Volbeat was formed in 2001 after frontman Michael Poulsen split up his former band, Dominus. Volbeat plays a fusion of heavy metal and rockabilly. They are inspired by the rock n' roll legends Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. No other Danish heavy rock band Volbeat has been able to get to position 18 at the Danish Top 100 for CD sales in over 10 years. This milestone was reached after their concert at the Roskilde Festival 2006.
Critics have generally been positive towards The Strength / The Sound / The Songs. The German hard rock magazine RockHard gave it 10/10 in a review.
Volbeat is also praised for its live performances. Their concert at Roskilde Festival 2006 received a 6/6 stars review in the Danish newspaper BT.
In week 8 of 2007, the record Rock The Rebel / Metal The Devil debuted as #1 in the Danish Top 40 for CD-sales and at the same time The Strength / The Sound / The Songs re-entered the chart at #21. Recently, the album achieved gold status for sales in Denmark.
Volbeat opened the Roskilde Festival in 2007. Volbeat also supported Metallica together with Mnemic at their concert on Denmark July 13 of that year.
More recently, Volbeat was announced to do a seven-date European spring tour and to support legendary speed metal act Megadeth in Finland and in their home town, Copenhagen. They have also already announced a few festival appearances for the summer 2008.
Volbeat has a large range of influences, which can be clearly heard in their music. On their official MySpace site Volbeat lists their influences in their own recognizable way:
"Everything from Elvis Presley to Napalm Death .. hail: Johnny Cash, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Ramones, Social Distortion, Motƶrhead, Black Sabbath, Dio, Megadeth, Metallica, Manic Street Preachers, Iron Maiden and bla bla bla bla..."
Volbeat's lyrics usually revolve around love, failed love or the power of a twisted mind. They thereby distance themselves from stereotypical heavy metal lyrics, although many of their most popular songs have very dark or sincere themes and plots.
Their first single was the cover version of Dusty Springfield's evergreen "I Only Wanna Be With You". The song doesn't differ much from the original with regard to the lyrics, but the accompanying music video is quite typical of Volbeat. In it, the band is seen with a classic microphone on top of a city roof.
Another popular feature of the band's lyrics are the returning "series" of songs. This is best represented with the songs "Danny & Lucy (11 pm)" and "Fire Song" from The Strength/The Sound/The Songs followed by "Mr. & Mrs. Ness" on Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil. The story is about the two desperate lovers, Danny and Lucy, who are killed in a car crash after Lucy runs away from her family.
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ness, I'm so sorry to bring you this - We believe we found your girl in an old burning car way up the hill"
In the successor, "Mr. & Mrs. Ness", Lucy's mother commits suicide and the father is suspected for the murder:
"The old man is crying and he's lying - The blood on his hands' from his wife yeah"
The story is followed further by "Mary Ann's Place" from Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood, and was concluded with "You Will Know" off 2016's Seal the Deal & Let's Boogie.
Lineup
Michael Poulsen - Vocals, guitar (ex-Dominus)
Rob Caggiano - Guitar (ex-Anthrax)
Kaspar Boye Larsen - Bass
Jon Larsen - Drums
Former members:
Teddy Vang - Guitar
Franz Gottschalk - Guitar
Thomas Bredahl - Guitar
Anders KjĆølholm - Bass
Official homepage : www.volbeat.dk
Cloud 9
Volbeat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know your loss is not an easy thing
I know the pain, it is in our eyes
Recover, regret, unfold the ending
Understand the symbolic healing in the mind
We feel it in the lonely night
See the light above you in the night
Please show me the fallen ones
I can't take my eyes off you
I know that they said we all will be fine
Above cloud number nine
Above cloud number nine
How do you feel?
I know it's hurting, an unbearable thing
But life moves on and you will be fine
Get hold of yourself, you're not that lonely
Friends around you will help the healing in the mind
We feel it in the lonely night
See the light above you in the night
The memory seems to be aware this time
Please show me the fallen ones
I can't take my eyes off you
I know that they said we all will be fine
Above cloud number nine
Above cloud number nine
No sign of happiness waiting for you at the very top
There are only memories of how you got there, hallelujah
So make it all worthwhile, do not forsake
What is yours 'cause you're only here today
See the light above you in the night
The memory seems to be aware this time
Please show me the fallen ones
I can't take my eyes off you
I know that they said we all will be fine
Above cloud number nine
Above cloud number nine
See the light above you in the night
The memory seems to be aware this time
Please show me the fallen ones
I can't take my eyes off you
I know that they said we all will be fine
Above cloud number nine
Above cloud number nine
Volbeat's song Cloud 9 is a song about dealing with loss and grief. The lyrics speak to someone who is experiencing the pain and difficulty of moving on after losing someone important. The singer offers empathy and understanding, acknowledging that the loss is not easy and that the pain is visible in their eyes. The chorus speaks of hope, with the suggestion that the memory of the fallen loved ones is still present and guiding them even as they attempt to go on with their lives. The line "above cloud number nine" is a metaphorical reference to a sort of higher state of being, where the pain of loss is lessened and hope and healing are more visible.
The song offers a message of hope and understanding to those who have recently experienced a loss, reminding the listener that they are not alone in their pain and that there is support available to help them move forward. The lyrics emphasize the importance of accepting and working through the pain of loss rather than trying to ignore it, allowing the healing process to begin.
Line by Line Meaning
How do you feel?
Asking about the emotional state of someone
I know your loss is not an easy thing
Sympathizing with someone who has experienced a difficult loss
I know the pain, it is in our eyes
Acknowledging the visible hurt and sorrow that someone is experiencing
Recover, regret, unfold the ending
Encouraging someone to recover and come to terms with the end of a situation
Understand the symbolic healing in the mind
Recognizing the importance of emotional healing and growth
We feel it in the lonely night
Acknowledging the emotional turmoil that can occur during moments of solitude
See the light above you in the night
Pointing out a source of positivity and hope
The memory seems to be aware this time
Noticing that memories are particularly vivid and impactful
Please show me the fallen ones
Asking to see and honor those who have been lost
I can't take my eyes off you
Expressing the importance and impact of someone's presence
I know that they said we all will be fine
Recognizing a common refrain of reassurance and encouragement
Above cloud number nine
Referencing a feeling of happiness and escape
No sign of happiness waiting for you at the very top
Acknowledging that success and achievement do not necessarily bring happiness
There are only memories of how you got there, hallelujah
Reflecting on the journey that led to a particular point in time
So make it all worthwhile, do not forsake
Encouraging someone to appreciate and value their experiences
What is yours 'cause you're only here today
Emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seizing the moment
Lyrics Ā© BMG Rights Management
Written by: Michael Poulsen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind