Powerwolf- Wake Up the Wicked

Written by on 03-11-2024 at 21:00.

Powerwolf, undoubtedly one of the masters of theatrical power metal, returns this summer with their tenth studio album Wake Up the Wicked, and it is exactly what you would expect from this band: a bombastic mix of gothic grandeur, epic choruses, and dark, humorous tales. The band remains true to their unique formula, albeit with a much heavier edge than we’ve heard on previous albums.

From the opening notes of Bless ‘Em with the Blade, listeners are immediately immersed in the world of Powerwolf. This track serves as an energetic kickoff, featuring heavy drums and aggressive guitars that create a lightning-fast pace, propelling you straight into the action. As usual the lyrics on this album are based on a variety of mythical, religious, and historical references. One of the historical tales that stands out on this album is 1589: the song tells the story of Peter Stumpp, the so-called “Werewolf of Bedburg”, who was executed in the 16th century. Powerwolf masterfully transforms this story into a true earworm, with a chorus that seems destined to be sung along with. It’s a perfect example of how Powerwolf consistently manages to blend history and myth into a fantastic power metal song!

Another standout track is Sinners of the Seven Seas, which plunges listeners into a dark, nautical world where sin and adventure go hand in hand. The theatrical arrangement brings the atmosphere of an epic sea saga to life, complete with powerful choral singing and dramatic orchestral elements. Moreover, both Sinners of the Seven Seas and 1589 come with extensive music videos, where Powerwolf has made an effort to further bring these stories to life.

However, my favorite on the album is Heretic Hunters, which, in my opinion, showcases Powerwolf at its best. The track is bursting with energy, driven by thunderous drums and shredding guitars that seamlessly align with Attila Dorn’s powerful vocals. The infectious beats and bombastic chorus make it an instant sing-along, while the lyrics tell a captivating story about the zealous persecution of heretics. This is a song that will undoubtedly shine even brighter live and is sure to set concert venues ablaze (probably literally!).

That said, Wake Up the Wicked isn’t without its flaws. Thunderpriest may be energetic but it lacks the unique spark needed to be truly memorable. It fits neatly within the band’s familiar sound but doesn’t bring anything new to the table. The same can be said for Joan of Arc: all the ingredients to be a great song are there, but the track ultimately feels like a less inspired version of earlier successes. The album closes with Vargamor, a relatively subdued song that utilizes Celtic influences to create a more introspective moment. This contrast with the rest of the album provides an interesting conclusion, although the song itself may not be as strong as some of the earlier tracks.

Wake Up the Wicked demonstrates that Powerwolf remains faithful to their established formula, but with a heavier approach than we’ve heard on their previous two albums. The band explores intriguing themes, ranging from religious persecution to nautical adventures, which keeps the album fresh and engaging. Additionally, they aren’t afraid to introduce musical surprises, such as the hurdy-gurdy in Heretic Hunters and the children’s choir in We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints, which provides a lovely contrast to the song’s theme. This album confirms that the band still knows how to innovate and surprise within the boundaries of their beloved style.

We also spoke with band member Falk Maria Schlegel about the stories behind the new songs, the fantastic music videos that accompany them, and what we can expect from the upcoming tour. You can read this interview here.

Score:

80/100

Label:

Nuclear Blast, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. Bless ’em with the Blade
  2. Sinners of the Seven Seas
  3. Kyrie Klitorem
  4. Heretic Hunters
  5. 1589
  6. Viva Vulgata
  7. Wake Up the Wicked
  8. Joan of Arc
  9. Thunderpriest
  10. We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints
  11. Vargamor

Line-up:

  • Attila Dorn – Vocals
  • Matthew Greywolf – Guitars
  • Charles Greywolf – Bass
  • Falk Maria Schlegel – Organ
  • Roel van Helden – Drums

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