VOLBEAT Concert Review Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater 7-26-25

Concert Review and Photos By Roc Boyum

The Danish hard rock/metal/country Titians known as Volbeat are currently shredding stages across the USA on their worldwide tour dubbed “Greatest Of All Tours Worldwide” in support of their latest LP, God of Angeles Trust with special guests Halestorm and newcomers The Ghost Inside.

The tour made a stop in Phoenix, Arizona on 7-26-25 at the beautiful outdoor venue known as The Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater (formerly the Ak Chin Resort Amphitheater) before a near sold-out audience on a beautiful summer night that was well over 100 degrees.

The Ghost Inside:

The metalcore warriors known as The Ghost Inside opened the show and immediately got the Phoenix fans fired up with their driving metalcore sound. I call them metalcore warriors as they have persevered against all odds to keep touring and writing new music. After the first two songs, Singer Johanthan Virgil spoke tothe Phoenix crowd saying: “we’re new to this tour and this is only our second week on the tour – but by far, you guys have given us the greatest welcome on stage;” thank you Phoenix. The band went on to engage the audience with their seven-song set that finished with the song “Aftermath,” that embodies their endurance. As a song that needed an introduction,Singer Virgil addressed the audience by telling the fans of the casualties they sustained during a horrific truck accident they had in their tour bus. Virgil further expressed that: “This song is about second chances and you don’t get many second chances in life.” He also conveyed their appreciation for a second chance to be on stage this night.  Hats off to The Ghost Inside for enduring, persevering, and getting back out there with their message of strength and survival against all odds.

Halestorm: A Hard Rock Powerhouse

Next on stage was the hard rock powerhouse, Halestorm, a band that never fails to electrify their audience. They delivered a blistering 14-song set to the raucous Phoenix audience, featuring a mix of fan favorites and a few brilliant surprises. Led by one of the world’s premier vocalists, Lzzy Hale, she made a striking entrance in true Rock ‘N’ Roll style, sporting a studded denim jacket and a leather bikini style bottom, while confidently wielding a symbolic chalice to further emphasize the sentiment of the lyrics of the vocally demanding snippet of their entrance piece, “A Familiar Taste of Poison.”

This opening track is certainly a test of vocal prowess, and Lzzy embraced the challenge like a fearless dominatrix, who’s vocals delivered an unforgettable performance. At certain moments, she knelt on stage, leaning back, she passionately conveyed the song’s heartfelt plea to escape from a relationship she recognizes as a bad match. Yet, beneath the surface, she grapples with her genuine desire for freedom.

Known for their bold and hard-hitting approach, Halestorm held nothing back on this night. Their 14-song set was a tour de force, showcasing their dynamic rock anthems as Lzzy and the band ripped through each number in top form.

Many fan favorites included “I miss The Misery,” “Love Bites” (So Do I) – “Freak Like Me,” the highly entertaining drum solo by Arejay who shreds his drum kit with an animalistic approach especially when he pulls out his baseball size drum sticks, which is part WTF and part comedy since it’s so over the top. They also gave a great nod to Ozzy; as LZZY stated: “The man, the myth, the legend, MR. OZZY Osbourne.” The band then gave the Phoenix audience a brilliant, shredding, and impassioned version of the OZZY classic, “Perry Mason” which was the band’s last song. Halestorm never disappoint and this was one killer show for sure.

VOLBEAT

Danish hard rock and metal titans (with a hint of country) – just to keep things interesting – took the stage at The Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater on June 26, 2025, in support of their ninth studio album, God of Angels Trust, released on June 6, 2025. Before treating the audience to their new tracks, the band kicked off the evening with the energetic anthem, “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown,” from their 2016 album, Seal the Deal and Let’s Boogie, which had the Phoenix crowd on their feet.

Following a thunderous reaction to their second song, “Lola Montez,” lead singer and rhythm guitarist Michael Poulsen expressed his gratitude to the audience for their warm reception. He inquired if anyone in the crowd had their new LP, prompting an enthusiastic response. He then asked for the audience’s help with the singing of the next track from God of Angels Trust. Jokingly, he mentioned that since the album had just been released, he was still trying to remember the lyrics, which elicited loud cheers and an engaging sing-along.

Sad Man’s Tongue kicked off with an excerpt from Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” which not only sparked enthusiastic participation from the audience but also showcased their vocal talent when Poulsen turned to the audience, allowing the crowd to carry the melody a cappella.

Following the crowd-pleaser “Shotgun Blues,” it was time for Poulsen to introduce the intriguingly titled track, “In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn In a Dying World of Doom,” from their God of Angles Trust LP, which had fans curious about its meaning. Poulsen humorously presented the song by stating, “We have this beautiful love song; it’s called ‘In the Barn of the Goat Giving Birth to Satan’s Spawn In a Dying World of Doom,” Don’t believe all that crap; it’s just one big horror flick. Volbeat doesn’t endorse any religious beliefs; the real devils are the ones you see on the news.”

A selection of fan favorites and new tracks followed, including “By Monsters Hand, The Devil Rages On, Time Will Heal, Black Rose, Seal the Deal, and For Evigt,” before paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with a snippet of the Black Sabbath classic, “Children of the Grave.”

For their final song, “Still Counting,” the band invited their children on stage. After a brief introduction, Poulsen encouraged the audience, saying, “Let’s see the circle pit, let’s see the crowd surfers, are you ready?” The band then launched into “Still Counting,” wrapping up an incredible night of music from an iconic group that has been headlining major shows for over 15 years and continues to thrive to this day.

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