Album Review: POWERWOLF – Wake Up the Wicked

A Familiar Howl

It’s business as usual for Powerwolf. “Wake Up the Wicked” delivers exactly what fans have come to expect from the German power metal band: soaring vocals, grandiose orchestrations, werewolves, and enough cheese to fill a Gothic cathedral.. This ninth studio offering, released via Napalm Records, sees the band sticking firmly to their established formula while managing to inject just enough freshness to keep things interesting.

Tracks and Production

The album kicks off with “Bless ’em With the Blade,” setting the tone for what’s to come, followed by “Sinners of the Seven Seas” which has a distinct sea shanty vibe. Powerwolf’s signature sound is on full display throughout the record, with Attila Dorn’s vocals leading the charge and with those catchy hooks that the band is known for. Lyrically Powerwolf continues to mine their favorite themes, with songs about werewolves, religious imagery, and historical figures peppered throughout the album.

Standout tracks include the lead single “1589,” a historical tale about the infamous Werewolf of Bedburg that showcases the band’s knack for blending fact and fiction.

“We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints” is probably the highlight of the album, featuring an irresistibly catchy chorus along a with a children choir, that’s destined to become a live favorite.

Production-wise, “Wake Up the Wicked” is polished to a mirror sheen, courtesy of Joost van den Broek. Every element of Powerwolf’s sound is crystal clear in the mix and the quality is just what you can expect from the band.

Final Verdict

While longtime fans will find plenty to enjoy here, it’s hard to ignore that Powerwolf is treading familiar ground. The band’s reluctance to stray too far from their established formula means that “Wake Up the Wicked” offers few surprises. This consistency is both a strength and a weakness – it delivers exactly what fans want, but may leave some listeners yearning for something fresher.

In just a tight 37 minutes, “Wake Up the Wicked” is a solid addition to Powerwolf’s discography. It may not win over many new converts, but it will certainly satisfy the faithful. For those who can’t get enough of Powerwolf’s brand of lycanthropic power metal, this album is another satisfying bowl of their favorite comfort food. As for the rest… Well, if you weren’t howling along before, this pack of tracks won’t have you joining the hunt.

Tracklist

01. Bless ’em With the Blade
02. Sinners of The Seven Seas
03. Kyrie Klitorem
04. Heretic Hunters
05. 1589
06. Viva Vulgata
07. Wake Up the Wicked
08. Joan of Arc
09. Thunderpriest
10. We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints
11. Vargamor