Album review: POWERWOLF – Blessed & Possessed

POWERWOLF - Blessed & Possessed

Napalm Records [Release date 17.07.15]

Powerwolf are back with album number six and the second one I have heard by them having been mightily impressed by their last albums ‘Preachers Of The Night’. As their name suggests they play power metal and they certainly know how to pen a catchy tune.

Now power metal can get very samey after awhile and some bands really so wash over you, so luckily Powerwolf have two big pluses. One is the vocals of Atilla Dorn, he has an operatic delivery and although he sings fast, you can still easily make out the words.

Secondly, the church organ playing of Falk Maria Schlegel which adds greatly to the band’s love of the historic and religious lyric. A good example of this is ‘Christ & Combat’ based on the Crusades and the fade out of Iron Maiden approved bass playing and choral backing rounds off a strong song.

The title track and ‘Higher Than Heaven’ are insanely catchy songs, with instant sing-a-long choruses and all that is good in power metal. Singing partly in Latin on ‘Sanctus Dominus’ again adds to the overall effect and enjoyment of the song, again listen out for the ever present church organ nicely backing the song’s main riff and guitar solos.

Powerwolf know their audience and are very good at what they do. Be nice to have a really overblown ballad, ‘Let There Be Night’ comes close but I was imaging choirs, orchestra, kitchen sink etc.

Power metal fans who have yet to try the band should have a listen to this, great fun and one of the best power metal bands currently out there.  ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 14 April

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio



David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 14 April 2024.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 9 April 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024

BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024

09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023


To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to an X (Twitter) account



Popular (last 10 days)


Please log in/register