Powerwolf Unleashes New Album “Wake Up The Wicked”

Powerwolf has just dropped their latest album, Wake Up The Wicked, delivering an exhilarating mix of heavy metal styles that fans have come to love. In an exclusive interview, guitarist Matthew Greywolf shares insights on the new record, the band’s creative evolution, and their upcoming North American tour with Unleash The Archers.

The Evolution of Powerwolf’s Sound

Capturing the Essence of Powerwolf

With the release of Wake Up The Wicked, Greywolf is excited about how the album encapsulates 20 years of Powerwolf’s journey. He states, “We managed to capture that spark of enthusiasm and the raw energy of our early classics such as ‘Bible of the Beast’ while also incorporating the layered approaches of later albums like ‘The Sacrament of Sin.’” The new record features 11 compact and energetic tracks that reflect both the band’s classic sound and modern sensibilities.

Creative Innovations in Songwriting

Attention to Detail

Greywolf highlights the album’s creative leaps, particularly in guitar tunings, which were adjusted to suit lead vocalist Attila‘s vocal range. This decision not only enhanced the songs but also added a dynamic atmosphere to the album. “We also experimented with details like a children’s choir in ‘We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints’ and incorporated synths reminiscent of Iron Maiden’s ‘7th Son…,’” he explains, emphasizing the band’s desire to keep their sound fresh while remaining true to their roots.

Exploring Werewolf Lore

The track “1589” draws inspiration from the infamous werewolf trial of Peter Stump in Germany. Greywolf recounts how he became captivated by Stump’s story, leading him to compose a dramatic piano-based theme for the track. “Attila enjoyed himself in the role of the narrator, which is when I knew this song would be special,” he shares.

Visual Storytelling in Music Videos

Immersive Video Production

Powerwolf’s music videos are known for their intense visuals and storytelling. Greywolf reveals that the band aims to create videos that transport viewers into the narrative of the song. “We’re tired of music videos that feature the band playing in an abandoned hangar. We prefer real locations and real actors,” he states. Their commitment to authenticity is evident in the making of the video for “1589,” filmed in harsh winter conditions in England, showcasing the dedication of the cast and crew.

North American Tour and Festival Plans

Excitement for the Tour

As Powerwolf prepares for their first-ever headline tour in North America, they plan to premiere Wake Up The Wicked during this run. “Bringing the songs and new visuals to the stage for the first time is always extremely exciting,” Greywolf notes, mentioning that they will perform in many cities for the first time.

Future Festival Appearances

While currently focused on their North American tour, Greywolf hints at potential festival appearances in 2025, expressing hope for outdoor metal events in the U.S. He states, “I’m quite sure that in 2025 we will make our way across the pond to bring some open-air metal masses.”

Exploring North America

Anticipation for New Experiences

Despite their previous visit, Greywolf acknowledges that North America is vast, and there’s much more to explore. He looks forward to traveling across the continent on their tour bus, appreciating the changing landscapes as they move from coast to coast.

Conclusion

With Wake Up The Wicked, Powerwolf continues to push the boundaries of heavy metal, blending classic and modern influences while maintaining their unique thematic identity. As they gear up for an exciting North American tour, fans are in for a thrilling experience as the band brings their new music and immersive performances to the stage.

FAQs

When was “Wake Up The Wicked” released?

The album was released today, marking a significant addition to Powerwolf’s discography.

What themes can fans expect in the new album?

The album incorporates themes of werewolf lore, particularly highlighted in the song “1589,” which tells the story of Peter Stump, a notorious werewolf trial figure.

Will Powerwolf be touring in the U.S.?

Yes, the band is set to embark on their first headline tour in North America, premiering their new album live.

What can fans expect from Powerwolf’s music videos?

Powerwolf’s music videos are known for their cinematic quality, featuring real locations and actors to tell the story behind each song, aiming for a more immersive experience.

Are there any future festival plans for Powerwolf in the U.S.?

While there are no confirmed festival appearances yet, the band is considering options for 2025 after their upcoming tour.