Harlan

Rhett Forrester takes over the vocals, and the change is definitely noticeable, both vocally and musically. The Riot gradually lose that Blues/Hard Rock attitude that characterized the first three works, and we hear more refined riffs that are simple but never trivial, while Forrester's more "masculine" tone adds a more mature aspect to Reale's group. Notable songs include C.I.A., the title track, Loanshark, and Showdown.

In my opinion, the last great album by Running Wild. The second part of a trilogy focused on good and evil, The Rivalry is a well-executed record played to perfection, although there are a couple of fillers (Kiss Of Death, Firebreather, Agents Of Black), as well as the last album with Jorg Michael on drums, who will be replaced in the subsequent albums by an electric drum.... sorry, the famous drummer Angelo Sasso. This does not diminish the absolute value of songs like Ballad Of William Kidd, War & Peace, Man On The Moon, and the title track. If Rock N' Rolf had stopped here with Running Wild, it would have been the best thing.

Considered by critics as the beginning of the musical and compositional decline for Running Wild, Masquerade is far from what a distracted reader (and listener) would expect, being anything but a failure. Probably one of the heaviest albums from the German pirates, with the title track and Jorg Michael not holding back on the drums, or the beautiful refrain of Lions Of The Sea, and the riffs of Soleil Royal/Underworld leaving no moment to catch one's breath. The first act of a trilogy centered on good and evil, successful more than well in my opinion, 8.

As a huge fan of Running Wild, it pains me to describe this album with just one word: rubbish. Only for the strong of heart.

Rock 'N Rolf returns two years after Pile of Skulls, delivering another masterpiece. Black Hand Inn is the culmination of all the characteristics of Running Wild: blazing fast riffs, never a moment of pause, and a unique atmosphere. Just listen to tracks like The Phantom Of Black Hand Inn, The Privateer, the relentless Titletrack, or Dragonmen. A special mention goes to Genesis, probably one of the most beautiful songs ever written by Kasparek, which, in its entire 15 minutes of duration, never gets tiresome. A round of applause is also deserved for Jorg Michael, who delivers a phenomenal performance on drums. 10.

5 is also few, simply one of the best records ever conceived by the human mind.