POWERWOLF: CALL OF THE WILD

   German Power Metal preachers Powerwolf are very quickly becoming a household name within the Metal music community. With the release of their excellent eighth album, Call Of The Wild, their notoriety and fame is destined to grow exponentially. With an huge cult following, Powerwolf have changed the modern Power Metal game and are rapidly proving themselves as the alpha at the head of the modern Heavy Metal pack.

   Bounding like a furious beast, opening blow "Faster Than The Flame" is a formidable Power Metal assault armed with crunchy riffs, relentless drumming, blistering solos, layered with atmospheric organs and led by frontman Attila Dorn's commanding operatic vocals.

   Pummelling your ears like cannon fire, "Beast Of Gévaudan" is a marauding monster of a track, with huge hooks and an infectious chorus, collosal synth soundscapes, crunchy riffs and a piercing solo. Eerie chants, tolling bells and creepy keys introduce "Dancing With The Dead", a mid-paced rock along melody which displays all the Powerwolf trademarks with massive sing-along choruses and killer soaring guitar work. 

   Mammoth thundering riffs, hammering drums and incredible vocals abound, "Varcolac" is a Power Metal force to behold, energetically marching and stomping like the titan of an album highlight that it is. "Alive Or Undead" changes the pace of the album, providing a brief respite from the merciless heaviness with a slow building epic Metal ballad that will bring a tear to the eye. 

   Lifting the mood once more with bagpipes and synths, "Blood For Blood (Faoladh)" sounds like a grand battle hymn delivering salivation inducing heavy riffs and superb vocals, but it is definitely a more synth and drum driven track. Insanely catchy yet distinctly sinister, "Glaubenskraft" is loaded with hooks and boasts one of the hugest choruses of the album regardless of the possible language barrier. The riffs here are also heavier than Atlas' burden, coupled with atmospheric chants, choirs and church bell, this is a phenomenal standout moment.

   Baring all the traditional Power Metal and Powerwolf hallmarks, title track "Call Of The Wild" is fast paced, upbeat and uplifting, overflowing with brain-melting shredding riffs, solos and leads and a chorus that solidifies the track's position as a future live favourite. Mesmerising Power Metal whirlwind "Sermon Of Swords" is a metallic storm of fist-pumping melodic grooves, crunchy riffs, blinding solos and battering drums. Tongue in cheek number "Undress To Confess" presents a commanding vocal performance, vibrant synths, rumbling bass notes and is certainly memorable, not just for its humourous themes but also for it melodic rocking grooves.

   Closing this masterpiece with a short sharp Heavy Metal needle in your ear drum, "Reverent Of Rats" is a fast and nasty slab of Thrashing riffage, smashing drums and a rapid harsh vocal style. 

   Overall, Call Of The Wild is an impressive and highly enjoyable album, a worthy and consistent continuation in Powerwolf's staggeringly good discography. Full of future live highlights and instantly memorable material. Powerwolf's eighth full-length album is a masterpiece in its own right, with excellent songs guaranteed to please their ravenous fanbase and help to swell the ranks of their ever growing pack even further.

NO NONSENSE METAL RATING: 9.0/10

For fans of: SABATON, BLOODBOUND, BATTLE BEAST

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