Album Review: Volbeat – God Of Angels Trust (Universal Music Group)

Volbeat – Michael Poulsen (vocals, guitar), Jon Larsen (drums), and Kaspar Boye Larsen (bass) – will release their much-anticipated ninth album ‘God of Angels Trust’ on June 6th, 2025, via longtime label Vertigo/Universal.

What do you look for in a Volbeat album these days? Do you just want anthems? Rocking and rolling heavyweight anthems? Or do you hope for something a bit different, something a bit challenging, and something that feels like Volbeat really put the effort in? Well, I have good news and bad news. On the one hand, this is the best Volbeat album in some time, the most complete sounding album they’ve done in a while, and on the other hand it is Volbeat through and through (mostly). As recognisable as ever, to the point where some tracks lack real freshness, but are still thoroughly enjoyable. After all, Volbeat do anthems and anthems in their own inimitable way.

Which is how the record begins, with a big noisy anthem that sees the band turning the clock back to a time when their sound had a meatier and heavier edge. It’s a solid head banger that has Poulsen’s vocals soaring nicely in the chorus. Its infectious quality is matched by the following By a Monster’s Hand, an old-school riff and groove attack, with another chorus that is immediately likable. Though there is an energetic twist that takes the track in a heavier, solo-focused, direction. All very familiar, but very likable stuff.

Here’s the thing, take my ‘criticism’ of Volbeat’s familiarity with a pinch of salt, because I am a fan, a proud fan. No matter how many times I hear a recognisable riff, lick, melody, chorus, or hook, I still enjoy it because I enjoy Volbeat and there is no better song on the first half that embodies this than Acid Rain. A smile-inducing effort that is about as fresh as the corpses emerging from the ground in The Return of the Living Dead (sorry, it’s the first thing I think of when I see/hear the words ‘Acid Rain’).

There is a notable ‘return to roots’ aspect to this record, and the pairing of Demonic Depression and In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn in A Dying World of Doom show this in differing, but entertaining ways. Of the two, the latter is the more memorable (and not just because of that name). In it, you can hear the likes of ‘Sad Mans Tongue’ and ‘Hallelujah Goat’, and that’s always welcome. It rocks, and it rocks hard.

Whereas Time Will Heal is Volbeat at their ‘heart and soul’ best. The epitome of the band’s sound when it gets uniquely personal. Be warned, this is a song with feeling, and it hits in unexpected. Happily, it’s not a dour and depressing effort, more heartfelt and hopeful, while having an honest outlook. It’s accessible catchy gold.

The energy is back with mighty, and fun, aplomb on Better Be Fueled Than Tamed, which sits nicely alongside the riffy At the End of the Sirens. Before Lonely Fields comes along to slow things down a bit, while keeping the tone nice and groovy. The most notable thing about this track is an unexpected John Carpenter’s Halloween-style segment. Odd, but cool.

The latter part of the record has plenty to enjoy, even if there’s nothing particularly outstanding here. Thankfully, the record does end in strong fashion though. Volbeat pulling out all the stops to deliver an iconic Volbeat anthem. It’s Enlightening the Disorder (By A Monster’s Hand Part 2) and it’s a banger of a closing track.

It’s a great album overall, it really is, with the caveat that it’s a Volbeat album through and through. If that’s exactly what you want, then you’re going to love it. The rest? It’s well worth checking out, just don’t expect innovation.

Volbeat – God of Angels Trust Track Listing:

1. Devils Are Awake
2. By A Monster’s Hand
3. Acid Rain
4. Demonic Depression
5. In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn in A Dying World of Doom
6. Time Will Heal
7. Better Be Fueled Than Tamed
8. At The End of the Sirens
9. Lonely Fields
10. Enlightening the Disorder (By A Monster’s Hand Part 2)

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