19.05.2025 Powerwolf

Graspop Metal Meeting

Dessel (Belgium)

Powerwolf were actually supposed to start their show at 23:00 on the North Stage, but since the old masters of Iron Maiden were in the mood to play - and the organizers are huge fans - Maiden were allowed to celebrate their 50th stage anniversary for an extra 15 minutes. Powerwolf are still quite a way from reaching such a milestone, and having to perform after such an outstanding band is anything but easy. Yet, they handled it brilliantly.
Although the crowd was noticeably thinner compared to Iron Maiden, the wolves made it immediately clear where the journey was headed with their opener “Bless ‘Em With The Blade” from the current album “Wake Up The Wicked.” Opulent power metal shaped by wolf and church themes, paired with a bombastic stage design that repeatedly went up in flames throughout the show. Vocalist Attila Dorn frequently addressed the audience, but also his bandmates Matthew Greywolf on guitar, Charles Greywolf on bass, and Roel van Helden behind the drum kit. Keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegel enriched the performance with occasional theatrical interludes, such as his mock burning as a heretic.
Dorn played the crowd like a virtuoso, and they followed loudly and enthusiastically. There was singing, dancing, and countless call-and-response moments. The mass was celebrated, and during songs like “Amen & Attack” from the 2013 album “Preachers Of The Night” or “Stossgebet” from “The Sacrament Of Sin,” no one remained still. At one point, Dorn stood on stage wielding two flamethrowers, and during another song Schlegel swung the Powerwolf flag, sending sparks flying. Combined with the incredible graphics on the massive LED walls, there was truly a lot to take in visually. But even the greatest show must come to an end, and with the bangers “We Drink Your Blood” from the 2011 album “Blood Of The Saints” and “Werewolves Of Armenia” from the 2009 album “Bible Of The Beast,” the band bid farewell in a shower of sparks as the crowd sang along at full volume.
It wasn’t my first Powerwolf concert - I first crossed paths with them at Wacken in 2013, and at the beginning I always avoided them a bit. Over time I saw them at several other festivals. They were, at their core, too one-dimensional and too over-the-top. In my eyes, that hasn’t changed much to this day, but the level is now significantly higher. Yes, it’s an impressive show and a great voice paired with a solid concept. But over time, that concept wears thin and limits their room for artistic development (the previously celebrated Iron Maiden show what’s possible when you don’t stick too rigidly to one formula). I still remain torn about these guys who hide so consistently behind their alter egos and their invented band lore. The music is good, the show has become phenomenal, but the 80 minutes are stretched a bit too much with sing-along games. Dorn’s lengthy monologues between songs also interrupt the flow of the concert. And more than once during the show I had the feeling I’d already heard a particular song.
Be that as it may: over the years they have steadily grown into a headliner and will continue on their path. But in my view, they won’t reach the level of some other giants of the metal scene unless they broaden their range a bit. Still, it’s definitely worth giving them a listen or checking them out live - it’s absolutely worthwhile.