The initially anonymous true metal band, Powergod, formerly known as Axetacy and Stormbringer, was formed in Hagen, Germany in 1997. They debuted in 1999 on the Massacre label with their 'Evilution Part I' opus. The line up purported to be vocalist Leo. L. Sing, guitarist Riff Randall (actually former Sodom six stringer Andy Brings), and drummer Haan ‘Hama Hart’ Hartmann. For the 2000 sophomore release of 'Evilution Part II', President Evil' (Alex Koch, of Spiral Tower) took the vocal position. The band made some waves with their tribute albums, subtitled 'That's Metal - Lesson 1 & 2'.

EVILUTION PART I (1999) MASSACRE

After loving the 'Bleed For The Gods' album, I wanted to hunt down Powergod's other albums. And pretty soon I came across this CD in a trade. But I was not all that impressed with it, so I held back on writing about it for a long time. I've listened to it numerous times, and this has helped out a lot. I can finally say that I enjoy this album, but it's not as good as albums by other bands in their genre, like Running Wild and Grave Digger. I don't really know what is wrong with it, but the overall feel just isn't totally satisfying. Some of the lyrics are pretty lame too. Just check out tunes like "No Brain No Pain"! The title says it all! If you are a power-metal fan, I would still tell you to check this band out, as they have some cool elements, and good riffs here and there. Just give the album some time.

Killer tracks: Children Of Lost Horizons, Into The Battle

BLEED FOR THE GODS: THAT'S METAL - LESSON 1 (2001) MASSACRE

This was the first album I bought by this band. The reason being the coolest track-list I've ever seen on a tribute record! A band covering Stryper in 2001 just has be worth checking out! Almost all the cover-tracks are good, and most of them are not common picks. The worst one here, in my opinion, is the TNT cover. That one sucks. The funniest one has to be the Hear 'n Aid track, "Stars". The original is of course sung by various known metal singers, and Powergod have gotten some help from different singers as well, making the song sound different, but fun! I even rediscovered M.A.R.S. because of this album. The list of songs covered is impressive, but also the guest artists are worth mentioning. Doro (ex-Warlock) and Rob Rock are but two of them. I can't tell you how much I enjoy this disc, but try it yourself, if you can find it!

Killer tracks: Bleed For The Godz, Metal Church, Ruler Of The Wasteland, Stars, Soldiers Under Command, You And I

EVILUTION PART III - NEMESIS (2002) MASSACRE

After the disappointing 'Evilution Part I', I've not been that eager to check out the other titles from this band. But when I came across this CD rather cheap, I snagged it. And this time the band has really turned it up a notch! 'Evilution Part III' contains some excellent power/speed metal, nut unlike the band singer President Evil (aka Alexander Koch) is in nowadays, namely Winters Bane. The songs are filled with steady double bass drumming, power chords and effective riffing and soloing. But most noticeable is Mr. Evil's powerful voice. He is aggressive, yet melodic at the same time. Powergod are closing in on the essence of the US power metal arena ("Massacre Machinery"), but at the same time you can still hear hints of the European side of the genre too ("Call Of Freedom"). And what would this equation be without a little solid dose of thrash and speed metal ("Courtroom Of Traitors")? This all leads to quite an impressive listen from start to finish. All I can do is give it my warmest recommendations.

Killer tracks: Courtroom Of Traitors, Massacre Machinery, Monsterman, Evilution Part III

LONG LIVE THE LOUD: THAT'S METAL - LESSON II (2005) AMG/MASSACRE

Powergod's second lesson in metal was first announced as a thrash metal tribute. But with artists such as Wendy O'Williams and Loudness covered, this is once more an '80s metal tribute, saturated with bands that was important in starting and/or influenced the thrash metal scene. Nevertheless, Powergod continue to teach us about the bands that got them into metal, and in many cases, every metalhead with a deep-rooted heart for real heavy metal. Don't expect any homage to Judas Priest, Iron Maiden or Motörhead for that matter. No, these guys are all about the more underground stuff. The bands that never got the mainstream headlines, but still were the most important acts in the scene. What impresses the most with Powergod's tributes is how true to the originals they get, but also adding their own flair to the songs. There is something so genuinely metal about President Evil, Hama Hart and Riff Randall. And again they have invited an armada of helpful friends. What's more natural than to have Tom Angelripper of Sodom fame to sing his favorite band, Tank's, "The War Drags On"? Schmier (Destruction) raises the bar when he rips through his own classic "Total Desaster". And nobody is more capable to sing Loudness songs than their original singer, Minoru Nihara. He is also featured with the same songs twice, as "Heavy Chains" appears as a bonus track also on this Russian pressing. The bonus version features him on all instruments, sans lead guitar (Riff Randal does that part). I find myself a little more clueless about some of the original artists here (who the heck is Rosy Vista anyway?), as opposed to the ones featured on the first tribute CD. But I enjoy most of the tracks anyway. One just have to tip once hat off to a band so committed to giving props to their metal legacy.

Killer tracks: Fall Out/Long Live The Loud, Mind Over Metal, Heavy Chains, Deathrider, Total Desaster

Powergod also appear on:  

V/A - 'Metal Power - Volume 1'

Related artists: