Denmark has some things to be proud of: Carlsberg, Copenhagen, bacon… AND VOLBEAT. The live version of the seventh album from the Danish metallers received some mixed reviews lat year when it was released. However, the opportunity to record it live in their “second home” must have been an opportunity too good to miss.
Kicking off with the soundtrack from ‘Peaky Blinders’ as an introduction led straight into ‘Lola Montez’. Good start.
The rather tawdry and tongue in cheek ‘Pelvis on Fire’ (which is as far as fans in ÜR’s home city of Belfast got on Poulsen and co’s now infamous last visit to this part of the Überverse – Ed) followed, before being racked up again into ‘Doc Holliday’.
All 11 tracks from ‘Rewind Replay, Rebound’ are showcased on this live version with other longtime Volbeat favourites making 27 tracks and almost two hours of the style and formula that is Volbeat. Led admirably by Michael Poulsen, the band continue to deliver tracks that are instantly recognisable as Volbeat in vocal style and musical ability.
I have to say this is the longest I have ever listened to Volbeat for, and I am impressed by the efforts of John Larsen behind the kit. He must be knackered at the end of every set! Whilst the rest of the band are no musical novices either, Poulsen’s vocal style is consistent and definitive. The guitar playing of both Poulsen and Rob Caggiano is varied and on point.
Whilst difficult to pick up on a live album some of the bass lines of Kaspar Boye Larsen are there, no more so than on ‘The Everlasting’ and ‘The Devil’s Bleeding Crown’ (probably my favourite Volbeat track, sorry Carlsberg!).
I am not in the business of criticising people for things I cannot do myself so take my hat off to anyone who can write music that is consistently engaging and attracting large crowds for a prolonged period. This is Volbeat, they are good, they attract a crowd, and would I be there to see them-given the opportunity yes. Keep it up guys: it works!
- ‘Rewind, Replay, Rebound: Live in Deutschland’ is released tomorrow (Friday 27 November). You can get your copy HERE.
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