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Band Timeline
2004
Formation of Powerwolf and early lineup establishment
Powerwolf was formed in 2004 in Saarbrücken, Germany, by members of the stoner rock band Red Aim. The founding members included brothers Charles and Matthew Greywolf, who took on their stage names and recruited German drummer Stéfane Funèbre and keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegel. After searching for a suitable singer, they met Karsten Brill, who became Attila Dorn, the vocalist. Dorn's interest in Romanian werewolf legends heavily influenced their lyrical themes and the band's image. This foundational period set the stage for their blend of power metal with gothic and religious themes.
2005
Debut album 'Return in Bloodred' release and first tour
Powerwolf released their debut album 'Return in Bloodred' in 2005, drawing inspiration from Romanian werewolf folklore, reflecting the passion of their vocalist Attila Dorn. This album established their signature sound combining power metal with gothic and religious imagery and corpse paint aesthetics. Following the album's release, Powerwolf embarked on their first European tour, named the 'Europe in Bloodred Tour,' which helped them gain initial recognition and a growing fan base across Germany and broader Europe.
2007
Release of second album 'Lupus Dei' and supporting Grave Digger tour
In 2007, Powerwolf released their second album, 'Lupus Dei,' which was a concept album centered around a wolf character's journey from bloodlust to enlightenment. This continued to build the band's thematic focus on werewolves and religious symbolism. To promote the album, Powerwolf supported the established German heavy metal band Grave Digger on a tour, exposing them to a wider audience and helping to cement their reputation within the European metal scene.
2008
First video album and Metal is Our Mission Tour
Powerwolf released their first video album, 'The Wacken Worship,' in 2008, which featured live footage from their performance at the Wacken Open Air festival that year. This exposure helped boost the band's profile among metal fans internationally. Additionally, they undertook the 'Metal is Our Mission' tour alongside bands Brainstorm and Pagan's Mind, which expanded their touring experience and solidified their position in the European power metal circuit.
2009
Third album 'Bible of the Beast' released and first chart success
Powerwolf released their third album, 'Bible of the Beast,' on April 24, 2009. This album marked a breakthrough by entering the official German music charts, peaking at number 76, their first chart success. The single 'Raise Your Fist, Evangelist' gained significant attention and was nominated for the Metal Hammer's 'Metal Anthem 2010' award. The band supported the album with a tour in 2010 that helped build their fan base and momentum.
2010
Drummer change: Stéfane Funèbre replaced by Tom Diener
On March 2, 2010, Powerwolf announced the departure of their original drummer, Stéfane Funèbre. He was replaced by Tom Diener. This change marked the first lineup shift since the band's formation, reflecting the band's evolving dynamics as they prepared for new recordings and tours. The drummer transition came after the band's initial charting success and ahead of their next album release.
2011
Release of fourth album 'Blood of the Saints' and new drummer Roel van Helden joins
In 2011, Powerwolf released their fourth studio album, 'Blood of the Saints,' continuing their thematic exploration of religious and supernatural topics. Shortly after the album's release, drummer Tom Diener was replaced by Roel van Helden. This drummer change proved significant as Roel van Helden became a long-term member, contributing to the band's sound and performances. 'Blood of the Saints' helped maintain and elevate Powerwolf's status in the metal community and led to extensive touring.
2012-2013
Signed with Napalm Records and release of 'Preachers of the Night' topping German charts
In 2012, Powerwolf signed with Napalm Records, a major label known for its strong metal roster. This partnership facilitated greater distribution and promotion. In 2013, Powerwolf released their fifth album, 'Preachers of the Night,' which debuted at number one on the German charts, marking their first album to reach the top position. This was a major milestone in their career, showcasing their growing popularity and commercial success. The album was supported by tours that further solidified their presence in Europe and beyond.
2015
'Blessed & Possessed' album certified gold in the Czech Republic
Powerwolf released their sixth studio album, 'Blessed & Possessed,' in 2015. The album was notably successful in the Czech Republic, where it was certified gold due to its strong sales. This achievement underlined the band's expanding international appeal. The album featured a continuation of their distinctive style, combining theatrical religious themes with power metal music, and was promoted via tours and festival appearances across Europe.
2018
Seventh album 'The Sacrament of Sin' released
In 2018, Powerwolf released their seventh studio album, 'The Sacrament of Sin.' This album showcased the band's continued growth in musical complexity and thematic depth, blending their trademark gothic power metal with refined production and grandiose compositions. The release was met with positive reviews and supported by extensive touring, affirming Powerwolf's position as a leading band in the modern power metal genre.
2021
Eighth album 'Call of the Wild' released
Powerwolf released their eighth studio album, 'Call of the Wild,' in 2021. The album continued to develop their iconic werewolf and religious imagery within a power metal framework. Despite challenges posed by the global pandemic, the band managed promotional activities and toured where possible, maintaining strong fan engagement. 'Call of the Wild' reflected the band's resilience and ongoing creative vitality.
2023
Ninth album 'Interludium' released
In 2023, Powerwolf released their ninth album, 'Interludium.' The album continued to explore their thematic signature of werewolves, vampires, and religious symbolism, delivering a mix of new material and reimagined songs. 'Interludium' demonstrated their sustained creative output and the loyalty of their fanbase, reinforcing their status in the European power metal scene.
2024
Tenth album 'Wake Up the Wicked' released
Powerwolf released their tenth studio album, 'Wake Up the Wicked,' in 2024, marking two decades of their presence in the metal scene. The album further embraced their theatrical and thematic styles involving gothic and supernatural elements, continuing to evolve their sound. This milestone release symbolized the band's longevity, consistent growth, and continued relevance within the power metal genre.
Albums
Return in Bloodred
9 tracks
2005
Lupus Dei
11 tracks
2007
Bible of the Beast
12 tracks
2009
Blood of the Saints
11 tracks
2011
Preachers of the Night
11 tracks
2013
Blessed & Possessed
11 tracks
2015
The Sacrament of Sin
11 tracks
2018
Metallum Nostrum
10 tracks
2019
The Symphony of Sin
12 tracks
2020
Call of the Wild
11 tracks
2021
Missa Cantorem I
10 tracks
2021
Missa Cantorem II
11 tracks
2022
Interludium
10 tracks
2023
Wake Up the Wicked
11 tracks
2024
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Charles Greywolf
2011
Electric guitar
Roel van Helden
2011
Drums (drum set)
Falk Maria Schlegel
2003
Keyboard
Attila Dorn
2003
Lead vocals
Charles Greywolf
2003
Electric bass guitar
Matthew Greywolf
N/A
Guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Stéfane Funèbre
2003
2010
Drums (drum set)
Tom Diener
2010
2011
Drums (drum set)
Story of Powerwolf
POWERWOLF (always styled in all caps) is a German power metal behemoth forged in the fires of Saarbrücken in 2004 by members of Red Aim. Their sound is a potent cocktail: the soaring vocals of Attila Dorn (Karsten Brill), the blistering lead guitar of Matthew Greywolf (Benjamin Buss), the rhythmic thunder of Charles Greywolf (David Vogt) on bass/rhythm guitar, the keyboard wizardry of Falk Maria Schlegel (Christian Jost), and the driving percussion of Roel van Helden.
Unlike traditional power metal, POWERWOLF incorporates a unique blend of religious imagery, gothic undertones, and lyrical narratives steeped in werewolf and vampire lore. This, coupled with their striking corpse paint, creates a visually and aurally arresting experience.
Their 2005 debut, Return in Bloodred, ignited the fuse. Lupus Dei (2007) further cemented their growing reputation, culminating in their chart-breaking success with 2009`s Bible of the Beast, their first entry into the official German charts. This period also saw the departure of original drummer Stéfane Funèbre (Stefan Gemballa), replaced first by Tom Diener, then by van Helden in 2011, the same year they unleashed Blood of the Saints. In 2012, POWERWOLF signed with Napalm Records, releasing the critically acclaimed Preachers of the Night in 2013, solidifying their status as power metal royalty.
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