| "By a Monster's Hand" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Volbeat | ||||
| from the album God of Angels Trust | ||||
| Released | 6 March 2025 | |||
| Length | 3:42 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter | Michael Poulsen | |||
| Producers |
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| Volbeat singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "By a Monster's Hand" on YouTube | ||||
"By a Monster's Hand" is a song by Danish rock band Volbeat. It was released as the lead single from their ninth album God of Angels Trust . It topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in May 2025.
"By a Monster's Hand" is the first single and lead track from God of Angels Trust, released alongside the announcement of the album, [1] and was accompanied by a music video directed by Adam Rothlein. [2] The band described the track as "the perfect introduction to an album full of power and electrifying rock anthems". [3] They also released a track-by-track video in April 2025 discussing the song. [4]
In a track-by-track guide for the album, the band explained that the song presents a fictional narrative centered on a serial killer. The storyline involves the character gathering and transporting body parts after a storm destroys his home, and is described as the first part of a two-part story that continues in "Enlightening the Disorder (By a Monster's Hand Part 2)". The band stated that the song was inspired by real-life serial killers, without naming specific individuals, and framed its themes as reflecting concerns about violent criminals continuing to exist in modern society. [5]
Speaking with Revolver , frontman Michael Poulsen said the song explores the perspective of a killer and is based in reality, though he avoided referencing specific real-life figures out of respect for the victims. He linked the song to the album's broader focus on hidden human evil, criticism of those in power, and concerns about violent criminals persisting in the modern world, also connecting its subject matter to his experiences as a parent. [6]
Music journalists generally described the song as a mid-tempo, guitar-driven track emphasizing heaviness and rhythmic force. Writing for Knotfest , Ramon Gonzales described the song as featuring driving guitar work, a mid-paced intensity, and an anthemic vocal performance from Poulsen. [1] Revolver described the track as built around forceful, large-scale metal rhythms with detuned guitar riffs typical of Volbeat's style. [3] [6]
Blabbermouth similarly described the song as mid-paced and riff-focused, highlighting its guitar-driven structure, aggressive tone, and contrasting rhythmic patterns. The publication also noted theatrical elements and a brief change of pace in the middle of the track that reflects thrash influences. [7] [8] MetalSucks described the song as stylistically typical of Volbeat, noting that it does not significantly deviate from the band's established sound. [9]
According to Loudwire , the track is heavy and punchy, driven by a stomping rhythm. [10] Consequence described the song as a mid-tempo track built on heavy grooves and melodic elements, with a chorus featuring "ascending lead guitars" and prominent vocals from Poulsen. The publication also compared its overall feel to Metallica's Black Album era. [11]
MXDWN described the song as mid-paced and centered on prominent guitar riffs, noting that its structure does not adhere to standard meter and juxtaposes forceful rhythmic passages with hook-driven sections. [12] A later review by the publication noted that the song opens with a heavy guitar riff and nonstop drumming, is slightly slower than surrounding tracks on the album, and blends gritty heaviness with melodic elements. [13]
Stereoboard described the song as a "hard-hitting yet melodic" rocker built around prominent guitar riffs, [14] while Angry Metal Guy noted that it approaches "a near-thrash level" of intensity, featuring "furious riffing" and blastbeat-like elements. [15]
Metal Injection called it a "relentless" track, [16] while AllMusic's review of the album singled out "By a Monster's Hand" as one of the album's "high‑octane" singles. [17]
The music video mixes footage of the band performing with a narrative featuring a drifter wearing glasses who moves a cart through a neighborhood. [3] [7] It was produced by Ghost Atomic and directed by Adam Rothlein, who had previously directed other Volbeat videos. [18] [19]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "By a Monster's Hand" | 3:42 |
Credits adapted from Apple Music. [21]
Volbeat
Additional credit
It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart on May 17, 2025, their eleventh song to do so. This ties them for the 10th-most No. 1s in the chart's history. [22]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
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