Review VOLBEAT “God of Angels Trust”

I have followed Volbeat since their early days. Back in 2003, it was none other than frontman Michael Poulsen who sent me a demo CD called “Beat the Meat.” Those days are over, as Volbeat has grown continuously and now ranks among the biggest names in rock and metal.

After the first three albums, I lost a bit track of the band for a while. Of course, I knew that they continued to rise, but the albums didn’t lead to the same excitement as the earlier ones. An interesting sidestep, though, was when Poulsen started Asinhell with Morten Toft Hansen and Marc Grewe. The guitarist, who has roots in death metal, pursued the heavier side of his passion, and it seems that his work with Asinhell has also impacted the new Volbeat album.

For those who might be scared off, Volbeat isn’t playing death metal. The band still follows its signature sound, but I must say that “God of Angels Trust” sounds heavier than expected.

The hard-hitting opener, “Devil’s Awake,” features a powerful riff and a fast pace. It’s a dynamic start to the album, showcasing a band that still knows how to rock.

“By a Monster’s Hand” opens with a massive drumbeat and a fierce riff. Combined with the blistering solo, it exudes intense heaviness. “Acid Rain,” however, echoes the recent sound of Volbeat. This catchy song has an almost pop-like appeal and feels slightly out of place on the album. Its counterpart is the brutal “Demonic Depression,” reminiscent of the previously mentioned demo days. It’s a thunderous metal song that allows for some serious headbanging.

“In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satans Spawn in a Dying World of Doom” was released as the lead single. It is the song with the longest title by far and a typical Volbeat smasher. The song contains all the band’s trademarks, as well as some tongue-in-cheek lyrics.

“Time Will Heal” might not be as heavy as the previous headbanger, but it has deeper lyrics. It’s about the ups and downs of life and the importance of growing through sad and difficult moments. The song itself is average, though fun to listen to.

The essence of rock fuels “Better Be Fueled Than Tamed.” It’s a straightforward rock song with a groovy middle section that starts with an evil “ugh,” but ultimately, it’s the power of rock that defines the song. “At the End of the Sirens” features a strong metal riff and melodic vocals, while “Lonely Fields” evokes a melancholic mood. It is a very personal song that tells the story of Poulsen being out in the cornfields with his father as a kid. It’s another song in which Poulsen deals with his father’s loss.

The album closes with a song called “Enlightening the Disorder (By a Monster’s Hand, Part 2),” which connects lyrically to “By a Monster’s Hand” and is a continuation of it. It is the finale of the album and of the little horror story that started with “By a Monster’s Hand.”

“Gods of Angels Trust” is a great album, even better than I expected. It’s a summary of Volbeat’s sound to date. The album features heavy riffs, thrash metal moments, excellent melodies, and great hooks, making it as exciting for recent fans of the band as for those who adore the early releases. Volbeat has found a way back to their roots without denying the present. Horns up!

Tracklist:

Devils are Awake
By a Monster’s Hand
Acid Rain
Demonic Depression
In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn in a Dying World of Doom
Time Will Heal
Better Be Fueled than Tamed
At the End of the Sirens
Lonely Fields
Enlighten the Disorder (By a Monster’s Hand Part 2)