Danish metal rock 'n' rollers Volbeat have entered the studio to begin recording their fifth album for a spring release via on Spinefarm Records/Universal Music. Titled "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies", the sessions are being helmed by former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano, alongside Jacob Hansen, who has a long history with Volbeat, having produced and mixed the band's prior four releases. Caggiano's producer credits include Cradle Of Filth, The Damned Things, Bleeding Through and Anthrax, among others.

Commented Volbeat frontman Michael Poulsen: "We're back in the studio, this time breaking some of our old habits and this sometimes means leaving our comfort zone. We are recording in a new environment, producing with a new setup, breaking new sonic ground and it's exciting! Together with our longtime collaborator Jacob Hansen, we also have the honor of having producer Rob Caggiano on board in the producer's seat. Expect lots of surprises and some of our most rocking heavy songs to date. We feel more than ever that we are taking the Volbeat sound to another level without changing what we're all about. Can't wait for it to get out there!"

Volbeat will embark on a North American headlining tour in the spring. The trek, which will feature support from Danko Jones, will kick off on March 6 in Dallas, Texas.

Volbeat in 2011 parted ways with guitarist Thomas Bredahl, who had been a member of the band since 2006. He has since been replaced on the road by Mercyful Fate's Hank Shermann

Volbeat's fourth album, "Beyond Hell/Above Heaven", has sold more than 170,000 copies in the United States since its December 2010 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The Cd was once again recorded at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen. The cover artwork was created by illustrator Karsten Wrysand.

Volbeat in 2011 released "Live From Beyond Hell/Above Heaven" via Vertigo/Universal on double Dvd, Blu-ray, limited double Dvd + audio Cd, Cd, digital download and Vod. The set included footage from Volbeat's sold-out show in front of 10,000 fervent fans at the Forum in Copenhagen, to the House of Blues in Anaheim, California and the Rock Am Ring show in Germany.