He’s set to undergo the operation next month
Volbeat frontman Michael Poulsen is having throat surgery. In a new interview with Hellena Mihailidou of MetalRadio.gr, Poulsen, 48, said that he is scheduled to undergo the operation next month. He also gave an update on both of his projects, Volbeat and his new death metal band, Asinhell.
“It takes time to heal and train the voice back up again,” Poulsen said. “But, Volbeat is going into the studio next year. I will use time next year also to write a new Volbeat album and record the Volbeat album. So, ’25 [2025] we’ll go out and promote Volbeat, but ’24 [2024] I will be promoting Asinhell.”
Volbeat recently wrapped up a North American headlining tour along with special guests Halestorm and Bad Wolves. Asinhell unleashed their first single “Fall of the Loyal Warrior” on June 29. Two more tracks followed – “Island of Dead Men” and “Desert of Doom.” The group’s debut album arrives on September 29 through Metal Blade Records.
On June 5, Volbeat parted ways with guitarist Rob Caggianio. He had had been an official member of the band since 2013. Caggiano, formerly of Anthrax, performed on their album Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies after being asked to produce the record. He joined the band as an official member shortly after. He would go on to appear on 2016’s Seal the Deal & Let’s Boogie, 2019’s Rewind, Replay, Rebound, and 2021’s Servant of the Mind.
“After ten incredible years we must sadly announce that Volbeat and Rob Caggiano have parted ways,” the band said I a statement. “During our time together we’ve traveled the world sharing great experiences and released four albums that we are immensely proud of, and we wouldn’t change a moment of it. We wish our brother Rob all the best with everything he does in the future (we know it’s going to be great)! Filling those shoes on stage will be a herculean task, but our good friend Flemming C. Lund (The Arcane Order) will be jumping in to handle lead guitar on our 2023 shows. Thank you to all of our incredible fans for their support, and more importantly, thank you to Rob for ten amazing years.”
Caggiano issued a statement of his own, saying, in part, “To all the amazing fans and friends I’ve met all over the worlds throughout the years… I love and cherish each and every one of you. Thank you for sticking with me through hell or high water. The world seems to be getting weirder and weirder with each passing day and live never stops throwing twists and turns at us but you guys always keep me driven, focused and inspired to create music, follow my heart at all costs and chase my dreams wherever they may take me. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
I also want to wish Michael, Jon, Kaspar (Anders too) and the entire Volbeat camp the best of luck moving forward. I’m extremely proud of everything we accomplished together over the last 10 years. Sometimes relationships simply run their course. Sometimes certain obstacles, people or circumstances get in the way of the greater good. Sometimes people change and priorities shift. Sometimes it’s unavoidable. We had a very special undeniable magic together as a band. It’s not something that comes around too often in this life and it’s not something to be taken lightly. I certainly do not.”
Volbeat’s latest LP, Servant of the Mind peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums Chart, and No. 1 on Denmark’s Top Albums Chart.