A night of power metal overtook Brooklyn Paramount, a grand venue situated in the heart of downtown Brooklyn. Long before the doors opened at 7:00 p.m., a line of eager fans stretched down Flatbush Ave, marking their arrival at this destination of their unholy pilgrimage. Upon entering, the baroque decor loomed overhead, evoking the grandeur of an opera house, which perfectly complemented the winding, fantastical riffs that are characteristic of the genre.

Melodic Canadian metallers Unleash the Archers took the stage to energize the crowd. Vocalist Brittney Slayes’s magnificent voice soared above the powerful melodies as she and the guitarists darted across the stage, gearing up for battle. This high-octane opener felt like a training camp for the showdown that was about to commence.

The stage dimmed as a massive backdrop rose, featuring stone structures and gothic window arches, flanked by two fierce werewolves on either side. The crowd, growing more eager, began to chant, “Powerwolf! Powerwolf!” Fortunately, they didn’t keep us waiting for long. A haunting, church-like interlude commenced, heralding the beginning of the lycanthropic mass.

With theatrical flair, the corpse-painted band Powerwolf took the stage, launching into their first blasphemous hymn, “Bless ’em With the Blade.” The infectiousness of this track from their latest album served as an excellent introduction, with the drums booming far louder than those of the Archers—a jarring punch to the eardrums. After the first song, lead singer Attila Dorn paused to engage with the crowd, his beaming smile contrasting with his undead-saintly attire. The band’s ability to not take themselves too seriously added to the fun, which is a significant theme in power metal.

Now holding an incense censer and swinging it a bit too close to the photo pit, Dorn launched into the next anthem, “Incense & Iron.” It felt like a battle cry, creating a perfect transition into the following track, “Army of the Night,” which was packed with thunderous riffs and exhilarating speed.

For two hours, one melody seamlessly transitioned into the next, but the crowd remained unwavering. They swayed and stomped like a devoted crew, guided by Dorn’s powerful vocals. This is a hallmark of power metal—it may not be groundbreaking, but it is interpretative. While it can be challenging to identify standout moments within its formulaic sound, once you attune to its vibe, you become completely captivated.

They went all out for their encore, featuring tracks like “We Drink Your Blood” and the final number “Werewolves of Armenia.” The incorporation of Latin phrases and Hallelujahs gave the performance a strangely church-like atmosphere. Although the last song concluded, the energy remained high, with Dorn declaring us all possessed by power metal. As I left the venue and spotted the waxing gibbous moon, it certainly appeared brighter than usual.