Denmark’s VOLBEAT continues to roll on Guitar Gangsters and Cadillac Blood with their unique combination of thrash, rockabilly, roots rock ’n roll, country, and punk. While their last one, Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil was a quality, solid album, the new one is better. VOLBEAT better captures those intangible elements of soul and timelessness and the results are fantastic. The band really separate themselves from the pack with their superior songwriting skills.

Though there are still plenty of metal riffs that put Black Album-era METALLICA to shame, the album features the more rock ’n roll and melodic side to the band. On “Still Counting,” VOLBEAT even play a reggage/dub intro that THE CLASH would’ve loved to have written and then proceed to split skulls with James Hetfield-sized riffs. While the first eleven songs provide more than enough quality content, it’s the final three songs that really bring it all home. The second to last song, “Find that Soul,” is the absolute crowning song on Guitar Gangsters and Cadillac Blood.

Once again, the man that holds it all together and leads the way is the larger than life presence of vocalist/guitarist Michael Poulsen. His vocal range and vocal arrangements have grown and his vocals take on a heavier workload this time around.

A unique sound, top notch songwriting, and soul - what more could you ask for in a record? (Mascot Records)

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