VOLBEAT

Guitar Gangsters And Cadillac Blood

Mascot Records/ CD

The third album in band’s career is - according to one of the many theories that describe a rock’n’roll reality - a true test of class for every band. If this is true – but I think that probably we can find as many examples that prove this statement as those who are exactly opposite - then Danish dynamite from VOLBEAT have passed the exam perfectly with ease. It is an indisputable fact - "Guitar Gangsters And Cadillac Blood" is a very strong pretender to rock'n'roll metal album of the year title.

Those words would sound much more emphatic if I add that the previous album "Rock The Rebel/Metal the Devil" and two live shows at WITH FULL FORCE in 2007 and 2008 made the expectations almost ultimately high. The opening, title track- I know that we have a short, western intro here – enraptured me with it’s vitality. Slightly metalized, groovy rock'n'roll with an ounce of punk attitude rocks like hell. The master of ceremony here is Michael Paulsen - VOLBEAT vocalist. His unique voice sound like the perfect mixture of: Elvis, Keith Caputo and Glenn Danzig. His charming interpretation seduces the audience, so it’s rea;ly hard not to push the "repeat" button, for example after "Still Counting". We have also a stunning duet. It was a good idea to invite Pernille from rather unknown on metal scene SWAN LEE. She sang a few lines in "Mary Ann's Place". The result is simply excellent.
"Light A Way" swings like a recently discovered hit from the 60s. I love to listen to that song, while I’m driving. Indeed, the whole album is a perfect music for car drivers. It’s relaxing and energizing at the same time. If it’d be possible to close my eyes while driving I think that instead of crowded and damaged polish roads I’d rather see Route 66.

"Wild Rover of Hell" kicks off almost like old METALLICA. But generally the whole stuff is slightly less metallized then "Rock The Rebel ...". It is more direct and song’s structures seem to be more simply.
As a cream on the top we have also two cover versions. Hank Williams’ "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Making Believe", which many people associate with SOCIAL DISTORTION’s version rather then with original Jimmy Work's or well-known Kitty Wells’ interpretation. Both covers are delicious and both excellent fits with band’s own songs. Especially in „Making Believe” Paulsen uses his voice so that it seems like that track was written specially for him. The advantages are underlined by an excellent production. Album was recorded under the watchful eye of Jacob Hansen. The former leader of thrash/death INVOCATOR without any doubts feels those rockin’ sounds. Juicy guitars, powerful drums, lots of air. Everything;’s alive and kickin’.

I won’t be surprised if this album turns out to be a milestone in band’s career. And I still wonder how long will they be able to find enough space for such a fast growing monster under MASCOT’s wings.

11/12