Preachers of the Night cover

Preachers of the Night

Powerwolf · 2013

45 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal

Epic orchestral arrangements meld with thunderous riffs and soaring vocals, creating a powerful metal experience steeped in gothic themes.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Amen & Attack Start here — This track opens the album with an anthemic chorus and relentless energy, establishing the powerful sound that defines the record. Its infectious melody exemplifies Powerwolf's ability to blend theatricality with traditional heavy metal.
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    In the Name of God (Deus Vult) — With its commanding lyrics and driving rhythm, this song captures the band's thematic focus on religious imagery and ancient battles. The blend of melodic hooks and aggressive instrumentation makes it a standout track.
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    Last of the Living Dead — Closing the album with a dramatic flair, this lengthy track combines storytelling with complex musical arrangements, showcasing Powerwolf's artistic ambition. Its gothic atmosphere encapsulates the overarching themes present throughout the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Powerwolf's blend of orchestral arrangements and heavy riffs creates a distinctive power metal sound, though it follows familiar genre tropes.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid guitar riffs and orchestral elements, setting a dramatic tone for the record.
  • Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with anthemic choruses designed for audience participation during live performances.
  • Several tracks incorporate choral backing vocals, enhancing the epic feel and creating a layered sound that complements the lead vocals.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo anthemic energy
  • theatrical narratives for immersion
  • epic soundscapes for sing-alongs
  • dark themes with dramatic flair

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid theatrical, elaborate compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album debuted at number 1 in Germany, expanding their recognition.
Themes
gothic battle hymns· religious imagery· undead folklore
Career context
Released on July 19, 2013, 'Preachers of the Night' marked Powerwolf's fifth studio album and solidified their place in the power metal genre. Following the success of their previous record, 'Blood of the Saints,' this album showcased their signature blend of heavy metal and operatic elements while further developing their theatrical aesthetic.
Stylistic neighbors
Sabaton· Blind Guardian· HammerFall

Tracklist

  • 1 Amen & Attack Start here 3:54
  • 2 Secrets of the Sacristy 4:07
  • 3 Coleus Sanctus 3:45
  • 4 Sacred & Wild 3:40
  • 5 Kreuzfeuer 3:47
  • 6 Cardinal Sin 3:47
  • 7 In the Name of God (Deus Vult) 3:15
  • 8 Nochnoi Dozor 3:45
  • 9 Lust for Blood 3:54
  • 10 Extatum Et Oratum 3:56
  • 11 Last of the Living Dead 7:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata