Denmark’s VOLBEAT have quickly attracted audiences in their native country as well as a good chunk of Europe, and listening to Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil easily explains their success. The band’s second album mark’s the band’s U.S. debut with a new third album out soon in Europe. VOLBEAT predominantly play heavy music within a metal framework but incorporate significant portions of classic rock ‘n roll, punk, and country. Some songs are thrashy and fast such as “Devil or the Blue Cat’s Tongue” while others like “Radio Girl” are melodic and extremely catchy, and have plenty of vocal soul as in “The Garden’s Tale.” Frontman/guitarist Michael Poulsen’s vocals are a unique combination of such greats as Fats Domino, Elvis Presley, Glenn Danzig, and James Hetfield. While this marriage of instrumentation and vocal stylings may sound strange, it works very well. Poulsen is the kind of charismatic and strong frontman that doesn’t come around too often and helps VOLBEAT to stand out amongst the crowd. The rest of the band are tight and lock in perfectly with each other. Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil is simply a solid album of good songs. In many ways it’s reminiscent of a classic punk album with its huge hooks, youthful exuberance, and soul. There are so many prime riffs, great vocal lines, and a very METALLICA-like guitar crunch to leave a lasting impression. With such sonic diversity and charisma, Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil will appeal to all different kinds of scenes within loud rock music and will undoubtedly propel VOLBEAT to the forefront of the U.S. rock/metal scene. (Mascot Records)