Many songs are created from real-life experiences, and for one metal band,a hit song of theirs was written after a horrifying night. The tune comes from Volbeat, a group helping keep the genre thatmany legends pioneered in the 1970sthriving. Throughout their career, they haveshown what it means to be rock stars.
They have pivoted many times, evenreplacing a few respected guitarists. Nonetheless, they have maintained their passion, providing listeners with the best experience possible. They have worked their way up to performing on the same stages as legends like Metallica,showing they belong in the spotlight. They have a sound that can fill stadiums, and they have capitalized on moments.
When it comes to opportunities, it was actually a harrowing tale that brought them one of their biggest. They collaborated with a metal legend and someone they idolize, as he is also a Danish musician. Not only did they secure this collaboration, buteverything tied in well to what would become one of the most celebrated releases of their careers.
The Horror Story Behind Room 24 Explained
The Bed Became A Prison
In 2013, Volbeat released their fifth studio album,Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies. This album was special for many reasons, one being that it was their first of four records with former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano. Of the 14 tracks,one standout was “Room 24.“Not only was it one of the longest on the record, but it also featured King Diamond.
Without knowing the backstory, the tune evokes a haunting feeling. Between the lyrics and the addition of King Diamond, this was one of the spookiest tracks on the record. However,things become even more chilling when considering its true inspiration. The song depicts a person awakening but being unable to move, which is precisely what happened to lead singer Michael Poulsen.
During an interview withThe Denver Post, Poulsen recalled the inspiration behind the song, saying, “It’s about an experience I had in a hotel, waking up in the middle of the night and I can’t move my arms or legs.” He then explained that he tried to reach out for his wife but could not do that either.This made him believe he was having a medical emergencyuntil he blacked out, only to wake up again feeling the same way.
While it is unclear what exactly caused this,Poulsen commented on what was believed to have happened, saying, “It’s actually where your mind wakes up before the body, and your brain is not communicating with your body.” Poulsen would survive the night and, along with King Diamond, he and his band would write the song “Room 24,” detailing the experience. This included the pressure he felt on his chest and the room beginning to grow darker.
A Legend Would Go On To Join The Track
This Was A Dream Come True
OnOutlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, “Room 24” became revered, but it wasn’t only Volbeat fans who loved it. This extended to a variety of listeners,leading to the song’s nomination forBest Metal Performance at the 56th Grammy Awards ceremony. Of course, a major reason the song gained so much attention was that it features King Diamond.
After the metal genre became known in the 1970s,King Diamond was an artist who helped it grow in the ’80s. He did this first as the lead singer of the band Mercyful Fate. They formed in 1981, taking the next few years to create two studio albums. They would heavily influence subgenres such as thrash, doom, and black metal.
King Diamond became known for his signature vocals, which featured his falsetto screams. In 1985, he made a historic move, pivoting away from the Mercyful Fate moniker and opting to front a band that would bear his name. This added another layer to his legacy,which became an inspiration for many bands such as Metallica and Slayer.
Of course, another act inspired by his work was Volbeat. However, they were even more so, as they are also Danish musicians, just like King Diamond. Therefore,there was a connection greater than solely music. Volbeat’s frontman, Michael Poulsen, made his dream come true by finally crafting a song with the legend.
This Scary Story Ultimately Led To A Full Concept Album
Welcome To The Wild West
When you listen to Volbeat’s fifth studio album,Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, you will notice a distinct western theme. This is accomplished throughsong titles, cover art, and various instrumentsused in the creative process, such as a banjo. All of this was done intentionally so frontman Michael Poulsen could finally write about the old western movies that inspired him.
During his interview withThe Denver Post, Poulsen spoke about where his love for the genre came from, saying, “I’ve been watching those movies since I was a little kid with my father.” He admitted he wasn’t sure how he would incorporate that into Volbeat’s discography, butthis record was the right time. Although it is not easy to make a concept album, the band executed it perfectly.
Regarding the creative process, Poulsen had more to add about what was going through his head, saying, “I made sure to put those characters-legendary gunslingers and outlaws-blended together with pictures of persons I created in my own universe.” The stories told were breathtaking. This entire record is a unique journey that helped the band stand out.They reached as high as the ninth spot on theBillboard200, a remarkable achievement.
As the band has continued to grow, they have undergone some changes, but the stories they tell remain strong.
As the band has continued to grow, they have undergone some changes, but the stories they tell remain strong. Poulsen has proven to the fans that he will always be authentic, with many albums featuring at least one or two emotional songs. However,no matter how many hits Volbeat may produce, no one will forget what happened in “Room 24.”
