Powerwolf
Lupus Dei

Following Lux's suggestion, I also decided to try my hand at reviewing an album, and among all the possible alternatives, I chose for my debut an album that, from what I could see, had not yet been reviewed here on Debaser. The album in question is "Lupus Dei" by Powerwolf, their second album which closely follows the debut "Return in Bloodred". Before delving into the "technical" details of the album, it's worth saying a few words about the band, composed of Romanian and German musicians dedicated to a rather canonical heavy-power. Yes, what you'll find in this album closely follows the classic themes of melodic heavy metal, bordering on power: fast-paced and energetic tracks alternated with slower and more rhythmic but equally "heavy" ones, all connected by the versatile voice of Attila Dorn (Romanian, as can be inferred from the name) who handled the writing of the lyrics. Lyrics that are all focused on themes between horror and gothic, with recurring references to vampires and werewolves, and that sometimes seem written in a simplistic and banal manner. Nonetheless, the strengths of this album are the vocal lines, unhampered by the partial insufficiency of the lyrics, which manage to be captivating, leading to epic and majestic choruses. Another noteworthy element is the practically constant presence of the organ, capable of giving that gothic touch that enriches the compositions. Finally, a brief mention of the production, of excellent quality and able to best highlight a powerful sound like that of Powerwolf.

Now let's move on to the track-by-track analysis: "Lupus Daemonis", the intro, is left to the hoarse voice of Attila Dorn who, accompanied by the organ, recites an Ave Maria (in Latin) that closes on the notes of "We Take It From The Living", the first true song characterized by the perfectly fitting and engaging vocal lines. Certainly one of the best tracks of the entire album, along with the following "Prayer In The Dark" and "Saturday Satan", fast songs with choruses that easily stick in your mind. It's then the turn of "In Blood We Trust": here too we find a chorus that couldn't be more catchy and a powerful and "square" musical structure. "Behind The Leathermask" instead has its roots in the purest power metal and can also count on a refrain that among all is certainly the most epic and solemn. Next, we find "Vampires Don't Die", another sustained up-tempo, an obvious reference to the horror theme present (we could almost say that it "haunts" it!) throughout the album; then the more rhythmic "When The Moon Shines Red" and "Mother Mary Is A Bird Of Prey", perhaps the least convincing track. The closure is reserved for "Tiger of Sabrod", another truly convincing piece, and the title track that leaves us with the recital of the Pater Noster in Latin. In conclusion, this is an album recommended for lovers of classic heavy-power that, although it doesn't add anything new to the genre and despite the obvious limits perhaps due to inexperience (one among many is the not always perfect English pronunciation), is appreciated for the expressive charge and for the conviction that these five guys express in music. Certainly, it's an excellent foundation to build upon. Who knows, perhaps the next album will be the one of their definitive maturation.

1. Lupus Daemonis (Intro)
2. We Take It From The Living
3. Prayer In The Dark
4. Saturday Satan
5. In Blood We Trust
6. Behind The Leathermask
7. Vampires Don't Die
8. When The Moon Shines Red
9. Mother Mary Is A Bird Of Prey
10. Tiger Of Sabrod
11. Lupus Dei