They released their debut album, Return in Bloodred, in 2005. Their second album, Lupus Dei, was released in 2007. The band entered the official German charts for the first time in 2009 with their third album, Bible of the Beast. Shortly after its release, their first drummer Stefan Gemballa (stage name Stéfane Funèbre) left the band. He was replaced by Tom Diener, who was replaced in 2011 by Roel van Helden. In the same year, the band released their fourth album, Blood of the Saints. In 2012, Powerwolf signed with Napalm Records and released Preachers of the Night in 2013. It has debuted at No. 1 in Germany. Their sixth album, Blessed & Possessed, released in 2015, was certified gold in the Czech Republic. Their seventh album, The Sacrament of Sin, was released on 20 July 2018. Their eighth album, Call of the Wild, was released on 16 July 2021.
Audience engagement, and pyrotechnics are important parts of Powerwolf's stage show. The vocalist Attila Dorn often speaks directly to the audience and engages them in various activities, such as singing or shouting, before announcing the next song. The band calls their concerts a "heavy metal mass". Their stage setup was designed by Matthew Greywolf.
Opening: Prelude to Purgatory
Powerwolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Da locum Christo, in quo nihil invenisti de operibus tuis
Bible of the beast
in the dawn of damnation
Bible of the beast
in the call of the dark
Bible of the beast
The lyrics of Powerwolf's song Opening: Prelude to Purgatory contain a message of rejecting Satan's deceptions and turning towards Christ for salvation. The first two lines, "Vade, satana, inventor et magister omnis fallaciae, hostis humanae salutis," translate to "Begone, Satan, inventor and master of all deceit, enemy of human salvation." The next line, "Da locum Christo, in quo nihil invenisti de operibus tuis," translates to "Make room for Christ, in whom you found nothing of your works."
The lyrics also mention the "Bible of the beast," which could refer to Satan's false teachings or a metaphor for the worldly temptations that lead people astray from God. The references to "dawn of damnation" and "final temptation" add to the overall theme of warning against the dangers of giving in to worldly desires and being lured away from the path of righteousness.
Overall, the lyrics of the song encourage listeners to reject Satan's lies and instead turn to Christ for salvation.
Line by Line Meaning
Vade, satana, inventor et magister omnis fallaciae, hostis humanae salutis.
Go, Satan, inventor and master of all deception, enemy of human salvation.
Da locum Christo, in quo nihil invenisti de operibus tuis
Make way for Christ, in whom you have found nothing of your works.
Bible of the beast
A book that contains teachings and instructions of evil.
in the dawn of damnation
During the early stages of divine punishment and condemnation.
Bible of the beast
A book that contains teachings and instructions of evil.
in the call of the dark
When darkness summons and beckons for followers to join.
Bible of the beast
A book that contains teachings and instructions of evil.
of the final temptation
That entices and lures towards the last and ultimate test of faith and conviction.
Contributed by Max K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.