I'm not sure how I ever heard of Volbeat, but for some reason, I checked out a cd from the library. Two years after the fact, I was jamming on a Danish heavy metal band that took the best of mainstream Metallica and Iron Maiden and other classic metal influences and made a great record. The new record follows the same sound as the previous. Even with the addition of longtime Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano, the songs are still written from the base of leader Michael Poulsen. Volbeat don't add any more thrash with Rob and stay truer to the nineties version of melodic metal.
The cover and the first track, an acoustic western style instrumental, set the scene for the theme of the album. Lyrically, the stories deal a lot with travelling the United States, a rebel to society. Cowboys, train robbers, etc. are all presented as underground heroes with songs that are appropriately anthemic. There's even songs called "Black Bart" and "Doc Holliday". A favorite is about some kind of southern Jesus-type whose words inspire the protagonist to carry on. "Dead But Rising" is a good example of Poulsen, whose assuredly using English as a second language. The concepts are mostly broad, the words less complicated. But still effective in their simplicity.
In an interesting track listing choice, the heaviest track in Volbeat's catalog, a haunted nightmare King Diamond duet, "Room 24" follows the single, and most commercial Volbeat track, "Cape Of Our Hero". And cover of a recent hit, Young the Giant's "My Body" is a highlight.
Altogether a good collection. I don't mind saying that I grew tired of all the western imagery and storytelling. Even though the inspiration here was respectfully "Run to the Hills" and "Indians", my favorites leaned on the side where the songs were more general and universal. That's always been the case with me. Stick to my highlights and you'll find yourself rocking out without the history lessons. (3 of 5 stars)
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