RUNNING WILD: Review of re-issues

So, you’ve already bought the Kreator and Celtic Frost reissues that Noise Records put out within the last couple of months. You’re hungry for more, but what’s next? Well, despite its name and the harsh sound of two of its premiere bands, Noise Records actually had a lot of melodic power metal bands on their roster as well. Helloween is, of course, the most recognizable, but don’t forget about those guys that dress like pirates and run wild. Yes, Running Wild’s first five albums were re-released on deluxe CD and vinyl on August 11th, making this a great time to sail the seas in pursuit of the treasures recorded by everyone’s favorite pirate guitarist/vocalist, Rolf Kasparek.

“Gates to Purgatory” (1984)
My introduction to Running Wild, this one has a less polished production and feel than what eventually developed into their trademark sound. Nevertheless, it’s a suitable place to start getting acquainted with RW. You’ll find great melodic leads in tunes like “Diabolic Force”, but the band always delivers a few speed metal songs on each album. On this one, “Victim of States Power” and “Adrian S.O.S.” are the finest examples of the latter. “Preacher” is the first demonstration of the noticeably slower track that you’ll find on nearly every RW album, and it’s even more basic than the rest of the songs on the album, but still enjoyable. Most of the lyrics are diabolical but cheesy, though “Genghis Khan” is just one of the many history lessons to be found in the band’s catalogue. This album also has the best bonus tracks of any of the re-issues; including early songs from compilations, two excellent B-sides that have been on all of the CD versions of this album, and a couple of re-recorded versions of songs from the original album.



“Branded and Exiled” (1985)
Running Wild’s second album is a continuation of the Gates approach, which is a great reason to own it. “Fight the Oppression” is the album’s pure speed metal moment, and “Evil Spirit” is great if you need a change in tempo. Songs like the title cut and “Realm of Shades” are just plain, fist-pumping metal fun; and the latter deserves extra points for its high backing vocals in the pre-chorus. Like on the debut, Branded saves the cheesiest and most anthemic track, “Chains and Leather”, for the end of the record. Bonus material is unnecessary, though, merely offering re-recorded versions of some of the album’s songs.



“Under Jolly Roger” (1987)
Running Wild came into their own on this album. Rock n’ Rolf and company made themselves stand out by ditching the conventional metal lyrics and image in favor of their signature pirate gimmick. This original concept comes into play in their lyrics, too, as the album title indicates. Nevertheless, Rolf still has plenty to say about rebellion, as you’ll find in “Raw Ride” and “Raise Your Fist”. Musically, everything that makes the first two albums special is prevalent in this third masterpiece. The biggest change is perhaps in the guitar and drum sound and a stronger production. On this re-issue, the bonus material encompasses an entire second disc. Even though most of the second disc is just reworking of these songs later in their career, there is an outtake called “Apocalyptic Horsemen” from the album recording sessions.



“Port Royal” (1988)
My least favorite of Running Wild’s ‘80s albums, but it is still very good. The album’s biggest flaw is a thinner guitar sound, and instrumental “Final Gates” is passable for Running Wild. There are many other memorable moments on this album, though, with the title track and the lengthier “Calico Jack” being wonderful highlights. The comical opening track is a dialogue intro involving a drunken “Under Jolly Roger” and Rolf greeting a stranger to Port Royal with an evil laugh. If you want faster Running Wild, give “War Child” a listen. For their sharpest mid-tempo material, look no further than “Blown to Kingdom Come”. Once again, a few re-recorded versions of songs from this album are all that’s offered in the way of bonus tracks, making the original album cuts the real reason to own this pressing.



“Death or Glory” (1989)
You’ll notice a little less speed on this one, and a couple of songs open with a trumpet or bagpipes. Nevertheless, the solid melodies you’d expect from these pirate metal masters are all over this album! The cover artwork and title suggest that wealth leads to emptiness and that salvation is achieved through dying. Like its predecessor, the instrumental is the worst song on the album. However, “Marooned”, “Battle of Waterloo”, and “March On” are some of the fantastic songs that more than make up for it. The 1990 “Wild Animal” EP that is also included has some cool outtakes from the DOG recording sessions, as well as—you guessed it—a re-recording of “Chains and Leather”.



The first two Running Wild albums will please those of you who like evil, while the next three are geared more towards those of you who prefer pirates. However, if you like an abundance of cheese, harmony, and consistency, there is plenty of material on all five of these albums that will make you bang your head and “Raise Your Fist”.

-Nick Statuto

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Tags:  Running Wild, Death Or Glory, Port Royal, Under Jolly Roger, Branded and Exiled

Nick Statuto    September 01, 2017