Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Volbeat - Rock the Rebel / Metal the Devil (2007)

I really need to thank my brother for getting into this band and giving me the spark of massive interest that didn't ignite until just recently. Volbeat was formed by frontman Michael Poulsen in 2001 after disbanding his previous band Dominus, having enough of his former band's death metal sound and wanting to start anew. Volbeat's name comes from Dominus' 3rd album title. When checking out or revisiting some bands/albums, it's good to follow your heart, and you might just find a gem of sheer greatness!

I really love Volbeat's first two albums. But if there's one album that I think would surpass the other by a few percentage points, it's this one, Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil. It really seals the rock/metal gone rockabilly deal and would be an awesome recommendation for one of my rock/metal-loving pals.

We roll right into "The Human Instrument", a favorite of mine and my brother's, proving that Elvis metal works like a dream. The kick-A power is still kept up in "Mr. & Mrs. Ness", continuing the story that started in the debut album's "Danny & Lucy". The song hints at the band's heavier side in their next album Guitar Gangsters and Cadillac Blood, in which the story continues again. The next track is the popular half-ballad half-rocker "The Garden’s Tale". I actually love this song! It's probably because I was never in Denmark nor the United States in 2007 when the song was played to f***ing death. It's quite catchy as f***, pretty much breaking down the wall between slow-dancing and moshing. Vocal hooks cover the devilishly fast "Devil or the Blue Cat's Song".

Now if you're looking for a punchy banger, look no further to "Sad Man’s Tongue". It starts with acoustic country that would have Johnny Cash fans swooning, then f***ing speeds up into metal including a kick-A breakdown that you can't resist headbanging to. "River Queen" tops it off as another groove-ish banger. If I wasn't into this kind of metal 10 years ago, I would be listening to that song and the opener a sh*t-ton of times! Up next is "Radio Girl". I don't love it as much as many people do, but it still rules. "A Moment Forever" is fast as a motherf***er!

Next up, "Soulweeper #2" is another sequel to a song from the debut. This one still holds the romantic vibe of the first "Soulsweeper" song. If you thought the first track was the most Elvis-like metal song, it's nothing compared to "You or Them". Something that may seem a little goofy ends up turning godly! Ending track "Boa (JDM)" crushes everything in its path, leaving behind nothing but debris by the time it's over.

All in all, Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil has added the cherry on top to Volbeat's beginning one-two punch of albums. The grooves, riffs, bass, drums, vocals, and lyrics are all a f***ing blast to listen to. I highly suggest showing them to your friends for a taste of what real music is like!

Favorites: "The Human Instrument", "The Garden’s Tale", "Sad Man’s Tongue", "River Queen", "A Moment Forever", "You or Them"