Powerwolf: Call Of The Wild

Three years since the release of the sublime Sacrement of Sin, German Power Metallers Powerwolf arise from a full moon with a brand new opus that howls loudly and that is neatly titled Call of the Wild.

From being a follower of the band since their debut effort Return in Bloodred, I have listened to every single effort from the Saarland based quintet and I have managed to catch the band live three times over the years (Sabaton Open Air 2018, London 2018, Bristol 2019).

Therefore, the main question is was I impressed by the elite's eighth full length? At first, I would say not so much as I would of liked or expected, however after a good few listens and time this record is definitely a grower to say the least.

Kicking us off with the Triumphant trailblazer 'Faster Than the Flame', we have Powerwolf leaving us where they left us last in the same Vain as the superb opener from the previous outing 'Fire and Forgive' and it delivers with just one hell of a punch. Elevating from the ashes with a charming pace, absolute power, Atilla Dorn's astonishing operatic vocals, determination and the dramatic horror effect from the howling pack; overall it just simply distributes a fantastically arranged firestarter and a stormer to warmly welcome us to the journey that is Call of the Wild.

Moving on we have the energetically spirited video single of 'Dancing With the Dead' that keeps spirits fling high. Now, this track really expresses as a whole exceptionally well what the five piece is naturally all about with a sense of ease and I instantly loved the depths of this magnificent composition from the offset. Going forward this one and the other catchy video single 'Beast of Gevauden' are both together excellent additions to the discography and they are successful pinnacles arranged by the driving double act of the Greywolf brothers & Co.

Towards the latter end of the record the tracks appear from more of a familiar stage of affairs and they arrive in the formations of the religiously mythological 'Sermon of Swords', the snappy simplistic typical Powerwolf entitled 'Reverant of Rats', and the superbly patched out episode that cleverly brings out the humour that the band are well known for escorted in as 'Undress to Confess'.

All these numbers will definitely grow over time so be patient and give them a few more chances or listens to really experience them as not a repetitive run of contemporary compositions asof they hailed from previous outings or something we may have heard before because believe you me it surely felt like that at first, however eventually they became very enjoyable indeed and fun additions to add to the Power Metal assembly's back catalogue.

Moreover, a honourable mention must go out to the folky sounding anthemic feels of 'Blood For Blood (Faoladh)' that essentially escorts a unique value of inspiration from the Greywolf Brothers and Falk Maria Schlegal on keys as a possible fan favourite on the live front for upcoming gigs alongside future endeavours that include the wild wolves.

Personally, this very welcoming composition reminds me of a Turisas track mixed with something Powerwolf has delivered to us in the past, however do not mistake this as a revisit to previous emotive aspects of past albums. For the arms of positivity, this has the quality to give that extra boost to the solidified musicality on display throughout the essences of the comfortable full-length effort Call of the Wild.

Also, do not forget to check out the bonus CD 'Missa Cantorem' that involves Powerwolf favourites from all the previous seven records with a large range of guest vocalists, including Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, ex-Gamma Ray, Baron Carta), Doro Pesch (Doro, ex-Warlock), Johan Hegg (Amon Amarth), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy, ex-The Agonist), Matthew Heafy (Trivium), Bjorn Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra, Act of Denial) and many more. A highlight to mention is the superiorly stunning 'Demon's A Girls Best Friend' from 'The Sacrament of Sin' featuring the brutally harsh vocals of Gluz that at a first glance I did not think I would like it but how wrong was I? I would highly recommend you should go and listen to this - it will give you goosebumps and it will absolutely rock your socks off, I have no about that for one second.

Track List:
1. Faster Than the Flame
2. Beast of Gevaudan
3. Dancing With the Dead
4. Varcolac
5. Alive or Undead
6. Blood For Blood (Faoladh)
7. Glaubenskraft
8. Call of the Wild
9. Sermon of Swords
10. Undress to Confess
11. Reverant of Rats

Added: August 4th 2021
Reviewer: James Mannion
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1106
Language: english

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