Running Wild
Gates To Purgatory

Leaving Italian metal aside for a while, I recently rediscovered some works by a great German metal band: RUNNING WILD!! Do you remember the old pirates of the charismatic Rolf Kasparek?? Yes, it's really them, who for over twenty years have delighted us with their wild albums.

Running Wild was formed back in 1980 in Germany, the great land of Manowar, Blind Guardian & Co., with guitarist-singer Rock 'N' Rolf, guitarist Preacher, bassist Stephan Boris, and drummer Hasche. The band, known for their pirate-themed concepts, was initially attracted to the themes of occultism and Satanism. At that time, there were many groups that tried to scandalize with themes like this, such as Venom, Possessed, early Slayer, Satan, and many others. Naturally, Running Wild was also accused of Satanism and blasphemy due to their symbols and song titles. In the first work "Gates To Purgatory", the band's logo was depicted with a pentagram and a boy, holding a welder, with a tattoo of an inverted cross on his arm. The titles of the tracks were rather menacing, such as "Satan", "Soldier Of Hell", "Diabolic Force" and "Black Demon". All these small details surely served the press for generating much criticism and scandal. Besides this, on their debut work, dated 1984, they executed a concentration of pure power and anger, influenced by bands like Exciter, Anvil, and even Venom. The sound was akin to speed metal, with some nods to the wilder and faster N.W.O.B.H.M. Thus, they were still far from the heavy-power of "Port Royal", "Blazon Stone" and "Death Or Glory".

The first song is the single "Victim Of States Power", where the quartet introduces everyone to their style: speed, precise and sharp riffs, snarling voice, and dark atmospheres! Indeed, the track is introduced by a frightening rhythmic section, borderline thrash, with Rolf's raw and menacing vocal lines, showcasing his guitar skills as well. The refrain is very engaging and will guarantee you a long, relentless headbanging. The guitars are sharp metal shards flying through the air at high speed, while the drums are a war machine!! An awesome track. The second track "Black Demon" moves at slower tempos, although it possesses a heavy riffing, anticipating the subsequent album "Branded And Exiled". Rolf's vocal performance is angry and energetic, already presenting the Running Wild trademark. The chorus is effective and powerful, making the track even darker and more captivating. "Preacher" has an almost doom rhythmic section, with Rolf's voice acquiring a malign tone, thus anticipating Tom Araya's cavernous and demon-like vocal lines in the refrain of "Hell Awaits". The solos are not too fast but have a very beautiful melody and sound, increasing the interest in the same song. With the fourth song, "Soldier Of Hell", we return to the speed/thrash schemes, the riffing is faster and rawer, the drums are precise, and the voice is piercing and powerful. Rolf and Preacher's virtuosity strongly resembles the twin guitars of Tipton and Downing, especially in melody and technique.

"Diabolic Force" is a bolt from the blue, a speed outburst of anger and technique, supported by Hasche's frightening drumming. Rolf reaches great heights, and the rawness of the song seems to anticipate Sodom's "Agent Orange" and "Outbreak Of Evil". "Adrian S.O.S." is very brief, but in its two and a half minutes, the band concentrates all the possible grit and energy. A destructive track, executed at the speed of light, with a truly overwhelming chorus. The solos are granite, super-fast, and pure speed metal school!! The eighth track is "Genghis Khan", one of the German quartet's battle horses. A thrilling and engaging work by the band, the riff at times reminds me of "Transylvania" by Maiden, while the solos are stratospheric. A song executed 100% Running Wild! Another classic of the band is the majestic "Prisoner Of Our Time". The massive opening riff is historic and seminal, which later gives way to a beautiful and energetic rhythm. The voice is truly pure metal and well supported by the good guitar. This is the classic piece that depicts the band's sound: tempo changes, epic and exceptional refrain (Manowar, Blind Guardian), and damn rock 'n' roll!! The album also presents two excellent bonus tracks, namely "Walpurgis Night" and "Satan". The first has a very classic metal sound, like Maiden and Saxon, with a riff that reminds me of "Stallions Of The Highway". Rolf's voice is melodic and catchy, as is the refrain, while the solos and guitar parts are rehashed from the N.W.O.B.H.M. Instead, "Satan" reveals to be a very good track, with a very nice initial riffing that then explodes into the classic potent speed. The atmosphere is darker and gloomier, almost trying to mimic Venom, the solos are well executed, while the end relies on a beautiful crescendo full of pathos. This is "Gates Of Purgatory" and these are the very first Running Wild.

There's no need to recall the success they achieved with their later works.. it seems obvious to mention masterpieces like "Death Or Glory", "Under Jolly Roger", "Pile Of Skulls", and others. WE ARE PRISONER OF OUR TIME!!