Volbeat Singer’s 9 Must-Hear 90s Metal Albums

volbeat’s Michael Poulsen Unearths Influential 90s Metal Gems in “Crate Digging” Feature

Volbeat frontman Michael Poulsen’s musical journey was deeply rooted in the burgeoning Scandinavian metal scene of his youth – formative experiences that would ultimately define his artistic path.

Poulsen witnessed the raw energy of swedish death metal firsthand, recalling Entombed’s signature HM-2 pedal sound adn the early days of Darkthrone. From eagerly seeking out new King Diamond releases to obsessively listening to Megadeth with friends, Poulsen immersed himself in the genre, allowing those diverse influences to shape the multifaceted metal sound of Volbeat. The band recently released their ninth studio album, God of Angels Trust.

With the new album now available and a summer US tour launching july 17th in Denver, poulsen shared his insights on 1990s metal for a special “Metal Week” edition of “Crate Digging.” He revisited nine pivotal albums, plus a bonus 1989 release that bridged the decades.Death – Spiritual Healing (1990)

Poulsen highlighted Death’s Spiritual Healing as a landmark album,praising the evolution of Chuck Schuldiner‘s songwriting. “As a huge Death fan and Chuck Schuldiner fan, there was just something really different about the Spiritual Healing album when it came out,” he explained. He noted a shift from the band’s earlier, more straightforward death metal approach to a more nuanced style, showcasing improved song structure, melodic elements, and Schuldiner’s refined vocal delivery.

“he was definitely becoming a better songwriter and aware of structure in songs and melodies on top of it,” Poulsen continued. He also lauded the album’s lyrical themes, which moved towards more socially conscious and realistic subjects, and the remarkable guitar work of James murphy. “Spiritual Healing to this day is still one of my all-time favorite death metal albums.”

Stream Spiritual Healing on Apple Music | Buy on CD/Vinyl

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Senior Staff Writer Jon Hadus contributed to this report.

How does Pantera’s *Vulgar Display of Power* exemplify the groove metal subgenre and its influence on bands like Volbeat?

Volbeat’s Michael Poulsen’s 9 Must-Hear 90s Metal Albums

Volbeat, the Danish rock powerhouse known for their unique blend of rockabilly, metal, and hard rock, owes a significant debt to the 90s metal scene. Frontman Michael Poulsen, a lifelong metalhead, frequently cites 90s albums as formative influences. This article dives into nine albums that likely shaped Poulsen’s musical sensibilities and, by extension, the sound of Volbeat. we’ll explore albums spanning various subgenres – from groove metal and alternative metal to thrash and death metal – offering a glimpse into the 90s metal landscape through the lens of a modern rock icon.These recommendations are perfect for fans of Volbeat looking to explore their roots, or metalheads seeking a curated list of essential 90s albums.

The Groove Metal Foundation: Pantera & Machine Head

The influence of groove metal is undeniable in volbeat’s rhythmic attack. Michael Poulsen’s vocal delivery and the band’s emphasis on powerful riffs clearly echo the titans of this subgenre.

1. Pantera – Vulgar Display of Power (1992)

This album is arguably the defining groove metal record. Vulgar Display of Power‘s raw energy, Dimebag darrell’s iconic guitar tone, and Phil Anselmo’s aggressive vocals are cornerstones of 90s metal. The album’s impact on a generation of metal musicians, including Poulsen, is immeasurable. Tracks like “Walk” and “Mouth for War” are essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of heavy music.

2. Machine head – Burn My Eyes (1994)

Machine head’s debut is a brutal, yet melodic, masterpiece. Burn My Eyes blends thrash metal intensity with a groove-laden approach,creating a sound that’s both punishing and captivating. poulsen has spoken about his admiration for Machine Head’s ability to combine aggression with memorable songwriting.The album’s themes of societal frustration and personal struggle resonate even today.

Alternative Metal & Nu-Metal’s Rise

The 90s saw a broadening of metal’s boundaries,with alternative metal and nu-metal gaining prominence. These genres introduced new textures and lyrical themes, influencing a new wave of bands.

3. Faith No More – Angel Dust (1992)

angel Dust is a truly unique album, defying easy categorization. Faith No More’s experimental approach, blending metal, funk, and alternative rock, was groundbreaking. Michael poulsen’s own willingness to experiment with different genres in Volbeat likely stems from bands like Faith No More. The album’s complex arrangements and Mike Patton’s versatile vocals make it a captivating listen.

4. Korn – Korn (1994)

Korn’s self-titled debut is a landmark album in the nu-metal genre. The band’s downtuned guitars, Jonathan Davis’s distinctive vocals, and emotionally raw lyrics resonated with a generation grappling with alienation and angst. While Volbeat doesn’t sound directly like Korn, the album’s influence on the broader metal landscape is undeniable, and Poulsen has acknowledged its impact.

5.Deftones – Around the Fur (1997)

Deftones’ Around the fur is a masterclass in atmospheric metal. The album’s blend of heavy riffs, ethereal textures, and Chino Moreno’s haunting vocals creates a captivating and emotionally charged experience.This album showcases a more melodic and atmospheric side of 90s metal, potentially influencing Volbeat’s own dynamic range.

Thrash & Death Metal’s Continued Reign

Despite the rise of alternative and groove metal, thrash and death metal remained vital forces in the 90s. These genres provided a foundation of technical skill and aggressive energy.

6. Slayer – Divine Intervention (1994)

slayer’s Divine Intervention is a relentless assault of speed and aggression. The album’s dark themes and Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman’s blistering guitar work are hallmarks of thrash metal. Poulsen’s recognition for extreme metal is evident in Volbeat’s occasional forays into heavier territory, and Slayer’s influence is a clear touchstone.

7. Cannibal Corpse – The Bleeding (1994)

Cannibal Corpse, a cornerstone of death metal, released The Bleeding in 1994. While perhaps a stylistic departure from Volbeat, understanding the breadth of Poulsen’s metal influences requires acknowledging the impact of extreme metal. The Bleeding is a brutal and technically proficient album that showcases the genre’s intensity.

The Melodic Side of Metal: In Flames & Dark Tranquillity

The Gothenburg melodic death metal scene offered a different flavor of heaviness, blending aggression with melodic sensibilities.

8. In Flames – The Jester Race (1996)

The Jester Race is a seminal album in the melodic death metal genre. In Flames’ blend of aggressive riffs, soaring melodies, and Anders Fridén’s powerful vocals helped define the sound of the Gothenburg scene. This album’s influence on the progress of melodic metal is significant, and likely resonated with Poulsen’s own songwriting approach.

9. Dark Tranquillity – The gallery (19