Powerwolf

{{Update|part=1.6 2020–present:/Tour|reason=2024 Tour is missing, 2025 Tour announcement missing|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Powerwolf

| image = Powerwolf - 2019169200102 2019-06-18 Zeltfestival Rhein-Neckar - 1274 - B70I3514.jpg

| landscape = yes

| caption = Powerwolf performing at Zeltfestival Rhein-Neckar in 2019

| origin = Saarbrücken, Saarland, Germany

| years_active = 2004–present

| genre = {{hlist|Power metal|heavy metal}}

| label = {{hlist|Metal Blade|Napalm}}

| current_members = Matthew Greywolf
Charles Greywolf
Falk Maria Schlegel
Attila Dorn
Roel van Helden

| past_members = Stéfane Funèbre
Tom Diener

| associated_acts = {{hlist|Red Aim|Flowing Tears}}

| website = {{URL|powerwolf.net}}

}}

Powerwolf (often stylized in all caps) is a German power metal band founded in 2004{{Cite web |title=POWERWOLF - RockHard |url=https://www.rockhard.de/bands/powerwolf |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=www.rockhard.de |language=de-DE}} in Saarbrücken by members of Red Aim. The band consists of vocalist Karsten Brill as "Attila Dorn", lead guitarist Benjamin Buss as "Matthew Greywolf", bassist/rhythm guitarist David Vogt as "Charles Greywolf", keyboardist Christian Jost as "Falk Maria Schlegel" and drummer Roel van Helden. The group uses religious themes and images, contrary to traditional power metal music, as well as corpse paint, gothic-tinged compositions and songs about werewolf and vampire legends.

They released their debut album, Return in Bloodred, in 2005. Their second album, Lupus Dei, was released in 2007. The band entered the official German charts for the first time in 2009 with their third album, Bible of the Beast. Shortly after its release, their first drummer Stefan Gemballa (stage name Stéfane Funèbre) left the band. He was replaced by Tom Diener, who was replaced in 2011 by Roel van Helden. In the same year, the band released their fourth album, Blood of the Saints. In 2012, Powerwolf signed with Napalm Records and released Preachers of the Night in 2013. It has debuted at No. 1 in Germany. Their sixth album, Blessed & Possessed, released in 2015, was certified gold in the Czech Republic. Their seventh album, The Sacrament of Sin, was released in 2018. Their eighth album, Call of the Wild, was released in 2021. Their ninth album, Interludium, was released in 2023. Their tenth album, Wake Up the Wicked, was released in 2024.

Powerwolf has embarked on several tours, with a majority of their tour dates taking place inside of Europe. They also change their costumes for every album. Over the years, a theme has developed which personifies the band members as werewolves, leading fans to refer to the band affectionately as "The Wolves".

History

= 2003–2009: Formation and first albums =

File:Powerwolf live 2009 01.jpg

{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center

| align = right

| direction = vertical

| image1 = Powerwolf Christogram.svg

| image2 = Powerwolf wordmark.svg

| footer = Powerwolf have used their logo (top) since the release of Preachers of the Night in 2013 and their typeface since the start of their discography

}}

Powerwolf was formed in 2003 by the members of the stoner rock band Red Aim.{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/red-aim-mn0000522523/biography|title=Red Aim {{!}} Biography & History|website=AllMusic|access-date=21 August 2019}} When the band was founded, the members decided to take on pseudonyms and build up backstories around those.{{cite web |url=http://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/aktuell/lokalnews/International-erfolgreiche-saarlaendische-Metal-Band-Powerwolf-setzte-neues-Album-in-Saarbruecken-in-Szene;art27857,4755229 |title=Saarbrücker Zeitung: International erfolgreiche saarländische Metal-Band Powerwolf setzte neues Album in Saarbrücken in Szene |access-date=26 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309135308/http://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/aktuell/lokalnews/International-erfolgreiche-saarlaendische-Metal-Band-Powerwolf-setzte-neues-Album-in-Saarbruecken-in-Szene;art27857,4755229 |archive-date=9 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}

Officially, the brothers Charles and Matthew Greywolf had been playing together for years when they decided to create a band, and so Powerwolf was started. Soon the brothers added German drummer Stéfane Funèbre and German keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegel to the band, but could not find a suitable singer to complete the line-up. In the meantime, the band started writing, and on holidays in Romania, Charles and Matthew met Attila Dorn in a pub and invited him to join their band.{{cite web|url=https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/interview/Powerwolf_(VO)/231|title=Powerwolf(VO)|publisher=Spirit of Metal webzine|access-date=28 May 2022}} Dorn, a student of classical opera at the academy in Bucharest, moved to the band's hometown Saarbrücken, and became the frontman of Powerwolf. With Dorn's love of Romanian werewolf legends, the band created their debut album, Return in Bloodred, which used these same legends as the basis for many of the lyrics. After the album's release, Powerwolf went on their first tour titled Europe in Bloodred Tour.

In 2007, they followed up with their second album, Lupus Dei, a concept album starring a wolf as the main character and his rise from bloodlust to enlightenment.{{cite web |url=http://www.bioandlyrics.com/powerwolf/biography |title=Powerwolf Biography |publisher=Bioandlyrics.com |access-date=7 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004080633/http://www.bioandlyrics.com/powerwolf/biography |archive-date=4 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.metalblade.co.uk/index.php?mod=artists&page=interviewdetail&id=51&interviewid=38 |title=Metal Blade Records |publisher=Metalblade.co.uk |access-date=7 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201215352/http://www.metalblade.co.uk/index.php?mod=artists&page=interviewdetail&id=51&interviewid=38 |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=dead }} Powerwolf supported Grave Digger during their tour.

In 2008, Powerwolf released their first video album The Wacken Worship. It contained live footage of their show at Wacken Open Air 2008.{{Citation|title=Powerwolf in the Wacken Worship|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3832918/|access-date=24 November 2019}} In the same year, they went on a Metal is our Mission Tour together with Brainstorm and Pagan's Mind.

The single "Raise Your Fist, Evangelist" was released on 19 March 2009.{{Cite web|url=https://metalmundus.pl/news.php?readmore=1719|title=Metal Mundus - Lepsza strona Rocka - News: POWERWOLF - kawałek na MySpace|website=metalmundus.pl|access-date=24 November 2019}} Powerwolf's third album Bible of the Beast was released on 24 April 2009. The record was able to place as the band's first album in the German charts and reached number 76.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/powerwolf-s-bible-of-the-beast-lands-on-german-chart/|title=POWERWOLF's 'Bible Of The Beast' Lands On German Chart|last=Blabbermouth|date=7 May 2009|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=24 November 2019}} They embarked on a tour supporting the album in 2010. "Raise Your Fist, Evangelist" was nominated for the Metal Hammer "Metal Anthem 2010" award.{{Cite web|url=http://www.metal-discovery.com/Interviews/powerwolf_interview_2010.htm|title=Metal Discovery: Interview with Powerwolf - 13th August 2010|website=metal-discovery.com|access-date=24 November 2019}}

= 2010–2011: Drummer change and ''Blood of the Saints'' =

On 2 March 2010 Stéfane Funèbre left the band and was replaced by Tom Diener. Powerwolf announced it on their Myspace blog.{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=10534|title=Powerwolf - Part Ways With Drummer, Replacement Announced - Metal Storm|website=metalstorm.net|access-date=27 August 2019}}

In November 2010, Powerwolf organist Falk Maria Schlegel stated about the group's new material:{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/powerwolf-to-enter-studio-in-december/ |title=POWERWOLF To Enter Studio In December |date=29 November 2010 |publisher=blabbermouth.net |access-date=17 April 2015}}

{{Blockquote|text=We spent the last three months in the rehearsal room working out stuff for the new album. Even though it's still in the making, we can already promise the songs are 100% POWERWOLF, taking off where Bible of the Beast ended. There's furious stuff, there's epic stuff — and all of it is catchy as hell.|sign=|source=}}

On 28 May 2011 the band announced on their website that Tom Diener was replaced by a new drummer Roel van Helden from the Netherlands.{{Cite web|url=http://www.powerwolf.net:80/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629014542/http://www.powerwolf.net:80/|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2011|title=POWERWOLF - Blood of the saints|date=29 June 2011|access-date=27 August 2019}}

The band released the single "Sanctified with Dynamite" on 24 May 2011 and the second one on 5 July 2011 titled "We Drink Your Blood", to which Powerwolf recorded their first ever music video. It was shot in an ancient monastery church. Falk Maria Schlegel commented that "Shooting the video in such a special and atmospheric place was incredible. The combination of the sacral interior of the church, including altar, confessional box and a church organ with a lot of fire, fog and metal insanity was the perfect set for a Powerwolf video."

Their fourth album, titled Blood of the Saints, was released on 29 July 2011 in Europe and 2 August in the United States.

In September 2011, Powerwolf went on a quadruple headline tour with Sabaton, Grave Digger and Skull Fist.

= 2012–2013: Debut with Napalm Records =

File:Powerwolf by Florian Stangl.jpg

In 2012, Powerwolf released two albums. The first was the Wolfsnächte 2012 Tour EP,{{cite web |url=http://www.powerwolf-shop.net/epages/63661100.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/63661100/Products/%22CD%20-%20Wolfsn%C3%A4chte%202012%20-%20Tour%20EP%22 |title=CD - Wolfsnächte 2012 - Tour EP - Powerwolf Webshop |language=de |publisher=Powerwolf-shop.net |access-date=7 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428042533/http://www.powerwolf-shop.net/epages/63661100.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=%2FShops%2F63661100%2FProducts%2F%22CD%20-%20Wolfsn%C3%A4chte%202012%20-%20Tour%20EP%22 |archive-date=28 April 2013 |url-status=dead }} a split EP with Mystic Prophecy, Stormwarrior, and Lonewolf. This EP featured a previously unreleased Powerwolf track, "Living on a Nightmare". Copies of this EP were originally distributed along with the purchase of tickets to Powerwolf's Wolfsnächte Tour 2012{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/powerwolfmetal/posts/397764740238694 |title=Powerwolf - The FAN PACKAGES (Concert-ticket + tour CD)... |publisher=Facebook |access-date=7 August 2013}} but since the tour's conclusion, copies have been available in the Powerwolf webstore.

The second of Powerwolf's 2012 releases was Alive in the Night, the band's first live album. It contained 10 tracks and was just over 45 minutes in length. It was released with the April 2012 issue of the German edition of Metal Hammer.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=15936 |title=Powerwolf - To Release Live Album Through Metal Hammer Germany |publisher=Metal Storm |access-date=7 August 2013}}

On 13 August 2012, Powerwolf signed a deal with Napalm Records.{{Cite web|url=https://www.powerwolf.net/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326015920/https://www.powerwolf.net/|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 March 2013|title=POWERWOLF - Blood of the saints|date=26 March 2013|access-date=24 August 2019}}

Powerwolf released their EP The Rockhard Sacrament on 22 June 2013. The band also released their single "Amen & Attack" on 28 June 2013.{{Cite web|url=https://powerwolf.bandcamp.com/album/amen-attack|title=Amen & Attack, by Powerwolf|website=Powerwolf|access-date=24 August 2019}}

Preachers of the Night was released on 18 July 2013. The album has entered the official German album charts at position 1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?artist_search=Powerwolf&do_search=do|title=Suche - Offizielle Deutsche Charts|website=offiziellecharts.de|access-date=21 August 2019}}

= 2014–2016: ''Blessed & Possessed'' =

File:Powerwolf - Wacken Open Air 2015-2482.jpg 2015]]

In 2014, Powerwolf released The History of Heresy I and The History of Heresy II, the second of which included several orchestral versions of Powerwolf songs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Powerwolf/The_History_of_Heresy_I_(2004-2008)/410245|title=Powerwolf - The History of Heresy I (2004-2008) - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives|website=metal-archives.com|access-date=24 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Powerwolf/The_History_of_Heresy_II_(2009-2012)/470358|title=Powerwolf - The History of Heresy II (2009-2012) - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives|website=metal-archives.com|access-date=24 August 2019}}

Powerwolf began working on their sixth album in June 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/new-powerwolf-album-due-next-year/|title=New POWERWOLF Album Due Next Year|last=Blabbermouth|date=9 December 2014|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=13 January 2020}} They announced their new album on their Facebook page on 5 December 2014. On 8 May 2015, the band released their single "Army of the Night" and "Armata Strigoi" on 5 June 2015. Their new album Blessed & Possessed, which was released on 17 July 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Powerwolf-Blessed-Possessed/release/7240498|title=Powerwolf - Blessed & Possessed|website=Discogs|date=17 July 2015 |access-date=24 August 2019}} They embarked on a tour supporting the album into 2016.

Boxset and earbook editions of the album featured a bonus CD Metallum Nostrum, which contains 10 songs of different artists that Powerwolf's band members selected to cover, such as Judas Priest, Running Wild, Savatage, Chroming Rose, Gary Moore, Ozzy Osbourne, Amon Amarth, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/powerwolfs-cover-version-of-gary-moores-out-in-the-fields-available-for-streaming/|title=POWERWOLF's Cover Version Of GARY MOORE's 'Out In The Fields' Available For Streaming|last=Blabbermouth|date=3 July 2015|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=13 January 2020}}

Powerwolf released their second video album The Metal Mass – Live on 27 July 2016 in Japan and 29 July 2016 in Europe. It contained live footage of three shows: Masters of Rock 2015, Summer Breeze 2015, Wolfsnächte Tour 2015, music videos to "Amen & Attack", "Army of the Night", "We Drink Your Blood" and "Sanctified with Dynamite", a festival documentation "A Day At Summer Breeze" and a tour documentation movie "Kreuzweg – Of Wolves And Men".{{fact|date=March 2024}}

= 2017–2019: ''The Sacrament of Sin''=

File:Powerwolf Rockharz 2018 09.jpg 2018]]

On 10 October 2017, Powerwolf announced on Facebook that they had completed writing for their seventh full-length album, promising its release to occur sometime in 2018. In January 2018, the band entered the studio to begin recording the album, due later in the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/powerwolf-begins-recording-new-album-at-swedens-fascination-street-studios/|title=POWERWOLF Begins Recording New Album At Sweden's FASCINATION STREET STUDIOS|date=25 January 2018|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=25 January 2018}} The title of the album was later announced as The Sacrament of Sin, which was released on 20 July 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Powerwolf-The-Sacrament-Of-Sin/release/12286080|title=Powerwolf - The Sacrament Of Sin|website=Discogs|date=20 July 2018 |access-date=24 August 2019}} It was Jens Bogren's first production work for Powerwolf. The album was rated positively by the critics, highlighting mainly the new elements that Powerwolf put in the music. The album also flourished commercially, ranked first in the German charts, and also ranked in several other countries. On 14 September 2018, the album won a German Metal Hammer "Best album of the year" award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2018/09/15/news/winners-revealed-for-2018-german-metal-hammer-awards/|title=Winners Revealed For 2018 German 'Metal Hammer Awards'|date=15 September 2018|website=Theprp.com|access-date=13 January 2020}}

A limited edition mediabook version of The Sacrament of Sin featured a second disc named Communio Lupatum, which featured Powerwolf songs covered by other artists selected by the band members, such as Epica, Saltatio Mortis, Caliban, Battle Beast, Heaven Shall Burn, Kadavar, Kissin' Dynamite, Mille Petrozza, Marc Görtz, Amaranthe and Eluveitie.{{Cite web|url=https://www.moshville.co.uk/news/2018/05/powerwolf-unveil-details-of-cover-album-communio-lupatum/|title=Powerwolf unveil details of cover album "Communio Lupatum"|website=The Moshville Times|date=9 May 2018|access-date=24 August 2019}}

In support of the album, the band performed in Europe during 2018 and 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wave-of-darkness.de/powerwolf-auf-wolfsnaechte-tour-2018/|title=Powerwolf auf "Wolfsnächte Tour 2018"|last=Schieler|first=Andreas|date=21 September 2018|website=Wave of Darkness|language=de-DE|access-date=13 January 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://kulturalnemedia.pl/muzyka/powerwolf-i-gloryhammer-wspolnie-odwiedza-polske/|title=Powerwolf i Gloryhammer wspólnie odwiedzą Polskę|last=Nazar|first=Natalia|date=29 June 2019|website=Kulturalne Media|language=pl-PL|access-date=13 January 2020}}

On 11 January 2019, Powerwolf re-released their cover album Metallum Nostrum.{{Cite web|url=https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Powerwolf/Metallum_Nostrum/755610|title=Powerwolf - Metallum Nostrum - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives|website=metal-archives.com|access-date=13 January 2020}}

On 1 November 2019, the band released their single of their re-written and re-recorded version of "Kiss of the Cobra King".{{Cite web|url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/powerwolf-a-novembre-il-nuovo-singolo-kiss-of-the-cobra-king/|title=POWERWOLF: a novembre il nuovo singolo "Kiss Of The Cobra King"|website=Metalitalia.com|language=it-IT|access-date=4 November 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://vampster.com/tourdaten/powerwolf-vier-headliner-konzerte-in-deutschland/|title=POWERWOLF: neue Single "Kiss Of The Cobra King" & Tour im November • News, Tourdaten • vampster.com}}

= 2020–present: ''Call of the Wild'', ''Interludium'' and ''Wake Up the Wicked'' =

In 2020, Powerwolf went on their first Latin America tour along with Amon Amarth. They had to cancel the last three concerts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|title=Shows in El Salvador, Costa Rica and Colombia have been cancelled! {{!}} POWERWOLF|url=https://www.powerwolf.net/news/|access-date=16 May 2020}}

On 16 January 2020, Powerwolf announced their greatest hits album titled Best of the Blessed.{{Cite web|title=Powerwolf announce Best Of The Blessed compilation album|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/powerwolf-announced-best-of-the-blessed-compilation-album|last=Lewry|first=Fraser|date=17 January 2020|website=Metal Hammer Magazine|access-date=17 January 2020}}{{Cite web|title=Powerwolf to Release 'Best Of The Blessed' Album|url=https://allthatshreds.com/powerwolf-to-release-best-of-the-blessed-album/|last=Magazine|first=All That Shreds|date=16 January 2020|website=Welcome To All That Shreds Magazine!|access-date=17 January 2020}} Initially set to be released on 5 June 2020, it was later scheduled to be released on 3 July 2020.{{fact|date=March 2024}}

File:PowerwolfGraspop.jpg in 2022.]]

On 28 April 2020, Powerwolf announced work on a new studio album, to be released in 2021.{{Cite web|title=Powerwolf: banda começou a escrever material para o próximo álbum|url=https://whiplash.net/materias/news_744/320267-powerwolf.html|website=whiplash.net|language=pt-br|access-date=16 May 2020}}{{Cite web|title=POWERWOLF: al lavoro sul nuovo album|url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/powerwolf-al-lavoro-sul-nuovo-album/|website=Metalitalia.com|language=it-IT|access-date=16 May 2020}}{{Cite web|title=Powerwolf begin songwriting for new LP {{!}} NextMosh: Rock and Metal News|date=28 April 2020|url=https://nextmosh.com/powerwolf-begin-songwriting-for-new-lp/|access-date=16 May 2020}}

On 19 January 2021, Powerwolf announced their new album will be named Call of the Wild.{{Cite web|title=New Album Title: "Call of the wild"|url=https://www.powerwolf.net/2021/01/19/new-album-title-call-of-the-wild/|date=19 January 2021|website=Powerwolf.net|access-date=9 February 2020}} Later on 20 May 2021, the first song of the album, "Beast of Gévaudan", was released.{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/powerwolf-beast-of-gevaudan-video-lyrics-call-of-the-wild-album/|title = Powerwolf Debut Song About 1700s Man-Eating 'Beast of Gévaudan'|website = Loudwire| date=20 May 2021 }} On 9 June 2021, a re-recorded version of "Demons Are a Girl's Best Friend" featuring Alissa White-Gluz on vocals (from Missa Cantorem, the bonus cover album included with various special formats of Call of the Wild) was released.{{Cite web|last=June 2021|first=Metal Hammer09|title=Watch Arch Enemy's Alissa White-Gluz front Powerwolf for new Demons Are A Girl's Best Friend video|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/watch-arch-enemys-alissa-white-gluz-front-powerwolf-for-new-demons-are-a-girls-best-friend-video|access-date=2021-06-12|website=Metal Hammer Magazine|date=9 June 2021|language=en}} On 23 June, the band released another new song of their new album called "Dancing with the Dead".{{Citation|title=Dancing with the Dead| date=23 June 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw9S3PQImlI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/Sw9S3PQImlI| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-06-24}}{{cbignore}}

On 16 July 2021, Call of the Wild, the band's eighth album, was released.{{Cite web|title=New album "Call Of The Wild" out now!|url=https://www.powerwolf.net/2021/07/16/new-album-call-of-the-wild-out-now/|date=18 July 2021|website=Powerwolf.net|access-date=18 July 2021}}

On 4 October 2022, the band announced that they are set to perform their first North American shows in New York City and Montreal in February 2023.{{cite web |title=Powerwolf Announces First-Ever North American Shows |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/powerwolf-announces-first-ever-north-american-shows |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=5 October 2022 |language=en |date=4 October 2022}} On 28 November, Powerwolf announced that their ninth studio album, Interludium, would be released on 7 April 2023.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/powerwolf-to-release-interludium-album-in-april-2023|title=POWERWOLF To Release 'Interludium' Album In April 2023|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=28 November 2022|date=28 November 2022}} On 4 April 2024, Powerwolf announced that their tenth studio album, Wake Up the Wicked, is set for release on 26 July 2024.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/powerwolf-to-release-new-studio-album-wake-up-the-wicked-in-july|title=POWERWOLF To Release New Studio Album, 'Wake Up The Wicked', In July|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=April 4, 2024|date=April 4, 2024}}

Artistry

= Musical style and lyrics =

{{listen | filename = Powerwolf - Fire & Forgive.ogg | title = "Fire & Forgive" | type = music| description = Sample of "Fire & Forgive" from The Sacrament of Sin (2018).}}

Powerwolf's sound has primarily been described as power metal{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/powerwolf-mn0000518763/biography |title=Powerwolf |publisher=ALLMusic |access-date=18 June 2022}}{{cite web| url=https://metalstorm.net/bands/band.php?band_id=2630 |title=Powerwolf |publisher=Metal Storm |access-date=25 July 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/powerwolf-meet-power-metals-batshit-crazy-secret-weapon|title=Powerwolf: meet power metal's batshit crazy secret weapon|last=Lawson|first=Dom|website=Metal Hammer Magazine|date=10 January 2019|access-date=30 November 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://powerthorn.com/2019/11/01/powerwolf-release-15th-anniversary-version-of-kiss-of-the-cobra-king/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218132538/https://powerthorn.com/2019/11/01/powerwolf-release-15th-anniversary-version-of-kiss-of-the-cobra-king/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 February 2020|title=Power Metal: Powerwolf Release 15th Anniversary Version Of 'Kiss Of The Cobra King'|last=kanismaximus|date=1 November 2019|website=PowerThorn|access-date=30 November 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://cojestgrane24.wyborcza.pl/cjg24/1,13,19599885,0,Powerwolf--mistrzowie-power-metalu-w-Gdansku.html|title=Powerwolf: mistrzowie power metalu w Gdańsku|website=cojestgrane24.wyborcza.pl|language=PL|access-date=30 November 2019}} and traditional heavy metal.{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalist.co.il/interviewprivate.asp?id=278&lang=eng|title=:: Metalist Magazine :: Interviews :: Powerwolf - גרמנים עם רעב טרנסילבני ::|website=metalist.co.il|access-date=30 November 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghostcultmag.com/live-review-powerwolf-amaranthe-live-at-the-mill-birmingham-uk/|title=Powerwolf - Amaranthe: Live at The Mill, Birmingham (UK)|last=Alcock|first=Gary|date=28 January 2019|website=Ghost Cult Magazine|access-date=30 November 2019}}

Powerwolf's musical style is different from other power metal bands.{{Cite web|url=https://www.darkside.ru/interview/515/|title=Interview с Powerwolf|last=Harchenko|first=Arseniy|website=DARKSIDE.ru|access-date=24 August 2019}} In addition to the classic metal instruments, organ sounds are used. For the studio albums, a church choir was recorded.{{Cite web|url=http://www.stalker.cd/?lang=2&content=81&id=102|title=Interview: POWERWOLF: The death of the last wild wolf - STALKER MAGAZINE inside out of rock´n´roll|website=stalker.cd|access-date=22 August 2019}} The band states that their main influences are Black Sabbath, Mercyful Fate, Forbidden and Iron Maiden.{{Cite web|url=https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/powerwolf.htm|title=Powerwolf Interview|website=powerofmetal.dk|access-date=24 August 2019}}

The dominant language of the lyrics is English, but they also use Latin ("Werewolves of Armenia", "Lupus Dei", "Kreuzfeuer", "Stossgebet", "Sanctus Dominus"), and rarely German ("Moscow After Dark", "We Take the Church by Storm", "Werewolves of Armenia", "Kreuzfeuer", "Amen & Attack", "Stossgebet", "Glaubenskraft"). The lyrics of the band are characterized by the treatment of Christianity and ancient Romanian legends. Powerwolf, however, do not consider themselves a religious band, but rather call themselves spiritual.{{cite web|url=http://studiorock.ro/interviews/interview-with-powerwolf-20/|title=Interview with Powerwolf|date=15 August 2011|publisher=StudioRock}} When asked if he was a Christian or a Satanist, Matthew Greywolf answered: "I am a metalist, a metal fan. Metal is my religion. Look at all these people, what unites them? I can tell you, it's the fucking metal."{{Cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/powerwolf-too-many-bands-take-themselves-too-seriously|title=Powerwolf: "Too many bands take themselves too seriously!"|last=Dare|first=Tom|website=Metal Hammer Magazine|date=18 August 2015|access-date=22 August 2019}} In one of the interviews, Matthew is quoted saying:

{{Blockquote|text=Some people are confused because we never make a point of saying the silly words of which side we are on. A lot of people ask us, "Are you Satanists? Are you Christians?" And we never say anything about that, and we never will, because in what we do in Powerwolf, it's not important what we as individuals believe or stand for. We sometimes describe religious history, we sometimes write about Satanism, Catholicism, or whatever, but we never judge anything. I think on one side, this is confusing people, but on the other side, a lot of people do understand that we only describe or write lyrics about something, not to deliver a message.|author=|title=|source=}}

= Live performances =

Audience engagement, and pyrotechnics are important parts of Powerwolf's stage show.{{Cite web|url=http://stage.bravewords.com/galleries/bang-your-head-2018-hungry-like-a-powerwolf|title=Bang Your Head!!! 2018 - Hungry Like A Powerwolf!|last=bravewords.com|website=bravewords.com|access-date=30 November 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://studiorock.ro/interviews/interview-with-powerwolf-20/|title=Interview with Powerwolf — Interviews — Studio Rock|website=studiorock.ro|access-date=30 November 2019}} The vocalist Attila Dorn often speaks directly to the audience and engages them in various activities, such as singing or shouting, before announcing the next song.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-powerwolf-swx/|title=Review: Powerwolf, SWX|date=22 January 2019|website=Bristol 24/7|access-date=30 November 2019}} The band calls their concerts a "heavy metal mass".{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/metal-hammer-uk/20181206/284335430728690|title=Fiendish power metallers raise the stakes in North London|via=PressReader|access-date=30 November 2019}} Their stage setup was designed by Matthew Greywolf.

Members

= Current=

Benjamin "Matthew Greywolf" Buss – lead guitar (2003–present)
David "Charles Greywolf" Vogt – bass, rhythm guitar (2003–present)
Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost – keyboards (2003–present)
Karsten "Attila Dorn" Brill – vocals (2003–present)
Roel van Helden – drums (2011–present)

{{Gallery

|title=Powerwolf band members

|align=center

|File:Powerwolf - 2019169202228 2019-06-18 Zeltfestival Rhein-Neckar - 1652 - B70I3892 (cropped).jpg

|Matthew Greywolf

|Powerwolf - Wacken Open Air 2015 - 2015213131905 2015-08-01 Wacken - Sven - 1D X - 204 - DV3P2099 mod (cropped).jpg

|Charles Greywolf

|File:20170816 Dinkelsbühl Summer Breeze Powerwolf 0320.jpg

|Falk Maria Schlegel

|File:Powerwolf Rockharz 2018 22 (cropped).jpg

|Attila Dorn

|File:VSpectrum-Powerwolf-Roel van Helden-0410 (cropped).jpg

|Roel van Helden}}

= Live =

Markus Pohl – lead guitar (2016–present)
Fabian Schwarz – lead guitar (2012)

= Former =

Stefan "Stéfane Funèbre" Gemballa – drums (2003–2010)
Tom Diener – drums (2010–2011)

= Timeline =

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at:07/16/2021

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bar:Roel from:06/16/2011 till:end color:drums

}}

Discography

Tours

Europe in Bloodred Tour 2005 (2005){{Cite web|url=http://www.mymetal.club/en/metal-clips/stratovarius/powerwolf-lupus-dei-impressions-from-europe-in-bloodred-tour-2005-11a444.html|title=Powerwolf - Lupus Dei - Impressions from Europe in bloodred tour 2005 - Metal Clips - MyMetal.club|last=wms|first=concise|website=mymetal.club|date=10 January 2008 |access-date=21 September 2019}}
Grave Digger Tour 2007 (with Grave Digger) (2007){{Cite web|url=http://www.powerwolf.net:80/indexhtml.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519131040/http://www.powerwolf.net:80/indexhtml.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 May 2008|title=Powerwolf|date=19 May 2008|access-date=21 September 2019}}
Metal is our Mission Tour 2008 (with Brainstorm and Pagan's Mind) (2008){{Cite web|url=https://search.blabbermouth.net/news/brainstorm-to-tour-europe-with-pagan-s-mind-powerwolf/|title=BRAINSTORM To Tour Europe With PAGAN'S MIND, POWERWOLF|last=Blabbermouth|date=23 November 2007|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=21 September 2019}}
Bible of the Beast Tour 2010{{Cite web|url=http://powerwolf.net/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226074629/http://powerwolf.net/|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 December 2010|title=POWERWOLF - BIBLE OF THE BEAST|date=26 December 2010|access-date=21 September 2019}} (2010)
Power of Metal Tour 2011 (with Sabaton, Grave Digger, and Skull Fist) (2011){{Cite web|url=https://www.sabaton.net/news/tour-shows/power-of-metal-ii-2011-tour/|title=POWER OF METAL II 2011 TOUR|date=7 June 2011|website=Sabaton Official Website|access-date=21 September 2019}}
Wolfsnächte Tour 2012 (with Mystic Prophecy, Stormwarrior, and Lonewolf) (2011–2012){{Cite web|url=https://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=15261|title=Powerwolf - Announce European Dates For Wolfsnächte Tour 2012|date=6 December 2011|website=metalstorm.net}}
Wolfsnächte Tour 2013 (with Majesty, Battle Beast, Ashes of Ares, and Wisdom) (2013){{Cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/powerwolf-wolfsnachte-tour-2013-announced-majesty-battle-beast-to-support|title=POWERWOLF - Wolfsnächte Tour 2013 Announced; MAJESTY, BATTLE BEAST To Support|last=bravewords.com|website=bravewords.com|date=11 April 2013 |access-date=21 September 2019}}
Wolfsnächte Tour 2015 (with Orden Ogan, Xandria, and Civil War) (2015){{Cite web|url=https://www.rock-fanatics.de/tourankundigungen/powerwolf-wolfsnaechte-tour-2015/|title=Powerwolf - Wolfsnächte Tour 2015|last=Maurer|first=Leonie|date=10 February 2015|website=ROCK FANATICS - Webzine|language=de-DE|access-date=21 September 2019}}
Blessed & Possessed Tour 2016 (with Battle Beast and Serenity) (2016){{Cite web|url=https://kvlt.pl/newsy/powerwolf-w-polsce-znamy-support/|title=Powerwolf w Polsce: znamy support {{!}} Kvlt|language=pl-PL|access-date=21 September 2019}}
Wolfsnächte Tour 2018 (with Amaranthe and Kissin' Dynamite) (2018){{Cite web|url=https://www.metal.de/touren/powerwolf-wolfsnaechte-tour-2018-304640/|title=Powerwolf - Wolfsnächte Tour 2018 • metal.de|website=metal.de|access-date=21 September 2019}}
The Sacrament of Sin Tour 2019 (with Gloryhammer) (2019){{Cite web|url=https://www.powerwolf.net/2019/03/01/the-sacrament-of-sin-tour-2019/|title=THE SACRAMENT OF SIN TOUR 2019 {{!}} POWERWOLF|last=powerrolf|access-date=21 September 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.powerwolf.net/2018/09/25/new-tour-dates-for-2019-confirmed/|title=THE SACRAMENT OF SIN TOUR 2019! {{!}} POWERWOLF|last=powerrolf|access-date=21 September 2019}}
Berserker Latin America '20 (with Amon Amarth) (2020){{Cite web|url=https://www.metalcastle.net/amon-amarth-powerwolf-announces-2020-latin-america-tour-dates/|title=Amon Amarth + Powerwolf Announces 2020 Latin America Tour Dates|last=Erel|first=Gorkem|date=3 December 2019|access-date=14 December 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=37231|title=Amon Amarth - Latin American Tour Confirmed, Powerwolf Supporting - Metal Storm|website=metalstorm.net|access-date=14 December 2019}}
Wolfsnächte Tour 2022 (with DragonForce and Warkings) (2022){{cite web |url=https://bravewords.com/news/powerwolf-postpone-european-wolfsnachte-headline-tour-2021-to-november-december-2022-support-acts-dragonforce-and-warkings-announced |title=POWERWOLF Postpone European Wolfsnächte Headline Tour 2021 To November / December 2022; Support Acts DRAGONFORCE And WARKINGS Announced |website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles |date=27 August 2021 |access-date=26 March 2023}}
North American Tour 2023 (2023) {{Cite web|last=MetalInjection |date=2023-01-11 |title=POWERWOLF Announces More US Tour Dates |url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/powerwolf-announces-more-us-tour-dates |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=metalinjection.net |language=en}}
North American Tour 2024 (with Unleash the Archers) (2024){{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-02-06 |title=POWERWOLF Announces August/September 2024 North American Tour |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/powerwolf-announces-august-september-2024-north-american-tour |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}
Wolfsnächte Tour 2024 (with Hammerfall & Wind Rose){{cite web | url=https://www.powerwolf.net/news/news-archive?view=article&id=109&catid=10 | title=Wolfsnächte Tour 2024 }}

Awards and nominations

| 2010

| "Raise Your Fist, Evangelist"

| Metal Hammer — Metal Anthem 2010{{Cite web|url=http://www.metal-discovery.com/Interviews/powerwolf_interview_2010.htm|title=Metal Discovery: Interview with Powerwolf - 13th August 2010|website=metal-discovery.com|access-date=29 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.powerwolf.net/_content/index777.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805093250/http://www.powerwolf.net/_content/index777.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 August 2011|title=POWERWOLF - BIBLE OF THE BEAST|date=5 August 2011|access-date=29 August 2019}}

| {{Nominated}}

| rowspan=2|2011

| Powerwolf

| Metal Hammer — Newcomer of the year{{Cite web|url=http://www.dongopenair.de/en/archives/bands/2013/powerwolf|title=Band Archive 2013 - Powerwolf {{!}} Dong Open Air Metal Festival|website=dongopenair.de|access-date=26 August 2019}}

| {{Won}}

| Blood of the Saints

| Metal Hammer — Power metal album of the year{{Cite web|url=http://www.full-metal-mountain.com/|title=Full Metal Mountain|website=full-metal-mountain.com|access-date=26 August 2019}}

| {{Won}}

| rowspan=2|2013

| rowspan=7|Powerwolf

| Metal Hammer — Best German band