Year in Rock 2013 Nominee: Volbeat

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VOLBEAT
Lola Montez
From: Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies
Released: April 9

Volbeat aren't likely to top many year-end lists, nor are they likely to be hailed for their originality. But, at least they're honest with their intentions; they want to tell stories, rock hard, and have fun. The success they've seen in recent years is well earned, a suitable reward for a band who honed their skills and sharpened their craft instead of pretending to be something they're not. Rock and roll needs visionaries to progress, true but they also need bands like Volbeat: respectful of rock's history and true to themselves.

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