Review By Tosh Davies
I love a challenge which is why I chose to review this album hoping it would change my outlook on Volbeat. Having been to many festivals in Europe over the last 7 years I’ve witnessed the adulation bestowed upon Volbeat. I’ve never understood why in the UK they’ve not reached the status our cheese eating, beer drinking, patch wearing cousins in Europe have for them.
Michael Poulsen has a very distinctive voice, bordering a little close to the James Hetfield School of vocals at times which is probably reason for my hesitation. Now comes the shock, I really am getting to understand why Volbeat are so popular and with this release they have possibly turned this bitter, twisted reviewer into a fan. The recruitment of former Anthrax axe slinger Rob Caggiano (who also handles production duties) has possibly fattened up their sound with some grunt and aggression. ‘Dead But Rising’ is an Anthrax riff, straight up, which morphs into typical Volbeat territory where single ‘Cape Of Our Hero’ introduces their pop/punk merged with metal perfectly. A special guest appearance from King Diamond on ‘Room 24’ really got my juices flowing, evoking what a real Black Sabbath riff sounds like.
With its quirky style these Danes have really hit the ball out of the park. Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies is a concoction of catchy melodies and Western tinged anthems. There’s enough bite to keep the metal fans happy and enough groove to keep the ladies exposing their puppies at festivals! I’m a convert, hallelujah! Praise Jebus! Looks like I’ll be staying a little later on the Sunday night at Hellfest for their Headline appearance.
8 out of 10
Track Listing:
- Intro
- Pearl Hart
- The Nameless One
- Dead But Rising
- Cape Of Our Hero
- Room 24
- The Hangman’s Body Count
- My Body
- Lola Montez
- Black Bart
- The Lonesome Rider
- The Sinner Is You
- Doc Holliday
- Our Loved Ones
