Well, that was fast! A few weeks ago, Rob Caggiano announced he was leaving Anthrax due to lack of creative fulfillment and would instead be focusing on producing, starting with a new Volbeat record. Today, he announced he's been having such a great time working with the band, that he's decided to join full-time!
In a new statement, Caggiano explains his decision to join the band:
“Wow! I have to say I’m completely blown away by the turn of events over the last few weeks here in Denmark and at this point an update is definitely in order. To start with, I came to Denmark about a month ago to produce the new Volbeat record which in and of itself has been an incredibly exciting adventure from a producer’s perspective thus far.
However, I’m extremely happy to say my relationship with these guys will not end there as it turns out……it’s just beginning! Michael had asked me on the phone before I got out here if I would play some guest solos on the new album in addition to my other duties and of course I was thrilled about that and agreed to do so. When I actually got to Denmark and started going through the material, this turned out to be so much more than that.
After weeks of collaboration between Michael and I it became quite clear that we had an amazing creative chemistry together and a huge mutual respect for one another. It’s so refreshing and inspiring to be creative again on a songwriting level that words can’t even describe it and the vibe between Anders, Jon, Michael and I is just awesome.
I’d say an artistic relationship like this one is very rare and it’s also something I don’t take for granted. When the guys asked me if I was interested in joining Volbeat the other day, my jaw just about hit the floor! It actually didn’t even register in my brain properly until the next morning but I gotta say, it also didn’t take me long to decide.
It really isn’t the way I envisioned the rest of my year to play out but at the same time, THIS feels more “right” to me than anything I could have possibly imagined and I’m going for it! To all my fans, family, friends and overall supporters that have reached out to me over this last month wondering if I’m ever gonna play guitar again or what I’m up to in general etc……..See you all soon my friends and get ready for a wild ride!!!”
The band added "Basically we went into the studio as a three piece and came out as a whole band!” They announced the new album will be called Outlaw Gentleman & Shady Ladies and will be released on April 9th. Frontman Michael Poulsen describes the album:
“Half of the album tracks will take you into the world of outlaw gunslinger stories sometime in the 1800s. Some of the characters are true legends, while others are fiction. The listener will hear inspiration from old classic spaghetti western movies which gives you a clue to the album title and cover artwork.”
It'll be interesting to hear Caggiano's influence on the band, who have a very recognizable sound. Here is the cover artwork for the new album:
You will be able to see Caggiano make his on-stage debut with Volbeat when they hit the road in March with Danko Jones. Get the dates here.
