As of my latest information, there is no public announcement from Michael Poulsen regarding a ‘long time’ career break. However, in September 2023, Poulsen disclosed plans for a temporary hiatus to undergo a throat operation in October of that year. This procedure necessitated a brief pause in Volbeat’s activities, with intentions to resume work on a new album in 2024 and return to touring in 2025.
During this period, Poulsen also focused on his death metal side project, Asinhell. The band, featuring Poulsen, Marc Grewe (Insidious Disease, ex-Morgoth), and Morten Toft Hansen (Raunchy), released their debut album, ‘Impii Hora,’ on September 29, 2023, via Metal Blade Records. This project allowed Poulsen to revisit his death metal roots, delivering a sound reminiscent of the genre’s early days.
In June 2023, Volbeat experienced a lineup change when longtime guitarist Rob Caggiano departed from the band. The split was described as sudden, occurring just three weeks before a scheduled tour. This led Volbeat to consider performing as a three-piece before recruiting The Arcane Order guitarist Flemming C. Lund as a live guitarist.
Throughout these developments, Poulsen has maintained a focus on his personal life, particularly his role as a father. He has expressed the importance of balancing his career with family responsibilities, emphasizing that striving for perfection is neither realistic nor desirable. Poulsen believes in embracing imperfections, both personally and professionally, to maintain authenticity and passion in his work.
In summary, while Michael Poulsen has taken short-term breaks for health reasons and to explore side projects, there is no indication of a prolonged career hiatus. His recent activities suggest a continued commitment to music, both with Volbeat and Asinhell, alongside a dedication to personal well-being and famil
y life.
