I like the Powerwolf gene pool; Celtic qualities of Blind Guardian, the heavier darker side from Grave Digger, Hammerfallish hymns, and the galloping bounce of Running Wild, and this time around on ‘Secrets Of Sacristy’ clearly in the opening the happy upbeat feel from Edguy. And interestingly enough, the image (and artwork using the wolf as mascot) compliments their darker contribution to the European Power metal scene, wearing all black and corpse painted faces.

‘Amen and Attack’ leads the wolf pack toward battle with those big Sabaton gang vocals launching into twin guitar leads and gallop rhythm section. The radio single/ hooky quality to ‘Coleus Sanctus’ is ready for the summer European festivals. Nice melodic leads in ‘Sacred and Wild’, church organ (common ingredient to Powerwolf arrangements, also see ‘Cardinal Sin’ which has a great Gamma Ray/Angra delivery) compliments ‘Kreuzfeuer’, which is sung in one of their native languages German/Romanian/Dutch? Dramatic cinematic drums and orchestration opens the triumphant ‘Nochnoi Dozor’, ‘Lust For Blood’ follows and equally spirited. These songs are so ready for the beer guzzling European summer festivals, Lol, fun, energetic without being silly or hokey.

‘Last of The Living Dead’ closes the album with a slowed down tempo but a big chorus to match the rest. Good stuff, Powerwolf one of the best from the younger generation to succeed their forefathers.

Also, check out their last album “Blood Of The Saints” where they did a great job defining themselves.