POWERWOLF - Blood Of The Saints CD Review

ARTIST: Powerwolf
TITLE: Blood of the Saints
LABEL: Metal Blade
YEAR: 2011
REVIEWED BY: Trystan MacDonald

Powerwolf might not be the most unique name for a Power Metal band, but very few are when it comes to this genre of Heavy Metal. “Blood of the Saints” is the third release from Powerwolf, and is an attempt by the band at a more orchestral sound.

Unfortunately, the Orchestral/Power Metal sound has been done much better. It’s not to say that the album itself is bad, but I found myself relating riffs and different progressions to the bigger Power Metal bands, such as Blind Guardian, Symphony X and Sonata Arctica. All of whom created those same riffs and did a much better job of executing them.

The vocals of lead singer, Attila Dorn, are superb if not flawless. The songs “Son of a Wolf” and “Night of the Werewolves” are some of the most vocally impressive Power Metal songs I’ve heard in awhile. His vocal range and depth is absolutely incredible and is really showcased in this album. These impressive songs, however, are counterbalanced by songs that are generic and typical of Power Metal in every way. Some songs even border on cheesy. “Sanctified with Dynamite”, the album’s single, is a perfect example (What does that even mean anyways?).

Fans of the band will probably love this album. I personally enjoy the album. But I find that the majority of the album falls short of the more dynamic and powerful sounds of the bigger Power Metal bands.

TRACKLISTING:

01. Agnus Dei (Intro)
02. Sanctified With Dynamite
03. We Drink Your Blood
04. Murder At Midnight
05. All We Need Is Blood
06. Dead Boys Don't Cry
07. Son Of A Wolf
08. Night Of The Werewolves
09. Phantom Of The Funeral
10. Die, Die, Crucified
11. Ira Sancti *When The Saints Are Going Wild)