Inspired by Groove, Heavy and Thrash Metal of the Early Nineties - A Review of Volbeat's Servant of the Mind

Volbeat is a very controversial band in the metal genre. Fans hail them as innovators with a unique style and open boundaries. Critics claim that the band flirts too much with commercial appeal by combining odd genres such as alternative rock, boogie and country with heavy and thrash metal soundscapes. Both perspectives certainly have a point but the naysayers might perhaps try to give the Danish quartet one last chance because Servant of the Mind is Volbeat's heaviest release since the group performs under said moniker.

The record opens in an atmospheric, dragging and gloomy way recalling some doom metal soundscapes in versatile opener ''Temple of Ekur'' that sounds inspired and fresh but might need a few spins to open up and unfold for all listeners. 

This track is followed by short, melodious and energetic ''Wait a Minute my Girl'' that sounds as if Elvis Presley had discovered early punk rock music and offers another vibrant surprise. This song is danceable, heavy and rebellious at the same time even though it clocks in under two and a half minutes. This is certainly the record's perfect single and the band immediately recognized its potential and used this song to announce the release of its eighth studio album.

''The Sacred Stones'' then presents itself as a heavy and thrash metal epic with numerous changes and shifts that offer much replay value and make its six minutes go by in a heartbeat.

Up next comes ''Shotgun Blues'' that doesn't have too much to do with said genre but is instead a dynamic and heavy track that should unfold its dynamic magic perfectly in concert and become a new fan favourite.

Speaking of new fan favourite, the record's second half presents a gritty thrash metal track with ''Becoming'' that recalls Metallica around the time of its self-titled album. This style suits Volbeat very well, since both bands manage to find the perfect balance between commercial appeal and gritty heaviness. If the band were to choose another single from this album, this tune might not only please its fans of old date but also positively surprise some naysayers.

At the end of the day, the Danish Dynamite offers one of its greatest studio records that strays away from too many collaborative efforts or odd country ballads. Servant of the Mind is the quartet's heaviest studio album to date and should particularly please to those who appreciated Metallica's self-titled album as well as the groove, heavy and thrash metal scenes of the early nineties in general without denying Volbeat's very own and unique contemporary style. This album might be a few tracks too long and includes a few minor fillers in the second half but nevertheless qualifies as the band's most consistent studio release to date. If you however want to experience the band at its very best, then you should either attend one of its energetic concerts or purchase the greatest release in its career with excellent live album Let's Boogie! Live from Telia Parken.

Final Rating: 85%