Powerwolf’s reign over metal stages has been nothing short of spectacular, and with their first full-fledged North American tour, the power metal giants are making sure to leave a mark that won’t soon be forgotten. Hailing from Germany, the holy ground of metal, Powerwolf is known for their bombastic blend of operatic vocals, massive riffs, and thematic obsession with religious iconography. After years of building an international following, they stunned the American metal scene last year with a handful of high-profile shows, including their North American debut in New York City, paving the way for this highly anticipated full North American tour. The tour supports their latest album, “Wake Up The Wicked” and included the live debut of several of the new tracks at the tour open in Hollywood just a few days prior. The stage was set for a triumphant night, and the crowd at Chicago’s iconic Riviera Theatre was ready to finally participate in the holy metal mass.

With a start time of 8 PM, the power metal shenanigans began long before the music could start, as the most dedicated fans began lining up outside the Riviera at 7:30 AM. The dreams of being right in the front, mere feet away from one of the most recognized bands in power metal, fueled the ragtag bunch. Friendships both old and new kept spirits high and made time pass quickly. Lining up all day for a show is certainly not a requirement, but for those who do, it’s a way to extend the fun beyond just the three hour show. Those who lined up early are forever bonded with each other and with the band, as the Powerwolf guys stopped by to take photos and greet everyone.

Once it was finally time, the night kicked off with Unleash The Archers, the Canadian powerhouse whose blend of power metal and melodic death metal has earned them an avid fanbase. As soon as they hit the stage, it was clear they were determined to leave an impression. Frontwoman Brittney Slayes commanded attention with her powerful vocals, soaring over the band’s tight, blistering instrumentation. Tracks like “Abyss” and “Tonight We Ride” had the audience singing along, while guitarists Andrew Kingsley and Grant Truesdell shredded through complex riffs and solos with a technical precision that was utterly mesmerizing. The band’s 2024 album, “Phantoma,” was featured heavily, not just with the new tracks being played but also with the stunning artwork displayed on the backdrop mixed with perfectly moody lighting. Despite being the opener, Unleash The Archers played with an intensity that could easily have made them the headliner on another night.

The highlight of Unleash The Archers’ set, however, came with their closing song, a cover of Stan Rogers’ iconic Canadian folk tune, “Northwest Passage.” In contrast to their earlier speed and bombast, this song brought a different kind of power in the form of pure emotional depth. As Brittney’s vocals climbed through the haunting melody, the audience was swept into the story of exploration and struggle. Her delivery, paired with the band’s somber, reverent approach, transformed the song into a metal anthem, full of weight and meaning. By the end, the entire venue erupted into thunderous applause, inexplicably patriotic towards a country most have never even visited. It was a moment that transcended the genre, a perfect encapsulation of metal’s capacity to evoke a deep emotional connection.

As Powerwolf took the stage, the atmosphere shifted to outright electric. The band wasted no time launching into their set, immediately kicking off with one of the powerhouse tracks from “Wake Up The Wicked,” “Bless ’em With the Blade.” Vocalist Attila Dorn, with his operatic baritone, captivated the crowd as he effortlessly switched between snarling growls and clean, choir-like passages. The band’s larger-than-life stage presence was only enhanced by their elaborate costumes and gothic-inspired stage design.

As they powered through fan favorites like “Amen & Attack” and “Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” the crowd became fully immersed in the theatricality of it all. The band’s cohesion was on full display – each member moving like a well-oiled machine. Falk Maria Schlegel, the band’s organist, was particularly captivating as he darted across the stage, often leaving his keyboards mid-song to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Falk and Attila both seemed to feed off of each others’, and the crowd’s, energy. The synergy between the musicians and the audience was palpable, each song met with deafening cheers and synchronized, and sometimes not so synchronized, chants that filled the air.

A slight mishap with the snare drum breaking offered a brief reprieve and gave Attila the opportunity to banter with the crowd, testing everyone on proper Powerwolf chants and even getting to chat a bit with a fan who looked strikingly similar to the singer himself. Once the snare was repaired, it was right back to the music, picking the intensity right back up as if there was never any delay.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night unfolded during “Stossgebet,” a slightly slower, slightly more obscure track compared to much of Powerwolf’s high-energy catalog. Yet, every note was imbued with raw, commanding power. Attila’s vocal prowess truly shined here, his deep, resonant voice exuding a sense of ritualistic majesty that made the song feel like a grand incantation. As the chorus swelled, the crowd seamlessly became one with the band, belting out the lyrics despite most of the song being in German. There’s something uniquely electrifying about hearing a band perform in their native language, especially when they could easily cater to an English-speaking audience. It adds an extra layer of authenticity and intimacy to the performance, heightening the emotional impact tenfold. And while the meaning of the song’s lyrics may be incredibly unserious and ultimately about sex (not unlike several other Powerwolf songs), the sheer intensity of the moment made it feel nothing short of monumental.

Ending the night with an iconic encore of fan favourites “Sanctified With Dynamite,” “We Drink Your Blood,” and “Werewolves of Armenia,” Powerwolf left nothing on the table. The infectious choruses reverberated through the venue, with nearly every single person either singing along, moshing, or crowdsurfing – the perfect final blow in a set full of larger-than-life moments. The final notes rang out, and as the band took their bows, fans erupted into a thunderous applause that seemed to go on forever.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Powerwolf had solidified their place among the greats of live metal performances. Their ability to blend theatricality, musicianship, and raw emotion into a seamless experience left no doubt that this North American tour will be the first of many to come. The combination of Unleash The Archers’ heartfelt opening and Powerwolf’s thunderous set was a testament to the enduring power of metal. It wasn’t just another concert, it was a celebration of the power metal genre itself – an experience that reminded everyone why they fell in love with power metal in the first place.

September 3rd, 2024