Share the post "Album review: POWERWOLF – Preachers Of The Night"
Napalm Records – Out Now.
Fans of Heavy Metal have understood the importance of and pledged their allegiance towards the mighty riff since guitar wizard Tony Iommi first began to perfect his power chords back in the late 60s. But even he, the man who is responsible by many for single-handedly bringing our beloved musical genre to life, understood the importance of image in the overall game.
Many decades and zillions of bands later, through an array of impressive albums, Power/Heavy Metal combo Powerwolf have managed to stand out from the crowd and have made a career for themselves by doing this very same thing – combining catchy riffs and powerful falsetto-style vocals with a unique atmospheric/gothic, wolf-infused image.
Having fulfilled their contractual obligations towards Brian Slagel’s Metal Blade records, the predominantly German quintet has become part of the impressive and ever-increasing roster of the Austrian label Napalm Records through which they are set to release their fifth studio album, “Preachers Of The Night”.
In many ways, and perhaps quite understandably, Powerwolf have decided to start this new collaboration by releasing an album that plays to the band’s strengths, rather than seeking to push musical boundaries, but this is no bad thing in this case. Though slightly less flamboyant and consistent when compared with albums like “Lupus Dei” (2007) & “Bible Of The Beast” (2009), this brand new eleven track album features enough catchy riffs and pompous sing-along choruses to keep your interest and support towards this band fairly intact.
The album shows its true colours quite early on, as the opening track “Amen & Attack” features tons of organ-infused atmospheric passages and dynamic sing along melodies – all powered by Attila’s commanding falsetto-style vocals. Without taking anything away from the remaining members of the band, it is really Attila’s contribution that provides this album with much flair and high energy, elevating, in the process, songs like “Coleus Sanctus” & “Cardinal Sin” to the status of newly-born classics.
Even when the band seems to be going through the motions, like in the Helloween-influenced “Secrets Of The Sacristy” or the simple-riffed “In The Name Of God (Deus Vult)”, you are still guaranteed to find a short vocal theme or an atmospheric organ-led part that is hugely catchy and this is something that not many similar albums can boast of.
With an average length of four minutes, these eleven compositions are memorable, direct and audience-friendly – the kind of songs that the band’s loyal fans will have no problem whatsoever singing along to during the upcoming tour.
An impressive studio album is the kind of ‘weapon’ that every band wishes to possess at the beginning of a new business collaboration. Though not the strongest addition to the band’s musical arsenal, I am sure that the executive managers of Napalm Records see “Preachers of the Night” as evidence that they made the right decision when offering a contract to this unique band.
With much of their strength to be found in their live performances, Powerwolf are set to hit the road this autumn in support of their latest offering – all you have to do is to get your tickets in time as this, I am sure, will once again be a spectacle not to be missed.
John Stefanis
Rating: **** (4.0/5.0)
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.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
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 3 November 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 29 October 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 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review: POWERWOLF – Preachers Of The Night"