Volbeat

Volbeat Artistfacts

  • 2001-
    Michael PoulsenLead vocals, rhythm guitar2001-
    Jon LarsenDrums2001-
    Anders KjølholmBass2001-2015
    Teddy VangLead guitar2001-2002
    Franz "Hellboss" GottschalkLead guitar2002-2006
    Thomas BredahlLead guitar2006-2011
    Rob CaggianoLead guitar2013-2023
    Kaspar Boye LarsenBass2016-
    Flemming C. Lund Guitar2026-
  • Volbeat is a Danish rock band formed in Copenhagen in 2001 by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Michael Poulsen. They blend metal with rockabilly, country, punk, and classic rock influences, leading some early fans and critics to describe their style as "Elvis Metal." Michael Poulsen is a huge fan of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley and often channels that 1950s swagger into their otherwise heavy sound.
  • Volbeat is one of the most successful rock bands to come out of Denmark. They were the first Danish band to sell out Parken Stadium in Copenhagen (capacity: 50,000+) and were only the second Danish act to open for Metallica, following Mercyful Fate.

    While they have a strong following in the US, Volbeat are superstars in Europe. Their albums regularly top the charts in countries like Denmark, Germany, Austria, and Finland.
  • Before Volbeat, Poulsen fronted a Danish death metal band called Dominus. After growing tired of the genre's limitations, he formed Volbeat to explore a broader musical palette, fusing his love of metal with more melodic and classic rock influences.
  • The name "Volbeat" comes from the title of a Dominus album, Vol.Beat, which is short for "Volume Beat."
  • Volbeat's third album, Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood (2008), is inspired by old American pulp crime tales and outlaw ballads. The album introduces a recurring character, Mr. Cadillac Blood, and several songs share a common lyrical theme that draws on storytelling traditions reminiscent of pulp fiction and outlaw narrative. It started a recurring narrative arc in their music, with characters appearing across multiple songs and albums.
  • Volbeat's first #1 on a Billboard chart in the United States was with their 2011 single "A Warrior's Call." The song reached the top spot on the Billboard's Active Rock listing - a milestone for any non-American rock band, let alone one that mixes metal riffs with rockabilly grooves.
  • Michael Poulsen often pays homage to his heroes in his lyrics. The song "Sad Man's Tongue" is a tribute to Johnny Cash, and "Cape Of Our Hero" is inspired by his childhood love of comic book heroes and is a touching song about a son's admiration for his father.
  • Poulsen is a big boxing fan and has trained in the sport. He has spoken about how Danish boxing champion Mikkel Kessler helped him get into shape and live a healthier lifestyle. The song "A Warrior's Call" was written for and features Kessler.
  • Poulsen discovered Social Distortion in his teens and became a huge fan. He credits them with influencing his sound and has a Social Distortion tattoo on his forearm (his other forearm has one of Elvis Presley).
  • In 2025, Poulsen returned from his third throat surgery to remove polyps and released Volbeat's ninth studio album, God of Angels Trust. Recorded in only 13 days in order to capture a sense of urgency and visceral energy, the album includes three singles that hit #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart: "By A Monster's Hand," "Demonic Depression" and "Time Will Heal."

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