Album Review - Volbeat - Beat the Meat (Promo 2003)

Well, these guys are definitely playing in the spirit of what was to be considered metals last days ala early nineties. By first listen, It might provoke the listener into thinking that these Volbeat might be a Metallica/Anthrax rip off, but yet if anyone wants to say that, at least they these guys sound as if they have a heavy influence from the better part of those band's years, not that they are ripping them off at all.

But while playing completely with the copulated speed metal meets bizarre time signature start/stop riffing, with the more grittier sound to grace the Metal airwaves at prior to the dawn of grunge, Volbeat plays what one could call mid-school metal, not that it is completely old school, and not too modernized. With the vocals, provided by Michael Poulsen, sounding like a baritone version of James Hetfield meets Joey Belladonna, and the guitars providing a thick rhythmic punch along with a strong rhythm section, this quartet proves themselves worthy of a signing as well as a place in the massive Metal realm. Lyrically, the vein of old school partying is present, with the opening cut thematic take on getting drunk and fucking; so here we have something that is far in scope from the whole doom and gloom.

As songwriters they prove themselves noteworthy, especially with the pop punk-ish metal power ballad "Soulweeper," showing that these guys have diversity and other types of musical influences, but yet they made such as cheesy and sappy song sound good, more or less for the humor factor that was personally seen for enjoyment. "Alienized" is the most diverse cut showing that they have their respect for progressive structure down.

For the most part they have just about everything down pat, even with the production quality being set for master release. Six songs showcase the bands performance examples in a nutshell, and gives a good example of what they are capable of doing.

Strengths: Songwriting, Musicianship, Production Aspects, they also seem like they might be a great live band.

Weaknesses: Volbeat tends to be too derived from many other metal bands, but a little diversity in the production might help

Advice? These guys might want to omit some of the popier stuff and keep it more hard driven as far as the songs are concerned.

Written by Hashman
Monday, November 17, 2003
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Ratings

Hashman: 6.5/10

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