Volbeat’s first two albums managed to mix heavy metal, 80s hard rock, punk, country and rock n roll into a catchy, heavy groove filled sound that was original and quite memorable. Now, in 2008, the band has released its third album and all levels have been pushed to 11.

Guitar Gangsters and Cadillac Blood is a hard rocking, infectious album that’s been on my playlist now for the last couple of months and it’s still as much fun as it was the first time I heard it. Volbeat’s biggest strength is the voice of Michael Poulsen and the superb vocal melodies he comes up with while sounding like a cross between Elvis Presley, Glen Danzig and James Hetfield. The band also do well in coming up with solid grooves in every single song on this album that just force you to move. Looking at the influences of this band, it should all sound like one big mess but somehow, everything from classic heavy metal to Metallica’s Load to The Misfits and even touches of country, hard rock and rock n roll elements come together to create a great album.

Stand out tracks include album opener Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood with its infectious hand clap led chorus and strong vocal melody, Hallelujah Goat which is just total 80s worship in modern guise, the melodic and sing a long friendly Maybellenne i Hofteholder and the absolute highlight of the album with a terrific vocal melody, heavy thrash groove and all round awesomeness of Still Counting.

On the downside, the album could have done with some editing. The songs are all mostly cheerful and bouncy and that becomes a little tiring by the time the album reaches its conclusion. Having said that, the majority of songs will stick in your head and you’ll be humming these melodies for days on end. I know I was.

Volbeat has already achieved platinum status in Europe and on the strength of Guitar Gangsters and Cadillac Blood it feels like world domination might just be an album away and this is one of the most fun and unpretentious hard rock albums to hit me in a long while.

Label - Mascot Records
Year of Release - 2008