VOLBEAT frontman Michael Poulsen joins us on this week’s edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast to discuss his new death metal project ASINHELL
For over two decades, Michael Poulsen, the vocalist and guitarist, has been at the forefront of the Danish rock and roll powerhouse known as VOLBEAT. During this time, the band has released eight full-length albums, sold millions of records, and rocked stadiums across the globe. However, prior to his leadership role in VOLBEAT, Poulsen was the driving force behind the death metal outfit DOMINUS, which unleashed four blistering albums in the mid-’90s.
While crafting songs for VOLBEAT‘s 2021 album “Servant Of The Mind,“ Poulsen found himself composing a slew of death metal riffs, which he saved on his phone. Once the VOLBEAT record was wrapped up, he dusted off these rusty gates to unleash Armageddon and began piecing together songs for his new death metal project, ASINHELL. Their debut album, “Impii Hora” (Latin for “Ungodly Hour”), pays homage to Poulsen‘s beloved old-school bands. These tracks are anchored in punishing riffs yet laced with potent guitar hooks and infectious, chant-worthy refrains.
Despite being the vocalist for VOLBEAT and previously for DOMINUS, Poulsen decided not to take the frontman role in ASINHELL. Instead, in March 2022, he reached out to his old friend, former MORGOTH vocalist Marc Grewe (also known for his work with INSIDIOUS DISEASE), and invited him to join the endeavor.
When it came to selecting a drummer, Poulsen considered several accomplished musician friends. Ultimately, he enlisted Morten Toft Hansen, the drummer from the Danish group RAUNCHY. Morten not only possesses exceptional drumming skills, but his six-year-old daughter also happens to be friends with Poulsen‘s daughter, and the convenience of a 10-minute drive to Morten’s place “sealed the deal”.
These two seasoned musicians began their practice sessions, consistently churning out a complete song nearly every time they got together. However, as Grewe was based in Germany, he had to work on the vocals from home. Poulsen facilitated this process by sending Grewe phone recordings from their rehearsals. Drawing upon their years of experience and a renewed hunger for musical destruction, Poulsen and Toft Hansen managed to capture a ferocious storm in a bottle with ASINHELL.
In the interview, Michael talks about how ASINHELL came together, his absolute love of classic extreme metal, his three essential death metal albums, his admiration of late DEATH frontman Chuck Schuldiner and much more.
Listen via the player below or wherever you get your podcasts.