Bible of the Beast cover

Bible of the Beast

Powerwolf · 2009

94 min · 22 tracks · heavy metal

Epic anthems collide with theatrical storytelling and relentless guitar riffs, creating a uniquely dark yet exhilarating power metal experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Raise Your Fist, Evangelist Start here — This track encapsulates Powerwolf's signature blend of fierce energy and religious imagery, showcasing their theatrical style with powerful choruses and driving riffs.
  • →
    Catholic in the Morning... Satanist at Night — The provocative title and lyrical content challenge traditional beliefs while maintaining an infectious melody that highlights the band's knack for catchy hooks.
  • →
    Resurrection by Erection — With its tongue-in-cheek approach to religious themes, this track exemplifies Powerwolf's ability to blend humor with heavy instrumentation, making it a fan favorite.
  • →
    Midnight Messiah — This song combines intricate arrangements with soaring vocals, demonstrating the band's musicianship while exploring darker themes within a melodic framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and cohesive storytelling within its power metal framework.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of choral backing vocals that enhance the theatricality of the tracks.
  • Several tracks utilize extended instrumental sections, allowing for elaborate guitar solos that showcase technical proficiency.
  • The running order includes interludes that serve as transitions between heavier tracks, contributing to an overarching narrative.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical peaks and valleys
  • dark themes with operatic flair
  • dynamic journey with surprises
  • sing-along anthems for gatherings
  • late-night energy and excitement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • dislike theatrical listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its theatrical storytelling and signature sound.
Themes
religious duality· theatrical storytelling· dark humor in faith
Career context
Released in 2009, Bible of the Beast marked Powerwolf's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record, Lupus Dei. At this point, the band had solidified their identity within the power metal genre and was building a devoted fanbase across Europe.
Stylistic neighbors
Sabaton· Blind Guardian· HammerFall

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Opening : Prelude to Purgatory 1:13
  • 2 Raise Your Fist, Evangelist Start here 3:59
  • 3 Moscow After Dark 3:14
  • 4 Panic in the Pentagram 5:14
  • 5 Catholic in the Morning... Satanist at Night 3:57
  • 6 Seven Deadly Saints 3:35
  • 7 Werewolves of Armenia 3:54
  • 8 We Take the Church by Storm 3:54
  • 9 Resurrection by Erection 3:50
  • 10 Midnight Messiah 4:12
  • 11 St. Satan's Day 4:30
  • 12 Wolves Against the World 6:04

Disc 2

  • 1 Intro 1:30
  • 2 We Take It From the Living 4:12
  • 3 Prayer in the Dark 5:02
  • 4 We Came to Take Your Souls 4:53
  • 5 Saturday Satan 6:02
  • 6 In Blood We Trust 3:50
  • 7 Mr. Sinister 5:38
  • 8 Mother Mary Is a Bird of Prey 3:56
  • 9 Kiss of the Cobra King 5:31
  • 10 Lupus Dei 6:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata