Reviewed! Volbeat - Outlaw Gentleman and Shady Ladies
Volbeat
Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies
Republic Records
While the term mainstream could be used to describe
Volbeat’s latest album Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies, its less a detrimental four letter word and
more a strength. With this new album, the band seems hyper-focused, and their
target in rock radio. While Volbeat was able to crack radio waves with their
last release, Beyond Hell/Above Heaven,
Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies is
a record full of tracks that will make them a mainstay there for week and
months to come. Volbeat brings the heavy on this album as well, calling in the
services of King Diamond (“Room 24”) to help do so, but the fact is, the band
can do heavy just fine by themselves (“Doc Holliday”). Sarah Blackwood also
guests on “Lonesome Rider,” adding another layer to the spectacular rockabilly
tune, and she effectively brings out the best in frontman Michael
Poulsen. Former Anthrax guitarist/The
Damned Things bassist Rob Caggiano proves a welcome addition to the band and
his impact felt immediately up and down this track listing. Listen to
Caggiano’s contribution during the opening stanza of “Dead But Rising,” as well
as his stunning fretwork on a pair of standouts in “Lola Montez” and “Cape Of
Our Hero.” While it’s definitely a point of contention, it could be said that Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies is
Volbeat’s brightest moment, and whether or not you’d be willing to cast your
vote for this album or Beyond Hell/Above Heaven, or any other
Volbeat release for that matter, there is no arguing the fact that Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies is
nothing short of tremendous.
Grade: B+
Go Download: “Doc
Holliday”
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