Powerwolf – Blessed & Possessed Tour Edition (Out 6 Jan 2017 via Napalm Records)
The sixth album by German (well, pan European) power metal band Powerwolf, Blessed And Possessed was originally released in the Summer of 2015.
Formed in 2003, the band have produced some fine albums with often a dark or gothic themes (musically and lyrically) often around Eastern European Vampire and Werewolf legends. This was largely deliberately the antithesis of the more uplifting European power metal sound.
Here we get the original album with a bonus disc of live material (different to the recent Metal Mass DVD).
The original album kicks off with the title track that blends twin guitar with classic power metal keyboards in a rich manner. The following track is more blistering with plenty guitar shred and interplay. The vocals are harsh and strong, and the touches of guitar / vocal harmonies add a classic power metal touch.
Complete with Corpse Paint, Powerwolf put on a fine live show as the 14 track (plus intro) set here shows. The vocals are surprising clear and powerful for the aggressive music, and the sound is, like the performance, really strong here. More than enough guitar for any headbanger here, and the production and keyboards add a little polish too. A varied set-list also.
Sadly material from the original album’s bonus disc (a series of covers, including by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest) is not included; as a collector that’s a missed opportunity but that said, as good a new album / live set package as you’ll get for the average Metal Head. 7.5/10
Joe Geesin
Disc: 1
1. Blessed & Possessed
2. Dead Until Dark
3. Army Of The Night
4. Armata Strigoi
5. We Are The Wild
6. Higher Than Heaven
7. Christ & Combat
8. Sanctus Dominus
9. Sacramental Sister
10. All You Can Bleed
11. Let There Be Night
Disc: 2
1. Intro
2. Sanctified With Dymite
3. Coleus Sanctus
4. Army Of The Night
5. Amen & Attack
6. Resurrection By Errection
7. Armata Strigoi
8. Kreuzfeuer
9. Werewolves Of Armenia
10. In The Name Of God
11. Blessed And Possessed
12. All We Need Is Blood
13. Dead Boys Don’t Cry
14. We Drink Your Blood
15. Lupus Dei
Attila Dorn – Vocals
Matthew Greywolf – Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Charles Greywolf – Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Bass guitar
Roel van Helden – Drums, Percussion
Falk Maria Schlegel – Organ, Keyboards