Volbeat – God of Angels Trust
Reviewed by: Eric Valaer
Review Score: 8.5
Volbeat’s 9th studio album, God of Angels Trust is now out. The band manages to consistently write powerful, hook oriented songs with their own blend of twang & crunch. While vocalist/rhythm guitarist Michael Paulsen gets credit for his unique vocal delivery, his songwriting on the six-string tends to get overlooked. Before I get to my review, it’s worth noting there has been a band member change. It was disappointing to hear that former lead guitarist, Rob Caggiano left the band. The good news is that lead guitarist, Flemming C. Lund stepped right in and delivered! What remains is the rock solid rhythm section of Kasparov Boyd Larsen (bass) & Jon Larsen (drums).
Devils Are Awake: Power chords with cymbals crashing enter letting you know the Danish metal mavens mean business with their latest release, G.O.A.T. This song contains high energy, twangy vocals, & a solid chorus. The half-time outro-riff offers some serious chugging. A wicked guitar solo closes ‘Devils.’
By a Monster’s Hand: The first single hits you immediately with such a huge opening/main guitar riff! This is arguably their best groove on the release. The drums & chorus stand out. The double-time section is unexpected & brilliant. The speed picked solo is flawless. What amazing vocals too.
Acid Rain: What an uplifting song! Paulsen’s vocals & range are inspirational. The additional background vocals enhance the song. I’ve learned that I like Acid Rain the more I listen to it.
Demonic Depression: This juggernaut wouldn’t be out of place on Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood or Beyond Heaven/Above Hell. The palm-muted 16th notes with steady double bass reign on this song. Somehow the band keep the energy up yet take a left turn with an ultra-catchy chorus. Personally, this is my favorite track on GOAT!
In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn in a Dying World of Doom: What a crazy long title (; The second single has its’ fill of groove. You can’t mistake the Elvis/Johnny Cash influences here. ‘Barn’ has a cool combination of twang & crunch. There’s some excellent bending and harmonized soloing offered by Flemming C. Lund.
Time Will Heal: Here’s a driving tune. It’s the third single. The chorus will stay with you for minutes if not hours! The high guitar notes with light distortion add another layer.
Better Be Fueled Than Tamed: The vocals & band start this one off. The drum beat has a bluesy vibe. The bass playing and fills compliment the neat drumming. However, Michael’s singing and control are really what steal the show! Check out that bridge with its’ early 90’s thrash inspiration. The solo is dripping with suspense.
At the End of the Sirens: We’ve got some serious down picking on the rhythm guitars! Are you in looking for some more groove? The chorus has you covered with strumming and rests.
Lonely Fields: This track offers a steady triplet-feel. In the chorus the vocal lines have a sad yet impactful melody. The bridge stirs with tension & opens a new door. Volbeat crafts a satisfying build up and ending.
Enlighten the Disorder (By a Monster’s Hand Part 2): This is one of the faster tunes. The chorus has a great balance of single notes and chords. Both the music and vocals shine on during the chorus. You’ve got a modulation effect on one guitar. Later, there’s some speedy palm-muted single note riffing. On the drums there’s some real creativity with the double bass and tom use. Paulson delivers a creepy yet commanding melody. Being nit-picky for a moment, I wish the solo at the end was longer. With that said, this is a fitting closing song with its intensity!
While not as heavy as Servant of the Mind, Volbeat adds a tinge more melody with plenty of metallic punch on their 2025 release!