I told the story told to King Diamond in the studio, where he had come to be a guest on the new album and he said, ‘Have you heard of sleep paralysis?’ I hadn’t, so I looked into it and every person who has experienced it has the same story almost identically – they feel that some kind of hag is sitting on top of them some dark force. I really wish I could remember what town that was in because I never, ever want to go back to “Room 24.” It felt as though there was a presence sitting on my chest literally pushing me down into the bed. I couldn’t move my arms or legs and there was definitely something ominous in the room. But, I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I was going to have a heart attack or a stroke. He somberly said, “Room 24” is a true story that happened to me in a hotel room somewhere in the US while we were on tour a few years ago. Of special interest to me personally was the story behind “Room 24.” The song is one of my favorites on the album coupled with such a cryptic title, I wanted to know exactly what the hell really happened to him in that room to inspire such a song. He animatedly says, “I always wonder what’s behind songs by other artists that I like, so since I have that same desire to know, I just put my lyrics out there and enjoy talking about what inspired me to write. By giving his fans the back stories to his lyrics, Michael has endeared himself to millions of fans that can enjoy the songs so much more with their own imagery while listening. Poulsen doesn’t mind sharing the stories behind his lyrics, which sets him apart from many other artists who prefer to keep their inspiration for songs to themselves. In an interview with Michael Poulson (Guitar/Lead Vocals) for the May/June cover story in RockRevolt®Magazine, Michael talked at length about all of the songs, and the meanings behind them. This is a great way to come back from the dead…literally.”

The heavy metal icon King Diamond had this to say about the nomination: “Thank you to everyone involved with voting.

The members of VOLBEATare surely smiling today! Their song, “Room 24” off of their fifth studio album, Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies, was nominated for a 2014 Grammy Award last night in the category of “Best Metal Performance.” The track features King Diamond and was a standout song on the album from the beginning.

New volbeat album 2014