Volbeat

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This article is about the Danish rock band. For the fictional creature, see List of generation III Pokémon § Volbeat.

Volbeat
Volbeat in 2016. L–R: Rob Caggiano, Michael Poulsen, Jon Larsen, and Kaspar Boye Larsen.
Volbeat in 2016. L–R: Rob Caggiano, Michael Poulsen, Jon Larsen, and Kaspar Boye Larsen.
Background information
OriginCopenhagen, Denmark
Genres
Years active2001–present
Labels
Associated actsDominus
Websitevolbeat.dk
Members
Past members

Volbeat are a Danish rock band formed in Copenhagen in 2001. They play a fusion of rock and roll, heavy metal and rockabilly. Their current line-up consists of vocalist and guitarist Michael Poulsen, guitarist Rob Caggiano, drummer Jon Larsen and bassist Kaspar Boye Larsen. The band is signed to Dutch label Mascot Records and has released seven studio albums and one DVD. All of their studio albums have been certified gold in Denmark. Their second album Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil received platinum status, and their 2010 release Beyond Hell/Above Heaven was subject to widespread international critical acclaim, receiving double platinum in Denmark, platinum in Finland and Germany, and gold in the United States,[1] Sweden and Austria. Volbeat's seventh album, Rewind, Replay, Rebound, was released on 2 August 2019.

History[]

Early years (2001–2009)[]

Michael Poulsen, singer, guitarist and main songwriter of Volbeat

Singer Michael Poulsen's first band was death metal act Dominus.[2][3] In 2000, Poulsen became fed up with the death metal music scene, causing Dominus to break up.[3][2] In 2001, Poulsen went on to form a new band with some friends and other former Dominus members.[3] This was the beginning of Volbeat.[3]

The band name "Volbeat" was derived from Dominus's third album name, Vol.Beat (read as: Volume Beat).[2] After selling 1,000 copies of their Beat the Meat demo tape, Volbeat was signed to a record deal by Rebel Monster Records, a sub-label of Mascot Records.[3]

Volbeat released their first album, The Strength/The Sound/The Songs in 2005.[4] The line-up for the album consisted of Michael Poulsen (vocals), Jon Larsen (drums), Franz Gottschalk (guitar) and Anders Kjølholm (bass).[3] The album was a huge success in Denmark achieving a spot at No. 18 in the charts.[5] Critics were generally positive towards The Strength / The Sound / The Songs. The German hard rock magazine RockHard gave it 10/10 in a review.[6] The Strength / The Sound / The Songs also received a handful of awards, including Best Album in the Danish Metal Musik Awards in 2005.[7] Volbeat was praised for its live performances. Their concert at Roskilde Festival 2006 received a 6/6 stars review in the Danish newspaper BT.[8]

Bassist Anders Kjølholm at Nova Rock 2014

The band, featuring the same line-up as their first album, released their second album, Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil, in week 8 of 2007, where it debuted as No. 1 in the Danish Top 40 for CD-sales.[7]

They opened the Roskilde Festival in 2007 and also supported Metallica together with Mnemic at their concert in Denmark 13 July of that year.[3] They were to support Megadeth in Finland and in their home town, Copenhagen, and to make a few festival appearances mid-2008.[3] They hired Thomas Bredahl following the recording of Rock the Rebel / Metal the Devil as a replacement for Gottschalk on guitar.[3]

In 2008, Volbeat released their third album, Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood featuring guitarist Thomas Bredahl. It topped the Finnish Album Chart straight after its publication.[9] In 2009, Volbeat supported the symphonic metal band Nightwish on their U.S tour in May.[10] On 31 May 2009 they were on the main stage of the Pinkpop Festival. They also supported Metallica on the North American leg of Metallica's World Magnetic Tour from October to December 2009.[11] In 2009 the band played at the biggest open-air festival in Europe (400,000–500,000 rock fans every year), Przystanek Woodstock[12] in Poland.

Line-up changes (2010–2015)[]

Rob Caggiano and Michael Poulsen at Nova Rock 2014

Poulsen stated about Beyond Hell/Above Heaven, "The album title refers to the overall theme of the album, and it continues the storyline from where Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood left off...".[13]

On 25 January 2010, it was confirmed that Volbeat would be performing at Download Festival in June 2010.[14] It was also confirmed that Volbeat were to join Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer and others in the "Big Four" show at Sonisphere Switzerland.[15] It was also announced that the new album, Beyond Hell/Above Heaven was to be released on 10 September 2010. The band also announced their "Beyond Hell/Above Heaven Live 2010" tour.[16] In 2011, Volbeat announced their Grand Summer Tour across North America. The tour began in Toronto, Ontario on 24 July at Heavy T.O., and concluded with a two-night stand on 3 & 4 September at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. Volbeat co-headlined this tour with rock powerhouse Cold on all US dates, but not in Canada. On 28 November 2011, Volbeat announced the departure of Bredahl via their website.[17] Volbeat committed to playing all 2011-2012 as scheduled either as a trio, or with a replacement guitarist. On 26 January 2012, Volbeat joined Megadeth, Motörhead, and Lacuna Coil on Gigantour. The tour started in Camden, New Jersey, and culminated on 28 February 2012 in Denver, Colorado, at The Fillmore Auditorium. On the tour, Hank Shermann (Mercyful Fate) filled in as the guitarist for Volbeat. On their North American Summer tour, which began in June 2012, Iced Earth and Hellyeah were the supporting acts. The tour included dates in Baltimore, Toronto, Detroit, Billings, Boston, Tempe, San Francisco, and Weyburn and Lazerfest in Boone, Iowa, and in June, Orion Music Festival, headlined by Metallica, at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey.[18]

Volbeat performing in 2013

Volbeat were confirmed to be playing Download festival June 2013. Volbeat announced in December that their new album would be released during 2013. A spring tour with Danko Jones and Spoken was announced in December. In January 2013, Volbeat revealed the name of the new album, Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, and that was released in the spring of 2013.[3]

On 4 February 2013, it was announced that Rob Caggiano, formerly of Anthrax, had officially joined the band as second guitarist. He had been producing and recording guest solos on the band's upcoming album, Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies, which the band also announced will be released on 8 April 2013 (GSA on 5 April and US on 9 April), before being asked to join as a full-time member. Singer and guitarist Michael Poulsen said of the chemistry between Caggiano and the rest of the band "The collaboration with Rob in the studio was so inspiring and in good spirit that we the decided to keep him. Basically we went into the studio as a three piece and came out as a whole band!"[19]

Michael Poulsen confirmed during the band's 2015 tour with Anthrax and Crobot, that a new album was in the works, hinting that it would be released in 2016, and demoed a new song throughout "The Devil's Bleeding Crown" tour.[20]

In April 2015, singer Poulsen revealed that he had so far written seven songs for the next album.[21] In November 2015, the band announced that Kjølholm would leave Volbeat. They emphasised, that he left in good terms with the band. Poulsen and Larsen said that "Anders has been a loyal friend and bandmate since 2001. ... We're very thankful for this and wish Anders all the best in the future." Kjølholm likewise wished all the best for the rest of the band.[22][23][24]

Recent works (2016–present)[]

On 3 April 2016, Volbeat posted a teaser for their upcoming album on YouTube, hinting it would be released soon. On 7 April 2016, they revealed Seal the Deal and Let's Boogie to be released on 3 June 2016. The album's first single was "The Devil's Bleeding Crown".[25] The official music video for this song was released on 13 May 2016.[26] The second single, released 29 April 2016, was "For Evigt" (Forever), and an English version, "The Bliss".[27] Kaspar Boye Larsen was announced as the band's new bassist on 13 May 2016.[28] The band toured the United Kingdom in 2016 with Alter Bridge, Gojira, and Like a Storm.[29] The band was an opening act on Metallica's WorldWired Tour 2017 stadium tour in the US, alongside Avenged Sevenfold.[30][31]

In 2018, Volbeat announced plans for a seventh album.[32] On 4 March 2019 Volbeat were announced, along with Gojira and Behemoth, as supporting acts for Slipknot's Knotfest Roadshow North American tour[33] On 10 May 2019, Volbeat released a 40-second song, "Parasite", and on 15 May, they released the second single, "Leviathan", from their upcoming seventh studio album, Rewind, Replay, Rebound while announcing the 14-song tracklist and a release date of 2 August 2019.[34] They released the third single off the album, "Last Day Under the Sun" on 13 June 2019.[35] On 18 July 2019, the band released the fourth single, "Cheapside Sloggers", featuring Gary Holt of Slayer.[36] On 26 July 2019, the band released the fifth single, "Pelvis on Fire".[37] On 4 November 2019, the band released "Die to Live", featuring Neil Fallon of Clutch as the sixth single.[38] On 2 June 2021, the band released two singles, "Wait a Minute My Girl" and "Dagen Før", the latter featuring Alphabeat's Stine Bramsen.[39] "Wait a Minute Girl" earned the band their ninth No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart dated for 21 August 2021. The band is now tied for the 10th-most No. 1s in the chart's 40-year history.[40]

Recognition[]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of awards and nominations received by Volbeat.
  • The Strength / The Sound / The Songs won the award for the best debut album at the Danish Metal Music Awards 2005.[41]
  • Volbeat won the award Steppeulven for hope of the year 2006.[42]
  • Volbeat won the award for the best live band at the Danish Metal Music Awards 2006 voted by fans.[41]
  • Rock the Rebel / Metal the Devil won the award for best album at the Danish Metal Music Awards 2007.[41]
  • Volbeat won the Danish radio award for P3 listener hit at the P3 Guld-show voted by listeners of P3.[43]
  • Volbeat were nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for "Room 24".[44]

Musical style and influences[]

The band's musical style has been described as heavy metal,[45][46] hard rock,[45] psychobilly,[47] rockabilly,[48][49] groove metal,[49] and rock and roll.[50] Chris True of AllMusic stated, "[the band's] sound weds hard rock, classic metal, glam, punk, and rockabilly."[3] Some of the band's influences include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Metallica, AC/DC, and Social Distortion.[3]

Band members[]

Timeline

Discography[]

Main article: Volbeat discography

Videography[]

  • Live: Sold Out (2008)
  • Live from Beyond Hell/Above Heaven (2011)
  • Let's Boogie! Live from Telia Parken (2018)

References[]

  1. ^ "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". RIAA. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Jake Daniels Tuesday's Broadcast 4-22-14". 22 April 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l True, Chris. "Volbeat Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  4. ^ "Volbeat - The Strength / The Sound / The Songs". Discogs. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  5. ^ "Volbeat - Biography - Metal Storm". MetalStorm.ee. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  6. ^ "Rock Hard Online rockt das Web". RockHard.de. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b "Volbeat: Information from Answers.com". Answers.com. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  8. ^ "Volbeat - Discover music, videos, concerts, & pictures at Last.fm". Last.fm. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  9. ^ "Suomen virallinen lista". yle.fi.
  10. ^ "Volbeat To Support Nightwish on Spring 2009 U.S. Tour - Metal from Finland". MetalFromFinland.com. 28 October 2008. Archived from the original on 20 February 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  11. ^ "Metallica.com - More Opening Act News". Metallica.com. 27 July 2009. Archived from the original on 25 January 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  12. ^ "Home - Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy". Wielka Orkiestra Swiątecznej Pomocy. Archived from the original on 25 March 2010. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
  13. ^ "Volbeat: Official Homepage - Volbeat Reveals Album Title!". Volbeat.dk. 15 February 2010. Archived from the original on 22 February 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  14. ^ "Download 2010 Stage Times Revealed". Rock Sound. 8 June 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  15. ^ "VOLBEAT DEFINITIV BESTÄTIGT: Sonisphere 2010 Switzerland". SonisphereFestivals.com. 10 January 2010. Archived from the original on 24 July 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  16. ^ "Volbeat: Official Homepage - Album release and fall dates confirmed!". Volbeat.dk. 14 May 2010. Archived from the original on 21 May 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2010.
  17. ^ "Under Construction". Volbeat.dk. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  18. ^ "Orion Music + More 2013". Lineup.orionmusicandmore.com. Archived from the original on 25 February 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  19. ^ "Under Construction". Volbeat.dk. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  20. ^ "Video: Volbeat Performs New Song". blabbermouth.net. 25 May 2015. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  21. ^ "Volbeat-interview: Folk tror, jeg er den falske Michael Poulsen". Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  22. ^ A Message from Volbeat. Volbeat.dk. Retrieved 14 November 2015
  23. ^ Volbeat Parts Ways With Bassist Anders Kjølholm. Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 9 December 2015
  24. ^ Volbeat mister bassist. GAFFA. Retrieved 9 December 2015
  25. ^ "VOLBEAT's 'Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie' Album Due in June; Listen To 'The Devil's Bleeding Crown' Single". blabbermouth.net. 7 April 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  26. ^ "Video Premiere: VOLBEAT's 'The Devil's Bleeding Crown'". 13 May 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  27. ^ Pasbani, Robert (29 April 2016). "Volbeat Release Two Versions of Brand New Track "The Bliss," So Catchy It Will Get Stuck In Your Head". Metal Injection. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  28. ^ New Video + Volbeat Welcomes New Bass Player. Volbeat. Retrieved 13 May 2016
  29. ^ "Alter Bridge Return To Headline UK Arenas On Nov 2016 Tour". Rocksins.com. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  30. ^ "Metallica Announces 'WorldWired' North American Tour With Avenge Sevenfold And Volbeat". Blabbermouth.net. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  31. ^ Hartmann, Graham (13 February 2017). "Metallica Announce 2017 North American Tour With Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat + Gojira". Loudwire. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  32. ^ "Volbeat's Next Album Will Have 'A Different Feel' From 'Seal The Deal & Let's Boogie'". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  33. ^ Childers, Chad. "Slipknot Announce Summer 2019 Tour With Volbeat, Behemoth, Gojira". Loudwire. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  34. ^ "Volbeat Share New Album Details, Release 'Leviathan' Song". Loudwire. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  35. ^ "Volbeat Announce New Album 'Rewind, Replay, Rebound' + Drop Dad Rockin' New Song". Wall of Sound. 13 June 2019. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  36. ^ Kaufman, Spencer (18 July 2019). "Kids take over for Volbeat in video for new song "Cheapside Sloggers" featuring Slayer's Gary Holt: Watch". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  37. ^ "Volbeat Channel Elvis on New Song 'Pelvis on Fire'". Loudwire. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  38. ^ "Hear Clutch's Neil Fallon Guest On New Volbeat Song "Die To Live"". Theprp. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  39. ^ "Volbeat Debuts Two New Songs For The Summer, 'Wait A Minute My Girl' And 'Dagen Før'". Blabbermouth.net. 2 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  40. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (19 August 2021). "Volbeat Clocks Ninth Mainstream Rock Airplay No. 1 With 'Wait a Minute My Girl'". Billboard. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  41. ^ Jump up to: a b c "DMeA Historik" (PDF). DMEA.dk. Retrieved 20 February 2010.[permanent dead link]
  42. ^ "steppeulven". Steppeulv.dk. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  43. ^ "P3 Radio - Lyt til P3 live eller genhør P3-programmer - P3 netradio | DR Radio". Archived from the original on 2 December 2008.
  44. ^ "Awards Nominations & Winners". Grammy.com. 30 April 2017.
  45. ^ Jump up to: a b Schoof, Dustin (25 April 2014). "Volbeat singer discusses fan appreciation, influences and Young the Giant". Retrieved 3 July 2018.
  46. ^ Ruberto, Toni (20 March 2017). "Volbeat headlines second Edgefest show at Artpark". Buffalo News. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
  47. ^ Vergine, Chad (15 November 2015). "Anders Kjølholm Parts From Volbeat". NYS Music. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
  48. ^ Glass, Polly (7 April 2017). "Tracks Of The Week: music and videos from Black Star Riders, Volbeat and more..." Retrieved 3 July 2018.
  49. ^ Jump up to: a b "Volbeat Announce 2012 North American Tour Dates With HellYeah". 18 April 2012. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  50. ^ "The Strength/The Sound/The Songs - Volbeat". Blabbermouth.net. 23 October 2005. Retrieved 16 September 2019.

External links[]

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