Customer Reviews

Lupus Dei

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Vocalist: Attila Dorn, amazing vocal.

`Lupus Dei' is the second release of the multinational (German/Romanian/French) band Powerwolf. The songs exist of old-school heavy metal, leaning towards power metal, with a doom atmosphere. You will hear some influences from Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Iron Maiden and Mercyful Fate, all wrapped in contagious melodies.

One of the best bands for me.

Where `Return In Bloodred' outshone in predictable, dead compositions, `Lupus Dei' is a stride forward. Powerwolf, despite the atmosphere and constructions of the compositions are a sequel of the previous cd, shows a brighter, less predictable sound. Those who like transmittable melodies, a dark atmosphere and refrains which infectiously keep spinning in your head, `Lupus Dei' is certainly a cd worth checking out.

Never heard of this band until this week. They are outstanding. The lead singer is as good as Tobias Samett (Avantasia) and Luca Turilli (Rhapsody). Kind of a goth/classic/metal combination. If you like metal, you'll like this band.

Forging a distinct identity in a very crowded field, Powerwolf's second album is a thrilling ride through fog shrouded forests and ancient graveyards and a fantastic heavy metal album.

The obvious musical touchstone here is Mercyful Fate, (particularly the In the Shadows and Time albums), powerful, traditional metal riffing with a distinct european flavor seasoned with a heavy dose of keyboard and vocal atmospherics. Special mention must be given to vocalist Attila Dorn, a classically trained opera singer with a burning metal heart. Attila is confident, powerful and dynamic. His vocal charisma carries some songs, and elevates many others.

Lyrically, Powerwolf's songs are an interesting mixture of religious themes, metal shout-outs, and dark fantasy. There is also a tounge-in-cheek aspect to some of the lyrics and the end result is much more unique and engaging then the thousands of Masters of the Universe meets Conan the Barbarian medieval epics that dominate the power metal landscape.

Lupus Dei kicks off with an atmospheric intro that could have opened any of King Diamond's solo albums before launching into We Take it From the Living, a strident anthem with a majestic and infectious chorus. The intensity jumps up dramatically with Prayer in the Dark. Attila's voice SOARS on the verses here as he rides some high octane riffing that recalls Maiden's Piece of Mind or Priest's classic Painkiller. A true album highlight. Saturday Satan veers sharply from the urgency of the previous track with an almost playful edge in the lyrics and vocal.The arrangement is very strong with great riffs and choral vocals. In Blood We Trust is a solid but unremarkable track that will probably be forgotten in the wake of Behind the Leathermask, a stirring battle anthem with urgent vocals and some great vintage 80's traditional metal riffing. Vampires Don't Die kicks the album back into overdrive as Attila breathlessly and aggressively growls over the ferocious chugging of the Greywolf Brothers (bass and guitar). A juggernaut of a song. Another abrupt change of moods brings us the slow, doomy When the Moon Shines Red. Both Ancient Dreams era Candlemass and Moonspell's Wolfheart album are invoked here, and the power of Attilla's voice on the chorus is bone-chilling. Mother Mary is a Bird of Prey is another decent track that fails to stand out (damn shame, that title is awesome!) but the excellence of Tiger of Sabrod more then picks up the slack. An ominous tale of a supernatural predator, TOS alternates between stalking verses driven by a slow chugging riff and growling vocal, and a mournful pre-chorus which features tolling bells and some startlingly beautiful singing from Attila. A fantastic song that really encapsulates what Powerwolf have to offer. The first few minutes of six-minute album closer Lupus Dei are spellbinding. The chiming of bells heralds a somber pipe organ melody, before Attila begins to chant in latin. His deep rich voice is doubled by an ethereal female voice and suddenly powerchords crash in and the chanting continues with increased aggression and intensity.Unfortunately the track is a bit scattershot from here and fails to live up to its mesmerizing opening.

I really hope a label like Nuclear Blast signs this band and puts some promotional muscle behind them. Powerwolf's lyrical themes aren't for everyone, but Lupus Dei is an intriging ,consistant, and compelling metal album that any fan of the genre should give a fair chance.