It’s dirty, nasty and absolutely brilliant! With a vocal that sounds like a psycho Elvis Presley and twanging punk-o-billy guitars, the track lurches to its glorious conclusion in a haze of debauchery as The Devil himself takes human form, probably clad in old leather, swigging from a bottle of Jack Daniels and surrounded by a harem of drug-hazed ladies of the street. ‘The Devil Rages On’ is completely different. The combination of infectious melody and Metal riffery is at its furious best in this track which features some more stunning lead guitar, cool time changes and even a death grunt! Absolutely brilliant! The guitars chug like a buzzsaw while Poulsen regales us with tales of ghostly goings on. The 80s Thrash Metal influence returns on current single ‘Shotgun Blues’. The 80s Thrash Metal chug and shredding guitar solo in this one will have you headbanging like it’s 1983 all over again, but it still sounds current. The Metallica vibe returns on ‘The Sacred Stones’ which starts off as 80s Metal as you can get (there’s a definite Black Sabbath ‘Heaven and Hell’ vibe in the verses here and Poulsen really channels Ronnie Dio’s phrasing at times, though never to the point of being a clone) before the requisite melodic chorus kicks in. This should never work, but in Volbeat’s more than capable hands, it sounds like the most natural thing in the world and this probably explains it reaching number 1 in the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart back in the summer. ‘Wait A Minute My Girl’ cunningly combines a pop-punk chorus with honky-tonk piano and saxophones. Opener ‘Temple of Ekur’ has a monumental Metallica-esque riff and a classic 80s Metal vibe as the guitars chug their way through the mystical lyrics before a ridiculously catchy chorus roars out of the speakers. It’s a long way from the standard rock n roll lyrical format and is all the better for it. Lyrically, guitarist/vocalist Michael Poulsen stretches his song-writing muscle with themes as diverse as encountering ghostly forces in a new home, burning witches in Medieval Sweden, the Devil taking human form and tales of ancient temples. It’s a compelling and authoritative sound that once again manages to combine plenty of muscular Heavy Metal riffery with punk attitude, rockabilly twang and highly melodic vocal hooks. Within the colossal grooves of this album you’ll find the band paying homage to, amongst others, classic Metallica, Dio-era Sabbath and Elvis Presley, all the while retaining their very own signature sound. On this album, Volbeat effortlessly combine a dazzling array of influences to create another unique and high-quality piece of work. Multi-platinum selling Danish rockers Volbeat return on 3 rd December with their eighth studio album Servant of the Mind and mighty fine it is too! 3 days ago GUN: Thirty years on ‘Higher Ground’ gets releaseahead of celebratory ‘The Calton Songs’ album.3 days ago Stratovarius – New Video For Single “Firefly”.3 days ago UK Chart-topping Japanese metal band Esprit D’Air Announce 7-date UK tour in February 2023.2 days ago ENSLAVED | reveal new single ‘Kingdom’ alongside concept video.2 days ago Joe Lynn Turner Announces New Album ‘Belly of the Beast’.2 days ago SLIPKNOT’s KNOTFEST takes over South America in 2022, debut event in Argentina.1 day ago Gig Review : FM with Sons Of Liberty – Thekla, Bristol Sunday 21st August 2022.1 day ago Max & Iggor Return Beneath Arise” Tour Second Leg.18 hours ago DEVIN TOWNSEND – launches ‘Moonpeople’ / first single from new studio album ‘Lightwork’.17 hours ago Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners release new single, a cover of The Georgia Satellites’ ‘Six Years Gone’ off the upcoming self-titled debut album out October 7th on Wicked Cool Records.17 hours ago THRESHOLD – reveal second single ‘King Of Nothing’.15 hours ago Machine Head Reveal New Video ‘NØ GØDS, NØ MASTERS’ New Album ‘ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN’ OUT NOW.