...they can't seem to decide what genre they're embracing.
I think that defying categorization is part of what I like about Volbeat. Bands like System Of A Down, Baroness, Clutch, Queens of the Stone Age, these guys and others who seem to shake themselves loose of the shackles of what can be a pretty conservative genre keep things interesting by pushing the envelope. I will say that if you haven't seen them live, they come across a good bit heavier in concert. Do they offer up the apocalyptic
sturm und drang of a Rammstein? Nah, but that's cool -we've already got a Rammstein, and they're terrific ! As a fan of the Supersuckers, the addition of a little country to my hard rock /metal doesn't faze me. A lot of those old country cats were more rock'n'roll than a lot of so-called rock'n'rollers...and a little melody and some hooks never hurt anybody. Judas Priest and Iron Maiden have fierce hooks and loads of melody. They still rock like Hell. All good !
D.D.
PS : ....and check out
Earth Rocker! Seriously good album, guys...