Despite my experience in the world of power metal being incredibly and horribly limited, Powerwolf has remained one of the few constants for me as this band has had my attention ever since I first heard them with their last album. It was a stupendous record if you ask me and still stands proudly on its own without breaking a single sweat. I eagerly awaited for a follow-up along with many other fans, and Powerwolf has finally delivered an answer with an album that’s the exact sort of thing we’ve come to expect from them.

Sure, delivering something that can really be labeled as a “surprise” can feel repetitive and even boring at times, but if the band in question makes it fucking work then where’s the problem? Powerwolf does virtually nothing to their style, especially when going from “Blessed and Possessed” to “The Sacrament of Sin”, but the levels of excitement and the energy are still incredibly high in the end as this band does what they do best and bring us a terrific performance from start to finish. Every good power metal album needs a special kick to it whether it be a neat theme or killer instrumentation that hits you like a ton of bricks, and Powerwolf brings both to the table with no less than utmost skill and excellence being the end results. “The Sacrament of Sin” is a continuation of grandeur for Powerwolf where we’re treated to great anthems like “Incense & Iron”, gripping ballads like “Where the Wild Wolves Have Gone”, catchy singles like “Demons are a Girl’s Best Friend”, and much more deliciousness to be had for anyone who can get behind the glory that Powerwolf has on full display here. This is the sort of album where yes, things are the same when you break it all down, but Powerwolf manages to overcome the challenge of sounding stale or bland and instead rise above to bring their signature feel with “The Sacrament of Sin” being yet another tantalizing entry in the Powerwolf discography that’s nothing to scoff at.

I could sit here all day and tell you why I think their previous record just barely edges “The Sacrament of Sin” out in my eyes, but that means nothing as this record is still entrancing at the end of the day. It’s something that longtime fans of Powerwolf can just eat right up without having to even think about, and something that newcomers can listen to while simultaneously hearing what Powerwolf has to offer yet only getting a minute taste. That’s something very few bands can achieve, and Powerwolf does it masterfully with “The Sacrament of Sin”!

BUY “The Sacrament of Sin” via iTunes here.

LISTEN to tracks from “The Sacrament of Sin” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Powerwolf on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Powerwolf on Twitter: @powerwolfband