Powerwolf has just unleashed their latest record, Wake Up The Wicked, a masterpiece that embodies the essence of heavy metal. In a recent conversation with Powerwolf guitarist Matthew Greywolf, the discussion delved into the band’s latest album, their upcoming North American tour with Unleash The Archers, and more.
Get your hands on Wake Up The Wicked now.
The band’s latest album, Wake Up The Wicked, is a testament to their growth and evolution. How do you see Powerwolf continuing to dominate the metal scene, and what steps do you take to keep your music fresh and exciting 20 years into your career? 
For me, Wake Up The Wicked is a culmination of 20 years of Powerwolf‘s history, blending the raw energy of our early days with the layered approach of our later works. We’ve brought back some of the fast-paced moments and epic elements that define our sound, all within 11 compact and dense songs.
The attention to detail on this album is impressive. What creative risks did you take in songwriting and recording this time around that you think fans should pay attention to when listening to the album?
We experimented with various guitar tunings to create dynamics and variation throughout the album, which also helped adapt the songs to Attila‘s preferred vocal range. This approach brought an unexpected but welcome variation in atmosphere and sound. We also incorporated elements like a children’s choir in “We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints” and 80s synths, reminiscent of Maiden‘s “7th son…”. Our goal is to add new, great songs to our trademark style while maintaining an open-minded approach to our music.
Peter Stumpp’s story inspired the song “1589”. What drew you to this tale, and who came up with the idea to put it to music?
The case of Peter Stump is one of the most infamous “Werewolf trials” in Germany, and I was immediately captivated by it. I wrote the song entirely on piano, and when I presented it to Attila, he enjoyed the role of narrator, which made me realize this would be a special song for us. I’m thrilled it became the first single and video song from Wake Up The Wicked.
Your music videos are renowned for their intensity and grandeur. What inspires you to create such visuals, and how do you manage to film on such massive sets like real mast ships and churches?
We strive to tell the story and transport the viewer into the world of the song. We prefer real locations, actors, and practical effects over green screens or CGI. For example, filming “1589” in the English winter, with rain and cold, added to the authenticity of the video. Similarly, shooting “Sinners of the Seven Seas” on a replica of the Neo Victoria, one of Columbus‘ expedition ships, was an immersive experience, despite the seasickness.
With your first-ever headline tour in North America on the horizon, what can fans expect from your performances, and are there any new or special elements you’re bringing to the shows?
We’re excited to premiere Wake Up The Wicked in North America, making it a special experience for fans. We’ll be playing many new cities and bringing new visuals to the stage for the first time. It will be a premiere in many aspects, and we can’t wait for the tour to start.
Are there any plans for US festival appearances in the future, or is that still in the planning stages? European fans have had the chance to experience Powerwolf in open-air settings, and it would be great to see that happen in the US as well.
While we don’t have any US festival plans yet, we’re focusing on the upcoming headline tour and European leg. However, I’m confident that in 2025, we’ll make our way to US festival stages, bringing open-air metal masses to the fans – get ready!
After your performance in NYC last year, a band photo was taken in Times Square. Are there any iconic places you didn’t get to visit last time that you’re looking forward to exploring on this tour?
I’m excited to spend more time in cities we’ve already visited and discover new ones. The tour will take us across the continent, from the west to the east coast and from Florida to Canada. I love watching the landscapes change and experiencing the vast distances. Touring is a unique way to see the world, and I consider it one of the greatest benefits of being a musician.
