left the group two years ago. Their friend and lead guitarist Flemming C. Lund (THE ARCANE ORDER) has been a touring member since 2023, but he also appears on the new disc and plays several of the solos. The frontman wanted to capture an urgent and immediate sound with as few takes as possible. The band played live in the studio and finished recording after only thirteen days, making it the fastest album the group has ever created.
The Danish group was formed in 2001 and perhaps I am coming up with a new expression by saying that the band’s genre is Rock’n’Roll Metal, but I think that describes their style best. VOLBEAT’s second work “Rock The Rebel/Metal The Devil” (2007) received platinum status in Denmark. “Beyond Hell/Above Heaven” (2010) spread internationally and received a lot of praise, as well as awards in both the US and Europe. Another popular material and my personal favorite is “Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie” (2016), which is a masterpiece and their absolute best record. The previous disc “Servant Of The Mind” (2021) had a bit more blackness to it than earlier productions, which the new album also has, even more so. VOLBEAT did not tour in 2024, but they were of course working on the new record. Michael also formed his new Death Metal band ASINHELL. While working on the new ”God Of Angels Trust”, Michael Poulsen threw away the rulebook and wrote songs that came together from just piles of riffs and a whirlwind of energy. But he put plenty of thought, introspection, and dream analysis into the lyrics. The result is the group’s deepest and darkest album to date.
Heavy, rough, chewing bass and guitar tones are played in, for instance, “By A Monster’s Hand”, as well as a strong drumming. Exuberant, double guitar tones are heard in the middle of the song. Even though the melody in the music is not similar to each other, the piece belongs together with the last track “Enlightening The Disorder (By A Monster’s Hand Part 2)”. It has a different kind of energy. The plot in the text, however, is a continuation of the first one. It ends with the lunatic serial killer trap himself by his own mistake, getting locked in and the key disappears. Jon does a fantastic job behind the drum kit.
Poulsen has written two songs with deeply personal lyrics about the loss of his father. “Acid Rain” is about out-of-body experiences and meeting people from the past. It is a powerful, yet gentle piece, with a positive tone in the melody. Here are also lovely bass tones. “Lonely Fields” reflects a dream Michael had, where he met his father again. In the middle section the music sounds horror-movie-like with harsh piano tones. The soft chorus brings us back to the safetyness. Maybe it also gives us a longing to meet someone we miss again.
The very good “Demonic Depression” is about mental issues, which more people than you think struggle with. In addition to the speed, the atmosphere in the song also varies. The band skillfully shifts the mood between verses and chorus. There is Speed Metal drumming here, but a normal tempo in the melody loop, as well as very harmonious music in the chorus. It is something that is quite typical of VOLBEAT. The fantastic “Time Will Heal” blooms and like rings on water, a positive feeling spreads through my body from this hopeful track. It is filled with a lovely atmosphere and is about the ups and downs of life. Even though everything can’t be good all the time, don’t let the dark side take over.
The singer had a lot of fun writing the lyrics to the track with the world’s longest song title; “In The Barn Of The Goat Giving Birth To Satan’s Spawn In A Dying World Of Doom”. According to himself, it’s like a silly horror movie, about all the angels who have been thrown out of heaven. It starts with a slightly cowboy-like beat. Then the piece kicks off and is very Heavy. The two Larsen guys of course lay a very good foundation with bass and drums. Over the dark sound, a nice, energizing playing on two guitars crystallizes.
It is often in minor, with a melancholic tone in the singer’s voice, but there is also energy and a driving force. “Better Be Fueled Than Tamed” is about take hold of things, so that you can be proud of yourself, instead of giving up and stop caring. “At The End Of The Sirens” has a similar theme. Once again we are reminded to get things done while we still can, before the grim reaper comes and gets us. In other words; live here and now.
It sounds like VOLBEAT and they really have their own, powerful sound. Here is heaviness, but it is also melodic. On the new production “G.O.A.T.” Poulsen seems to release his inner demons in the lyrics, although sometimes a little jokingly, but it feels overall deeper and more serious than before. Even though there is sometimes a dark undertone in the background and the lyrics are serious, there is often a positive feeling in the music’s melody loops. This mixture of darkness and light, depth and lightness is tied together by Michael’s special, characteristic voice, which is clear and strong with a slight vibrato. Occasionally he slips into a darker voice, with a raspy edge. As usual, I am fascinated by the dynamics of the band’s way of presenting their material. Everything is skillfully made and they catch the listener’s interest. They deliver a very good album. (Anna)
Bewertung:
8,5 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 10
Spielzeit: 44:10
Label: Universal Music
Veröffentlichungstermin: 06.06.2025
