Full of bombastic, howling (see what I did there?) power metal with a theatrical twist, Powerwolf’s latest album, Wake Up The Wicked, is one you’ll want to sink your teeth into. The German heavy metal band has been commanding the power metal scene for nearly two decades, and their newest offering stays true to their signature style—soaring choruses, spine-chilling organ melodies, and anthemic tracks that bring the drama in full force.
A Brief Howl of History
Before diving into Wake Up The Wicked, let’s take a quick look at how Powerwolf has carved their niche in the heavy metal world. Formed in 2003 by brothers Charles and Matthew Greywolf, Powerwolf has always embraced both the over-the-top and darker elements of metal. Attila Dorn, their charismatic frontman, brings it all together with his booming voice and theatrical presence.
Their debut album Return in Bloodred (2005) marked the beginning of their church-organ-infused, gothic power metal style. It was followed by Lupus Dei (2007), which honed the band’s dark and gothic storytelling. But it was Bible of the Beast (2009) that set them apart from their peers with its epic scale, baroque elements, and tales of vampires, werewolves, and religious themes—taken to metal’s extreme.
As they gained more popularity, albums like Blood of the Saints (2011) and Blessed & Possessed (2015) further solidified their reputation as kings of symphonic, dark metal anthems. Their live performances are legendary, often featuring gothic church aesthetics, flame-spewing organ pipes, and a wild crowd that howls right along with the band.
Ranking Wake Up The Wicked in Their Discography
So, where does Wake Up The Wicked rank among Powerwolf’s impressive discography? Let’s break it down.
Powerwolf has always leaned heavily into their dramatic gothic vibe, and Wake Up The Wicked doesn’t stray far from this path. In fact, it pushes their signature sound even further, refining it without becoming repetitive. The album kicks off with the track “Demon’s Lament,” a galloping, dark anthem that instantly sets the tone—gothic, aggressive, and filled with the grandeur we expect.
Tracks like “Hell’s Benediction” and “Hymns of the Fallen” showcase Powerwolf’s masterful blend of operatic elements, melodic hooks, and crushing guitar riffs, while the titular track “Wake Up The Wicked” explodes with infectious energy, demanding you sing along whether you’re at a festival or blasting it in your car.
While Wake Up The Wicked may not reach the iconic status of Bible of the Beast or The Sacrament of Sin (2018), it definitely holds its own as a powerful entry in the band’s catalog. The band continues to evolve, focusing more on polished songwriting while still delivering the fast-paced power metal they’ve become famous for. In short, if you loved albums like The Metal Mass Live and Call of the Wild (2021), you’ll find much to enjoy here.
Ranked among Powerwolf’s discography:
- The Sacrament of Sin (2018)
- Bible of the Beast (2009)
- Blood of the Saints (2011)
- Wake Up The Wicked (2024)
- Blessed & Possessed (2015)
- Call of the Wild (2021)
- Lupus Dei (2007)
- Return in Bloodred (2005)
Wake Up The Wicked is a strong release, solidifying Powerwolf’s place as masters of theatrical power metal. While it may not surpass some of their earlier classics, it delivers everything a fan could want: thundering choirs, gothic imagery, and the feeling that you’ve just attended a dark, thrilling mass where metal reigns supreme. The songwriting is tight, the production is lush, and Attila Dorn’s vocal range is as imposing as ever.
This album is a celebration of everything Powerwolf has always done well: epic storytelling, cinematic soundscapes, and unforgettable riffs. It will leave you howling for more!
Tour Schedule and International Reach
As for touring, Powerwolf are taking Wake Up The Wicked to a global audience in 2024, embarking on an extensive world tour. The band is hitting major countries across Europe including Germany, France, the UK, Spain, and Italy. They’ve also announced shows in North and South America, with dates in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina. It’s clear that Powerwolf’s reach is spreading, and their devoted fan base is growing with every continent they conquer.
If you haven’t had the chance to see Powerwolf live, this tour is a must. With their church-like stage sets, fiery pyrotechnics, and sheer theatricality, it’s not just a concert—it’s an experience.
Powerwolf’s Wake Up The Wicked is a thrilling continuation of their dark, gothic journey. While it may not break entirely new ground, it refines and amplifies what the band does best. It’s an album that longtime fans will devour, and newcomers might find to be the perfect entry point into the world of Powerwolf.
