Volbeat  

The Danish outfit seemingly came out of nowhere with their 2005 debut The Strength, The Sound, The Songs, the album being a fresh breath of air in the metal scene. In actuality the band was formed back in 2001 by vocalist Michael Poulsen and steadily built a fan base in the intervening years. One of the more striking elements of the band is the vocals of Poulsen, as many have pointed out his similarities to none other than Elvis Presley! This is not an Elvis impersonator fronting a metal band, but rather a metal vocalist melding a few of the King's vocal inflections into his own unique style. Musically, the closest reference point might be "Load"-era Metallica, hard-driving metal tinged with thrash but with a clear accessible edge, and a nod or two to, of all things, 50's and 60's rock (quite subtle but noticeable). Not everything works -- the cover of "I Only Want To Be With You" is a bit of a throwaway, though in some ways it actually does fit with the rest of the album. Minor quibbles aside, this is one of the most refreshing debut albums in some time, surely the precursor to a successful career.

Current Members Michael Poulsen guitars/vocals Rob Caggiano guitars (Anthrax) Anders Kjølholm bass Jon Larsen drums

Former Members/Guests Franz Gottschalk guitars (Illdisposed) Thomas Bredahl guitars

Discography

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The Strength, The Sound, The Songs 
2005 Mascot

Caroline Leaving (Caroline part Two) Another Day, Another Way Something Else Or ... Rebel Monster Pool of Booze, Booze, Booza Always. Wu Say Your Number Soulweeper Firesong (Danny & Lucy revisited) Danny & Lucy (11 pm) Caroline #1 Alienized I Only Wanna Be with You Everything's Still Fine Healing Subconsciously

Michael Poulsen Franz Gottschalk Anders Kjølholm Jon Larsen

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Rock The Rebel / Metal The Devil 
2007 Mascot

The Human Instrument Mr & Mrs Ness The Gardens Tale Devil or the blue cat's song Sad Mans Tongue River Queen Radio Girl A Moment Forever Soulweeper #2 You Or Them Boa

Michael Poulsen Thomas Bredahl Anders Kjølholm Jon Larsen

Reviews:   Blabbermouth 

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Live: Sold Out 
2008 Mascot

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Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood 
2008 Mascot

Intro/End Of The Road Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood Back To Prom Mary Ann's Place Hallelujah Goat Maybelenne i Hofteholder We Still Counting Light A Way Wild Rover Of Hell I'm So Lonely I Could Cry A Broken Man And The Dawn Find That Soul Making Believe (bonus track)

Michael Poulsen Thomas Bredahl Anders Kjølholm Jon Larsen

Reviews:   Sea Of Tranquility  Metal Observer 

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Beyond Hell/Above Heaven 
2010 Vertigo

The Mirror And The Ripper Heaven Nor Hell Who They Are Fallen A Better Believer 7 Shots A New Day 16 Dollars A Warrior's Cal Magic Zone Evelyn Being 1 Thanks

Michael Poulsen Thomas Bredahl Anders Kjølholm Jon Larsen

Reviews:   Lords Of Metal  Metal Observer 

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Live From Beyond Hell/Above Heaven 
2011 Vertigo