Danish rock titans Volbeat have returned with a vengeance, delivering a chilling new single, “By a Monster’s Hand.” Serving as the second track from their upcoming ninth studio album, God of Angels Trust, the song showcases the band’s signature fusion of heavy metal, hard rock, and rockabilly influences while pushing their sound into darker, more sinister territory.
The track, produced by longtime collaborator Jacob Hansen and frontman Michael Poulsen, unfolds as a mid-tempo riff-driven anthem that is both haunting and hypnotic. Lyrically, “By a Monster’s Hand” paints a macabre picture of a serial killer’s gruesome acts, with vivid imagery of decapitation and an unsettling obsession with his victims. The chorus, with its eerie repetition—”And in the night he’s dancing with the dead, wearing the body parts on a string”—adds an almost theatrical horror element, making it one of Volbeat’s most chilling compositions to date.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to both the song and its accompanying video, praising Volbeat for their ability to explore darker themes while maintaining their signature sound. Social media has been flooded with reactions, with many listeners calling “By a Monster’s Hand” one of the band’s heaviest and most gripping tracks in recent memory. Some have even drawn comparisons to Volbeat’s earlier, more aggressive works, such as Beyond Hell / Above Heaven and Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies.
One fan wrote, “Volbeat has always had a knack for storytelling, but this song takes it to another level! The lyrics, the video, and that killer riff—pure perfection!” Others have expressed excitement for God of Angels Trust, particularly if it continues to explore such intense sonic and lyrical landscapes.
With God of Angels Trust set for release on June 6 via Republic/Universal, anticipation is at an all-time high. Poulsen has described the album as a return to creative freedom, experimenting with song structures and pushing boundaries. The band recorded the album live in the studio, completing the album in just five weeks.
Fans won’t have to wait long to experience Volbeat’s latest evolution in a live setting. The band is embarking on their “Greatest Of All Tours Worldwide” tour this summer, kicking off with a Canadian co-headline run alongside Three Days Grace and special guests Wage War. This will be followed by a U.S. headline tour featuring Halestorm and The Ghost Inside, before heading to Europe and the UK with Bush and Gel.
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
