Description
Volbeat – Servant Of The Mind – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
Volbeat’s Servant of the Mind (2021) is the Danish rock band’s eighth studio album and showcases their signature blend of heavy metal, rockabilly, hard rock, and classic rock ‘n’ roll. Known for their ability to fuse genres while keeping a distinctive sound, Volbeat offers a collection of energetic, riff-heavy songs that explore dark, introspective themes while maintaining the band’s infectious, melodic hooks.
Servant of the Mind combines heavy riffs, catchy melodies, and a variety of influences ranging from thrash metal to rockabilly and even hints of doom metal. Lead singer and guitarist Michael Poulsen continues to display his unique voice, which blends a melodic, clean singing style with an occasional gritty edge.
Thematically, the album covers a broad range of topics, including personal struggles, mental health, and spiritual conflict. There are also several songs that delve into darker, more supernatural or mythological territory, fitting with the heavier sound of the album.
Musically, the album is one of Volbeat’s heavier offerings, with more emphasis on metal riffs and aggression, but it still retains the band’s penchant for melodic hooks and accessible song structures. Poulsen has described Servant of the Mind as an album that blends the band’s earlier, more metallic sound with the melodic sensibilities they’ve developed over time. The album draws from a variety of genres: thrash metal, groove metal, hard rock, and rockabilly are all present, with tracks that range from fast and aggressive to more groove-oriented, mid-tempo rockers. The duality of heaviness and melody is a hallmark of Volbeat’s sound, and it is showcased throughout the record.
Key Tracks
“Wait a Minute My Girl”: This is one of the catchiest songs on the album, featuring upbeat rockabilly elements blended with punk energy. It’s a light-hearted track that contrasts with some of the heavier material on the album, offering a fun, infectious sound that harkens back to classic rock ‘n’ roll.
“The Devil Rages On”: This song delves into darker, supernatural themes, and its heavy riffs and dark lyrics give it an ominous feel. The track blends heavy metal with Volbeat’s characteristic melodic style, making it a standout for fans of their heavier material.
“Shotgun Blues”: One of the heavier songs on the album, “Shotgun Blues” is driven by crunchy guitar riffs and an anthemic chorus. The song is about dealing with negative energy and confronting personal demons, with a sound that blends groove metal with hard rock.
“Dagen Før”: A unique track featuring guest vocals from Stine Bramsen of Alphabeat, “Dagen Før” is sung in both Danish and English. The song has a more pop-rock sensibility, offering a melodic contrast to the heavier tracks, with lush harmonies and a catchy chorus.
“Temple of Ekur”: This track opens the album and sets the tone with a doomy, ominous riff before transitioning into a more traditional heavy metal groove. The lyrics reference mythology and spirituality, touching on themes of inner conflict and the battle between good and evil.
“Becoming”: A thrash-influenced track with fast-paced, aggressive riffs, “Becoming” is one of the more metal-oriented songs on the album. The song has a raw energy and intensity, reflecting the band’s heavier side and evoking the sound of classic Metallica and Slayer.
“The Sacred Stones”: Another dark, heavy track, this song delves into themes of spiritual conflict and supernatural forces. The slow, brooding verses contrast with a powerful, epic chorus, making it a dynamic and atmospheric piece.
“Lasse’s Birgitta”: A track that leans into Scandinavian folklore, this song tells the story of Lasse and Birgitta, characters from historical legend. The music has a storytelling vibe, with driving riffs and a sense of narrative progression, blending history with metal in classic Volbeat fashion.
The album’s lyrics cover a variety of themes, from the existential and spiritual to more personal struggles like mental health and self-doubt. Many songs explore the battle between light and darkness, both in a spiritual sense and in terms of personal inner conflict. Supernatural and mythological themes are also prevalent throughout the album. Songs like “The Devil Rages On” and “Temple of Ekur” reference ancient myths and darker spiritual forces, giving the album a mystical, almost biblical undercurrent.
Servant of the Mind was produced by Jacob Hansen, who has worked with Volbeat on their previous albums. The production is crisp and clear, emphasizing the heaviness of the guitars while also highlighting the melodic elements that are central to the band’s sound.
The guitar tone is a key aspect of the album, with chunky, heavy riffs driving the heavier tracks, while cleaner tones and melodic leads dominate the more rock-influenced songs. The rhythm section is tight and punchy, with powerful drums and bass providing a solid backbone for the guitar work. Overall, the album strikes a balance between raw power and polished melody, ensuring that both the heavy and accessible sides of Volbeat’s sound come through clearly.
Servant of the Mind was well-received by critics and fans alike, with many praising the band for returning to a heavier sound while still maintaining their melodic sensibilities. The album was seen as a continuation of Volbeat’s evolution, blending their early, metal-driven roots with the more accessible rock elements they’ve developed over the years. Some critics highlighted the diversity of the album, with tracks ranging from heavy metal and thrash to rockabilly and hard rock, showing Volbeat’s ability to mix genres while maintaining a cohesive sound. Others noted the more personal, introspective lyrics, particularly in songs dealing with mental health and inner struggles.
Servant of the Mind is seen as a return to form for Volbeat, particularly for fans who appreciated their earlier, more aggressive material. The album manages to incorporate a heavier sound without losing the melodic elements that have made them successful.
The album showcases Volbeat’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, and it continues their legacy as one of the most successful and distinctive rock bands of the 21st century. Servant of the Mind sits comfortably alongside their earlier works like Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood (2008) and Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies (2013), while pushing their sound into new territory.
Servant of the Mind is a dynamic and powerful album that showcases Volbeat’s ability to blend heavy metal, hard rock, and rockabilly into a cohesive and distinctive sound. With its mix of dark themes, personal introspection, and infectious hooks, the album stands as one of the band’s heaviest releases to date while still maintaining the melodic sensibilities that have defined their career. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Volbeat’s music, Servant of the Mind offers a fresh, engaging, and hard-hitting listening experience.
180 Gram Vinyl
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Temple Of Ekur
Wait A Minute My Girl
The Sacred Stones
Shotgun Blues
The Devil Rages On
Say No More
Heaven’s Descent
Dagen Før
The Passenger
Step Into Light
Becoming
Mindlock
Lasse’s Birgitta
Return To None
Domino
Shotgun Blues
Dagen Før (Michael Vox Version)
