Review: Volbeat @ Birmingham Academy

Wednesday 16th October 2013 – Volbeat, Iced Earth, The Howling @ Birmingham O2 Academy

Word: Sophie Sparham

2013 has already been a sensational year for Denmark’s premier metal export Volbeat. Not only did former Anthrax member, the legendary Rob Caggiano, join as lead guitarist but they’ve also unleashed their critically lauded sixth studio album – the scintillating ‘Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies’.

After wowing the US this summer (fresh from denting the album chart Top 10), Volbeat are back on the road headlining the first of four all-too-fleeting UK dates ahead of an extensive European jaunt. Tonight in Birmingham, a crowd gathers in the cold, for a night of blood, sweat and metal.

The gig kicks off to an explosive start with new kids on the block, The Howling. Combining fast rock ‘n’ roll with punk and screaming vocals, the guys breathlessly power through a catchy arsenal of songs including the brilliant ‘Hole in My Head’.

American power metallers, Iced Earth, are next to consume the stage, enticing audience members with their chugging riffs and King Diamond styled vocals from Stu Block. The band’s intense energy and theatrical presence creates both an eerie and passionate atmosphere in preparation for the main event.

As the unmistakable riff of ‘Hallelujah Goat’ begins, Volbeat burst onto the stage. Standing in front of stacks upon stacks of speakers painted in a gothic manner – “Birmingham!” screams ever-captivating frontman Michael Poulsen, “you know how to bring the noise!”

The Danish fivepiece set the stage on fire with their high-energy performance, as they continually swap mics, each of them utilising the entire space. Poulsen teases the crowd, asking for requests and egging them on to lift women onto their shoulders. Meanwhile Anders Kjølholm and Rob Caggiano raise their guitars to the air, both completely wrapped up in the moment.

Volbeat’s combination of rockabilly, metal and catchy melodies stir up emotions and also huge circlepits as the floor becomes one massive mosh. People are literally throwing themselves at the barrier as the band rip through blistering hits like ‘Still Counting’, ‘The Nameless One’ and the raunchy ’16 Dollars’.

As well as Volbeat favourites, the guys also play a selection of amazing covers; putting a metal slant on the Cash classic ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, whilst heating up the room with Young the Giant’s ‘My Body’. This is entertainment at its finest.

Without warning, the Napalm Death frontman, Barney Greenway joins the guys on stage for the song ‘Evelyn’. Fans watch as he jumps about the stage with the band, his grindcore vocals combining perfectly with the fast music to create one of the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll collaborations of 2013.

As the whole room chant their name, the band return for their encore, making Dusty proud with their famous cover of ‘I Only Wanna Be With You’ followed by the Metallica styled ‘Pool of Booze’ to finish the evening.

There has been so much buzz about tonight in the city, that before they leave, Poulsen has to clear up rumours about a fake club night they’ll be attending after the show. Tonight has been an absolute whirlwind. Club night or no club night, no one is questioning that these guys know how to party.