Volbeat aren't metal.. or even rock, says Poulsen
Frontman Michael insists he has too many influences to feel constrained

Michael Poulsen says he doesn’t consider Volbeat to be a heavy metal band - or even a rock’n’roll band.
And he believes that while sticking to a particular style suits many outfits, it would never work for his.
The frontman’s comments come as the band work on the follow-up to 2013’s Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, which he reports is “working out pretty good.”
Poulsen tells Seattle’s KISW 99.9 FM: “When I sit and write, it’s not like I’m locked into one certain style. I love metal, I love blues, I love gospel, country and punk. As long as it does something to me and I get that good feeling.
“I don’t want to paint myself into a corner where I say, ‘This has to be only a metal song.’ That’s not what Volbeat is all about.”
He continues: “I have so much respect for all those great metal bands who found their style, and you really don’t want them to change anything. But when it comes to Volbeat, I wouldn’t even say we’re metal or rock’n’roll.”
No release date has been set for their sixth record, but Poulsen says: “It’s pretty much like the old days – I’m writing most of the material, but I have certain spots open for guitarist Robb Caggiano, where he can put in some of his ideas.”
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Volbeat are currently on tour across North America with Caggiano’s former band Anthrax. Their only European date this year will be at Odense’s Thousand Year Forest, Denmark on August 1.

Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.