CONCERT REVIEW: Volbeat Bring Their Catchy Hooks To Ecstatic Amsterdam Crowd

Six years have passed since Volbeat last took the stage at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, but fans haven’t had to wait quite that long for the band’s most recent performance in the Netherlands. Still, their return to the iconic Ziggo Dome was warmly welcomed, with the arena nearly packed to capacity and the floor teeming with eager fans, creating palpable excitement.

Volbeat is currently touring Europe to promote their latest album, God of Angels Trust, released earlier this year. As expected, the setlist featured a solid selection of tracks from the new record, with four songs making the cut. Fortunately, the band struck a balance, ensuring their setlist didn’t lean too heavily on the new material. With a deep catalogue to draw from, they delivered 14 songs from their earlier work, including crowd favourites like “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown,” “Lola Montez,” and “For Evigt.” To my personal disappointment, however, “Last Day Under The Sun” didn’t make the setlist this time around.

True to form, Volbeat let their music take center stage. The songs flowed seamlessly, one after another, with just enough banter between tracks to keep the energy high. Frontman Michael Poulsen connected with the audience by wearing a t-shirt honouring Dutch F1 champion Max Verstappen, even leading a chant for the local hero, further connecting with the Dutch crowd. The band’s catchy hooks and driving rhythms fueled sing-alongs, as Volbeat’s signature blend of heavy yet accessible sound filled the arena. It’s no surprise, given their massive success and ability to headline arena tours across Europe, that the audience was fully immersed in every moment.

If there’s one critique, it’s that the production felt somewhat understated for an arena show of this scale. Fans often expect larger-than-life elements at such venues—think confetti showers, pyrotechnics, or even a B-stage to add variety and elevate the experience. While Volbeat’s music and performance were as exceptional as ever, delivering their songs with precision and passion, the absence of these extra touches was noticeable. Given the ticket prices and the grandeur of an arena setting, incorporating a few standout production elements could have added an extra layer of excitement to the night.

One thing the band did that is quite unique is something that has become a highlight of their live shows on their current tour, where the band invites young children from the audience onstage during their performance of “Still Counting”, which was a sight to behold!

As always, Volbeat brought charisma and musical prowess to the stage, leaving the audience energised and satisfied. Fans can look forward to seeing them again soon, as the band is already slated to headline major festivals like Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park next year. For Dutch fans who missed the Ziggo Dome show, there’s another chance to catch Volbeat in action on October 22, when they’ll bring their high-energy performance to Rotterdam’s Ahoy for another massive show.
Check out some photos from the performance below, courtesy of Eva van den Bosch!