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, Motörhead, 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 Kjølholm - Bass
Official homepage : www.volbeat.dk
Hallelujah Goat
Volbeat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Brand new fire rose
All the days of wine and pitiful lie, the pitiful rhymes
Were all a long time ago
That's the way it all will end
Die alone you never will
Hell is here unleash your tail
Well the lord above has never been on my side or
Your side, Hallelujah Goat
Walking through a fire like a soldier
Kicking the door, and kicking the devil's whore
That's the way it all will end
Die alone you never will
Hell is here unleash your tail
Heaven where did you go
People are searching for love
So easy blaming the horned
Man kind the sinner
Forever it burns
Well the lord above has never been on my side or
Your side, Hallelujah Goat
Walking through a fire like a soldier
Kicking the door, and kicking the devil's whore
That's the way it all will end
Die alone you never will
Hell is here unleash your tail
Heaven where did you go
People are searching for love
So easy blaming the horned
Man kind the sinner
Forever it burns
The lyrics to Volbeat's "Hallelujah Goat" are abstract and can be interpreted in multiple ways. The first verse can be interpreted as a metaphor for finding something new and beautiful in life, represented by the "brand new fire rose," and leaving behind past failures and sadness. The following lines suggest that death is inevitable, but one can still find purpose in the present by unleashing their potential. The chorus conveys a sense of rebellion against a higher power, with the "lord above" being indifferent to the singer's and the listener's struggles. The "Hallelujah Goat" alluded to in the chorus may be a reference to the biblical idea of the scapegoat, who takes on the sins of a community before being sent out into the desert to die. The second verse laments the absence of love in the world and how easy it is to blame others for one's problems. The final lines suggest that humanity is destined to suffer eternally.
Overall, "Hallelujah Goat" is a song about finding hope and purpose in a world that can often be cruel and unforgiving. The lyrics suggest that even when a higher power seems indifferent to our struggles, we can still find meaning in our lives by channeling our inner strength and refusing to be defeated by circumstance.
Line by Line Meaning
One lucky bastard finds it's way for picking up a
Someone has come across a stroke of luck and has found a new enlightened path.
Brand new fire rose
This person has discovered a new passion or purpose.
All the days of wine and pitiful lie, the pitiful rhymes
All the days of wasted indulgence and lies are in the past.
Were all a long time ago
These past experiences are now distant memories.
That's the way it all will end
The end is inevitable.
Die alone you never will
Despite facing the end, you will never truly be alone.
Hell is here unleash your tail
In this life, you will face challenges and temptations. Embrace your true self and overcome them.
Well the lord above has never been on my side or
The artist has never felt like they received divine intervention or help in their life.
Your side, Hallelujah Goat
The artist addresses the listener as a 'Hallelujah Goat,' recognizing their shared sense of independence and self-reliance.
Walking through a fire like a soldier
Despite facing difficulties, the artist remains determined and persistent.
Kicking the door, and kicking the devil's whore
The singer is actively fighting against negative influences, such as temptation and sin.
Heaven where did you go
The artist feels a sense of disillusionment or loss regarding their former spiritual beliefs.
People are searching for love
Many individuals seek a deeper sense of connection and purpose in life.
So easy blaming the horned
It is easy to assign blame or responsibility to external influences, such as the devil or other people.
Man kind the sinner
All individuals are capable of sin, as it is a part of human nature.
Forever it burns
The consequences of sin are eternal and will always be present.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JON LARSEN, MICHAEL POULSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@frenchkasper151
One lucky bastard finds it's way for picking up a
brand new fire rose
All the days of wine and pitiful lie, the pitiful rhymes
were all a long time ago
That's the way it all will end
Die alone you never will
Hell is here unleash your tail
Well the lord above has never been on my side or
your side, Hallelujah Goat
Walking through the fire like a soldier
Kicking the door, and kicking the devil's whore
Heaven where did you go
People are searching for love
So easy blaming the horned
Mankind the sinner
Forever it burns
@frankiecascioli6646
This is the first Volbeat song I ever heard, and whenever I come back to it I always listen to it 15 times in a row....so cool
@7694brando
Michael poulsen grew up and got his inspiration from elvis AND johnny cash. He says that a lot. Saw them live two weeks ago and they know how to get a crowd going.
@iamdeath2u
Did you see the video of them getting 16 circle pits at Rock Am Ring by playing Ring of Fire by Jonny Cash?
It is awesome!
@ryanmiller3030
you can definitely tell he was influenced by them
@Rainbow_Teddie0
This was my first Volbeat song I ever heard and now have heard many more love em!
@MonsterMetalMusic
This is one of my new favortie bands. Thumbs up for Danish rock?
@JohnDoe-di2wn
danish rock is just as good as any other rocks its all the same granite
@haxzor6669
Man this song never gets old. My first song from them and I will Always love it
@faliciamartineau5192
One of my top fav songs by Volbeat. From his dark knight to shinning armor. He could have easily been ghost rider in that movie 'ghost rider'🔥
@yorkems64
These guys are awesome live. Sound just the same...but louder!