Powerwolf Debut Song About 1700s Man-Eating 'Beast of Gévaudan'

German power metal pack Powerwolf have just unveiled an epic new music video for "Beast of Gévaudan," the first song off their forthcoming full length, Call of the Wild, which will be out on July 16.

This bombastic new song is inspired by the hybrid dog-wolf creature that is said to have killed hundreds of people in the French province of Gévaudan. The man-eating beast became the subject of public hysteria, especially as some of the victims were left partially eaten, many with their throats torn out. The French government even financially supported hunting missions to take the beast down.

"Beast of Gévaudan" is bursting with orchestral pomp and bombast, juxtaposing the grisly subject as a lively power metal rouser played with the same fist-banging spirit Powerwolf have made their name on over the last 15 years.

"We are more than proud to present 'Beast of Gévaudan,' the first song off our upcoming album, Call Of The Wild," said guitarist Matthew Greywolf.

"The story behind the song couldn't fit better into the world of Powerwolf: It's about a mysterious beast that killed countless people in the south of France at the end of the 18th century," he continued, further explaining, "The beast was never caught and there have always been many legends surrounding the events, up to the interpretation of the clergy, who saw the beast as ‘God's punishment’ or even as a ‘savior of mankind from the worldly and sinful existence.'"

Watch the music video for the new Powerwolf song toward the bottom of the page, where you will find the artwork and track listing for Call of the Wild as well as the lyrics to "Beast of Gévaudan." The record will be released through Napalm Records and pre-orders can be placed here.

POWER METAL PLAYLIST: Hear Powerwolf and so many more in Loudwire's 'Ultimate Power Metal' playlist on Spotify, featuring 150 genre-defining songs.

Powerwolf, "Beast of Gévaudan" Lyrics

Beast of Gévaudan
Feared no sword and feared no gun
Sent from Heaven, the seventh of creatures
Beast of Gévaudan
For the wrath of God to come
Came to sanction the mass and the preachers
Hunted by hundreds and never to be caught
He's sent to wander, bring terror and take 'em all beyond
To the Father and the Son
Came the beast of Gévaudan
Terminator, a traitor, half wolf and half machine
To the prior and thе nun
Came the beast of Gévaudan
A rеdeemer, believer, all fatal, mad and mean
Beast of Gévaudan
Beast of Gévaudan
Christ's forces on the run
Meant to feast on the treason of liars
Beast of Gévaudan
Bringer of Nemesis undone
Sent the mass of profane to hellfire
Hunted by hundreds, attempted to be fought
And sent like thunder to tear down the enemies of God
To the Father and the Son
Came the beast of Gévaudan
Terminator, a traitor, half wolf and half machine
To the prior and the nun
Came the beast of Gévaudan
A redeemer, believer, all fatal, mad and mean
Beast of Gévaudan
In the night no man can run
From the beast of Gévaudan
No escape from the fate of a martyr born in pain
When all prayers said and done
Tame the land of Gévaudan
And the curse of the beast will remain
To the Father and the Son
Came the beast of Gévaudan
Terminator, a traitor, half wolf and half machine
To the prior and the nun
Came the beast of Gévaudan
A redeemer, believer, all fatal, mad and mean
Beast of Gévaudan

Powerwolf, "Beast of Gévaudan" Music Video

Powerwolf, Call of the Wild Album Art + Track Listing

Napalm Records

01. "Faster Than the Flame"
02. "Beast of Gévaudan"
03. "Dancing with the Dead"
04. "Varcolac"
05. "Alive or Undead"
06. "Blood for Blood (Faoladh)"
07. "Glaubenskraft"
08. "Call of the Wild"
09. "Sermon of Swords"
10. "Undress to Confess"
11. "Reverent of Rats"