Running Wild
Pile Of Skulls

THE REVIEW

There are bands in history capable of capturing attention like few others, creating a magical feeling thanks to their music, leaving indelible marks in the history of their genre, but not all are remembered by posterity as they should be. This is the case with Running Wild.

For those unfamiliar with them, Running Wild are the undisputed pirates of Heavy Metal, true tough guys with a heart of gold and a sound more rotten than moldy gorgonzola in the Caribbean sun, a band that has managed to establish itself with tenacity and skill and captivated in its assaults thousands of faithful and passionate metalheads. It is 1992, and Captain "Rock'n Rolf" Kasparek and his crew of clanking musicians are ready to set sail on yet another sonic assault. The album I am about to review is nothing but the natural continuation of what they have previously built with their beloved works "Under Jolly Roger," "Port Royal," and "Death or Glory," and perhaps it's the definitive confirmation of their importance in the Heavy Metal scene.

"Pile of Skulls" is nothing less than a concentration of passion for exotic and unexplored places, literature of yesteryear, and the rhythms and sounds of a genre never overly loved by its supporters. Let's observe the cover, which in itself says it all, with that macabre pile of skulls proudly displayed within an underground room of who knows which temple hidden in the depths of the Caribbean... we turn the pages and immediately notice the drawing style with which our heroes are portrayed, reminiscent of the illustrations in Stevenson's "Treasure Island," a déjà vu feeling that will soon be confirmed in a pleasant surprise.

Let's begin our adventure then, the album opens with one of the best intros I have personally ever had the pleasure to listen to, "Chamber Of Lies" is an atmospheric concentrate that immediately immerses us in the album's context, putting us at ease and stimulating our imagination, thanks to an imposing choir followed by the sound of a medieval-flavored mandolin. "Whirlwind" is a whirlwind opener that hits the listener's ears, revealing all the harshness of the Running Wild sound. In my humble opinion, it is not one of the album's brightest tracks, but it proves to be a great excuse to headbang.

"Sinister Eyes" is already a track of very remarkable craftsmanship, conveying considerable emphasis, expressing a keen sense of good taste, and showing its fangs in a simple and anthemic chorus. "Black Wings Of Death" is perhaps the album's pinnacle, with its slow yet resolute pace etched in the listener's ears, revealing all its intensity. "Fistful Of Dynamite" is a veritable explosion of aggression and machismo that takes its place by storm and does not disappoint expectations. "Roaring Thunder" is the slowest track on the album, focusing entirely on its solid drumming and chorus. A sonic explosion announces the arrival of the title track "Pile Of Skulls", aggressive and unstoppable, and it proves to be a true gem. "Lead Or Gold" is the triumph of the most tall and boisterous piratical frenzy, with that proverbial observation at the end of the chorus, "....cursing all the conformists - who'll never be free!". A sharp drumbeat and here comes "White Buffalo", a delightful gallop that will drag you along with passion, preventing you from staying still. "Jenning's Revenge" is a flow of molten metal that will wash over you with all its hysteria.

The album closes with what is perhaps my favorite track and brings back the illustrations of the booklet, oh yes, I'm talking about the track inspired by Stevenson's famous work, "Treasure Island" is a long, intricate, incredibly engaging piece that concludes the listening experience in the best possible way.

In short, "Pile of Skulls" reveals itself as an excellent album, laden with the rotten sound that has always characterized the Running Wild label, a perfect opportunity to get to know this band, renowned for never disappointing its devoted fans.