Volbeat's Demons Possess The Crowd At Rock City
Published
It was Volbeat's turn to headline Nottingham's Rock City and just to make things even more insane they brought support in the form of Hatred. Something tells us this wasn't going to be a quiet night out. Blaine Marshall went along to check it out.
The support slot tonight was filled by Hatebreed. A seemingly odd choice, Hatebreed’s presence tonight brings with it a sea of 40+ fans eager to punch each other – in a friendly manner of course. Noted for being banned from numerous venues (as well as Warped Tour), Hatebreed bring chaos wherever they go. Luckily, their show in support of Volbeat at Nottingham’s Rock City was as tame as thrash / hardcore gigs go.
Opening with "In Ashes They Shall Reap", Hatebreed’s presence opened up a huge space in Rock City’s dance floor, the signal for people to start bouncing off each other – it was beautiful. As the only support band, Hatebreed had a fairly long set, which they used to bust out songs from all 6 of their albums, with music spanning a 20-year career, with each song receiving the same fantastic crowd response.
Almost surprising was the band’s constant thanking and gestures of appreciation towards this 2000+ strong crowd, in contrast to the angry and bitter music and lyrics that surround the band. Set closer “Destroy Everything” was sang by everyone, making it a clear highlight of the show and a fitting end to a strong set.
The Volbeat set which followed was infinitely more exciting. Kicking off with "Hallelujah Goat", the Danish Rockabilly quartet sound incredible from minute one, and the Rock City crowd absolutely love it. For interesting contrast, whilst Michael Poulson, the band’s lead singer (who is ironically sporting an adorable little beard closely resembling that of a billy goat), looks like he’s having the time of his life from start to finish, Anders Kjølholm on bass guitar looks like he’s been possessed by a demon. Somehow managing to interact with every single member of the crowd on an individual basis, this crazy bassist is the one to keep an eye on, lest he throw a bass pick directly into your left eyeball.
The band spontaneously belt out a cover of Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire" just a few songs in, smoothly linking it to the opening of fan favourite "Sad Man’s Tongue". Other song highlights include "A Warrior’s Call"; the only song in which the crazy bassist remained stationed in one place, "The Mirror" and "The Ripper", which saw that huge hole in rock city’s floor re-open, and set closer "Still Counting", which had everyone bouncing in unison.
Other exciting events include all the ladies in attendance being lifted onto someone’s shoulders, Michael Poulson successfully crowdsurfing across the room and back just to give his friend a beer, and the thrilling moment at the start of "Radio Girl", in which Anders’ demon seemed to spread itself into the sea of fans near the barrier.
Volbeat’s unique combination of metal and rockabilly is something to behold, and added to their infectious riffs, choruses and guitar solos, it’s hardly a surprise that their flawless performance left numerous fans with tears of joy streaming down their faces. Truly excellent.
Words by Blaine Marshall
