Feature Photo: Alfred Nitsch, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/at/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons
Few bands have successfully married the swagger of Elvis Presley with the thunderous assault of Metallica, yet Denmark’s Volbeat has built their reputation on precisely this improbable combination. Founded in Copenhagen in 2001 when former death metal vocalist Michael Poulsen traded blast beats for rockabilly grooves, Volbeat defied conventional genre boundaries from day one. Founded by Michael Poulsen following the dissolution of his death metal band Dominus, Volbeat has released nine studio albums over their two-decade career. The band has experienced several lineup changes while maintaining their signature sound, selling out venues worldwide including Denmark’s Telia Parken stadium—making them the only Danish artists to achieve this feat. Their impressive discography has earned them numerous gold and platinum certifications across Europe and North America, along with a Grammy nomination for “Best Metal Performance” for their song “Room 24” featuring King Diamond.
Michael Poulsen
Michael Poulsen stands as the founding cornerstone of Volbeat, serving as the band’s vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter since their inception in 2001. Born in Denmark, Poulsen’s musical journey began in the death metal scene as the frontman of Dominus, releasing four albums before growing disillusioned with the genre’s limitations. Seeking to blend his childhood influences of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash with his metal roots, Poulsen established Volbeat as a unique musical experiment.
As Volbeat’s creative force, Poulsen has guided the band through all nine of their studio albums, from 2005’s The Strength/The Sound/The Songs through to 2025’s God of Angels Trust. His distinctive vocal style and songwriting approach, blending heavy riffs with rockabilly melodies and storytelling lyrics, has defined the band’s sound and contributed to their global success. Poulsen’s compositions have earned Volbeat multiple platinum certifications and twelve number one singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, the most for any band based outside North America.
Beyond Volbeat, Poulsen has collaborated with metal luminaries including King Diamond and members of Mercyful Fate. In 2023, he returned to his death metal roots by forming Asinhell, releasing the album Impii Hora while maintaining his commitment to Volbeat. Throughout his career, Poulsen has remained true to his diverse musical influences, consistently pushing genre boundaries while honoring the classic sounds that inspired him.
Jon Larsen
Jon Larsen has been Volbeat’s steadfast drummer since the band’s formation in 2001, making him one of only two original members alongside Michael Poulsen to remain with the group throughout their entire career. Born on July 13, 1970, in Denmark, Larsen brought stability and rhythmic foundation to Volbeat’s evolving lineup and sound over more than two decades.
Larsen’s consistent drumming appears on all nine Volbeat studio albums, from their 2005 debut The Strength/The Sound/The Songs through 2025’s God of Angels Trust. His playing style combines rock and roll simplicity with metal precision, perfectly complementing the band’s unique fusion of genres. Throughout Volbeat’s evolution from Danish clubs to international arenas, Larsen’s drumming has adapted while maintaining the band’s signature rhythmic pulse.
In 2022, Larsen temporarily stepped away from touring when he tested positive for COVID-19, with former Slayer drummer Jon Dette filling in. A professional endorser of Pearl Drums and Paiste Cymbals, Larsen’s understated but essential role has helped anchor Volbeat’s sound through multiple lineup changes, contributing significantly to their consistent international success and distinctive musical identity.
Rob Caggiano
Rob Caggiano joined Volbeat as lead guitarist in 2013, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous tenure with thrash metal legends Anthrax. Born on November 7, 1976, in New York, Caggiano’s entry into Volbeat began unexpectedly when he was initially hired as producer for their album Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies. His chemistry with the band members led to an invitation to join as a full-time member just two weeks into the recording process.
During his decade with Volbeat, Caggiano appeared on four studio albums: Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies (2013), Seal the Deal & Let’s Boogie (2016), Rewind, Replay, Rebound (2019), and Servant of the Mind (2021). His technical proficiency and versatility enhanced Volbeat’s sound, bringing additional metal credibility while adapting to their rockabilly influences. Caggiano’s production expertise—developed through work with bands like Cradle of Filth and Anthrax—also benefited the band’s studio output.
In June 2023, Volbeat announced Caggiano’s departure after ten years. Flemming C. Lund of The Arcane Order replaced him as touring guitarist. Though Caggiano never specified exact reasons for leaving, he expressed pride in what the band accomplished during his tenure, noting that “sometimes relationships simply run their course.” Beyond Volbeat, Caggiano’s career includes work with supergroup The Damned Things and extensive production credits under his alias “Scrap 60 Productions.”
Kaspar Boye Larsen
Kaspar Boye Larsen became Volbeat’s bassist in 2016, joining after a successful audition and U.S. tour as a temporary replacement. His addition to the lineup came following the departure of longtime bassist Anders Kjølholm in 2015. Larsen brought a diverse musical background to Volbeat, having previously played with Danish death metal act Withering Surface from 1994 to 2004, as well as bands like The Kandidate and Thorium.
Interestingly, Larsen already had a history with Volbeat before becoming a permanent member. In 2006, he briefly filled in for Kjølholm during the band’s first European tour when they were still an up-and-coming act. This past connection, along with his friendship with Michael Poulsen stretching back to their death metal days in Denmark, made him a natural fit when the position became available a decade later.
Since joining, Larsen has appeared on three Volbeat studio albums: Rewind, Replay, Rebound (2019), Servant of the Mind (2021), and God of Angels Trust (2025). His first contribution to the band’s songwriting process came with Rewind, Replay, Rebound, where he helped craft the band’s evolving sound. Larsen’s background in extreme metal combined with his ability to adapt to Volbeat’s genre-blending style has helped maintain the band’s heavy foundation while supporting their melodic elements.
Anders Kjølholm
Anders Kjølholm was Volbeat’s original bassist, serving with the band from their formation in 2001 until his departure in November 2015. Before Volbeat, Kjølholm played bass in Dominus alongside Michael Poulsen, creating a foundational musical relationship that carried into their new project. His consistent presence helped define Volbeat’s early sound across their first five studio albums.
Kjølholm’s bass work appears on The Strength/The Sound/The Songs (2005), Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil (2007), Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood (2008), Beyond Hell/Above Heaven (2010), and Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies (2013). During his tenure, Volbeat transformed from a Danish club act to an internationally successful band with platinum records and chart success across Europe and North America. His playing style balanced metal aggression with rock and roll groove, complementing Volbeat’s genre-blending approach.
When Kjølholm left Volbeat in 2015, the band announced the split was mutual and respectful, with Poulsen and drummer Jon Larsen praising him as “a loyal friend and bandmate since 2001.” Known for his energetic stage presence and interaction with fans, Kjølholm’s departure marked the end of an era for Volbeat, concluding his 14-year contribution to the band’s development and success. He was eventually replaced by Kaspar Boye Larsen in 2016.
Thomas Bredahl
Thomas Bredahl joined Volbeat as lead guitarist in 2006, following the departure of Franz “Hellboss” Gottschalk. Born on November 2, 1980, Bredahl came aboard as Volbeat was gaining momentum in Denmark and across Europe, contributing to their growing success over the next five years.
During his tenure, Bredahl played on two of Volbeat’s studio albums: Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood (2008) and Beyond Hell/Above Heaven (2010). These records were pivotal in expanding the band’s international profile, with Beyond Hell/Above Heaven earning significant commercial success including gold certification in the United States and platinum status in multiple European countries. Bredahl’s guitar work complemented the band’s evolving sound as they refined their blend of heavy metal and rockabilly influences.
Volbeat announced Bredahl’s departure in November 2011, with Michael Poulsen later comparing the split to a marriage that didn’t work out despite efforts to save it. Following his exit from Volbeat, Bredahl returned to working with his band Gob Squad, where he served as lead singer. He eventually transitioned into music management, becoming a partner at Heartbeat Management with Stefan Facius. In this role, he has managed Danish acts including Baest, Lydmor, and Go Go Berlin, applying his industry experience from his time in Volbeat to nurture emerging talent.
Franz Gottschalk
Franz “Hellboss” Gottschalk served as Volbeat’s guitarist from 2002 to 2006, replacing the band’s original guitarist Teddy Vang shortly after their formation. Before joining Volbeat, Gottschalk had established himself in the Danish metal scene, playing with death metal acts including Dominus (where he performed alongside Michael Poulsen), Hypodermic, and the band Deadly Sins which he founded with several friends.
Gottschalk contributed to Volbeat’s first two studio albums: The Strength/The Sound/The Songs (2005) and Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil (2007), though he was dismissed after recording the second album. His guitar work helped establish Volbeat’s signature sound, blending heavy metal riffs with rockabilly and classic rock elements. The band’s debut album reached number 18 on the Danish charts, beginning their commercial success.
In December 2006, Volbeat announced Gottschalk’s departure, citing “different personalities and working methods off stage” as the reason for the split. Following his time with Volbeat, Gottschalk joined the death metal band Illdisposed. Throughout his career, Gottschalk has maintained his connection to the extreme metal scene that formed his musical roots, continuing to perform with various projects after his time with Volbeat came to an end.
Teddy Vang
Teddy Vang holds the distinction of being Volbeat’s original guitarist, present at the band’s formation in 2001 alongside Michael Poulsen, Anders Kjølholm, and Jon Larsen. His tenure with the band was brief but significant, as he contributed to their earliest musical development before the group established their recording career.
Vang participated in Volbeat’s formative period, helping to shape their initial sound as they transitioned from Poulsen’s death metal roots toward their distinctive fusion of heavy metal and rockabilly. His time with the band included work on their earliest material, though he departed in 2002 before they recorded their self-titled demo. Following Vang’s exit, Franz “Hellboss” Gottschalk took over guitar duties, becoming the first of several guitarists to cycle through Volbeat over the following decades.
Though Vang’s direct musical contribution to Volbeat’s recorded output is minimal due to his early departure, he remains part of the band’s origin story as one of the four musicians who initiated what would become one of Denmark’s most successful musical exports. After leaving Volbeat, Vang maintained a low profile compared to his former bandmates, with limited information available about his subsequent musical activities.
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