Powerwolf - Symphonic Werewolves hit Belgium again!

June 28th 2014

Dessel, Graspop Festival, Belgium

***

Just not as good as last time!

Graspop Metal Meeting

Powerwolf *** (Main Stage 2) are a German band that really impressed me when I saw them the last time they played at Graspop Metal Meeting so I was looking forward to catching their set. I never been a big fan myself of bands in this genre but Powerwolf I think have a slight edge to them. Powerwolf are Power Metal that verges on Symphonic Metal in places and could be put in with Lost Horizon and Nightwish at the same time, so they have a lot going for themselves.

The performance starts off with the 'Lupus Daemonis' intro and continues with 'Sanctified with Dynamite' odd the 'Blood of the Saints' album, probably the one that brought them to the attention of a lot of people. The anthem esq. symphonics really bring the set to light.The only problem I have with Powerwolf is... are they a one trick pony and once you have seen them once. You have seen what they have to offer and their isn't anymore, the other thing is that I am totally sure their image totally goes with their music but I respect the fact they are trying something new.

The costumes and scenery always look great for the bands set and grab you into what they are trying to do, even though they have been the same ones for over a year now. 'Coleus Sanctus' off the bands last album 'Preachers of the Night' sounded better than ever on the main stage 2 and also resembles a Sabaton album track in places. This is good because their are so many fans for the Swedish band in the audience in the crowd. This song also has hints of bands like Turisas or Alestorm lightly in the mix, but in the way Powerwolf like to record their songs. Also the guitar solo by Matthew Greywolf on this song sounds really good and shows that they are great musicians.

'Amen and Attack' 'Sacred and Wild' is a track that let's drummer Roel van Helden show of what he can do, which is a hell of a lot. Roel is a killer drummer that is one of the points of interest in any Powerwolf set, I know I can't keep my eyes off him when he hits the drums because he has a really interesting style of drumming. Next song up is 'Resurrection by Errection' which sounds like it should be the title of a song by Turbonegro and is almost as silly, the difference is the musicianship of Powerwolf is far superior to Turbonegro so they really pull it off.

'Werewolves of Armenia' is almost now an anthem for Powerwolf and one of the songs in the bands set that is most accepted by the audience, like 'Raise your Fist, Evangelist' that came before it in the set. This song was a good excuse to throw your fists in the air and go crazy, so their was a great deal of movement in the crowd.

The high point of the set is the live version of 'We drink your Blood' which is recieved like an old friend. They end the set with 'Lupus Dei' off the album of the same name, which is one of the bands stand out tracks and ends the set off in the right way. I would check out Powerwolf again but I would like to see them reaching out the box again and delivering something new and not the same old, same old which they gave the Graspop Metal Meeting this year.

Powerwolf - Setlist
-------------------
Lupus Daemonis (Intro)
Sanctified with Dynamite
Coleus Sanctus
Amen and Attack
Sacred and Wild
Resurrection by Erection
Raise your Fist, Evangelist
Werewolves of Armenia
We drink your Blood
Lupus Dei

Review and Photo's by Dave Deadsy