Running Wild reunite & to release new album

Here are all the details:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=164978

well that didnt take long...

I never thought Rolf would really go away.

Besides, no band really goes away unless someone really prolific in the band dies.

Alex Dee Rokket wrote:

I never thought Rolf would really go away.

Besides, no band really goes away unless someone really prolific in the band dies.

true but all that hype over the final performance seems a tad overplayed.

I'v wanted to get into them for a while. I'v heard they really influenced alestorm (lyrically) and I'm hooked on them. So,why not try what made them want to do their thing in the first place?

What would you say their best albums/songs are before I go out and buy anything?

metalhead777 wrote:

I'v wanted to get into them for a while. I'v heard they really influenced alestorm (lyrically) and I'm hooked on them. So,why not try what made them want to do their thing in the first place?

What would you say their best albums/songs are before I go out and buy anything?

Well to begin with, Running Wild are essentially a power metal albeit of a unique character whereas Alestorm to my ears are anything but power metal. However, if you like pirate themes you will definitely like Running Wild.

Running Wild's albums, especially the classic ones, are generally very difficult to track down at affordable prices as most (including the remasters) have been out of print for a long time. Running Wild was originally signed to Noise through which they released the bulk of their classic albums. They also have a contract with GUN for the newer albums. Noise is no longer, and Sanctuary that bought off Noise after its demise is also no longer. So these days, owning Running Wild's albums is like being part of an exclusive club (as pompous as that sounds...)

This may however change as the band is now signed with Steamhammer/SPV, which may see the re-release of their older albums. It would be interesting to see if this will happen - I think it would be worthwhile as a whole generation of metal fans know very little about this band and hopefully we won't get people quoting Alestorm as a class pirate metal band anymore lol .. sorry nothing against them but they are so piss poor sounding in comparison to the mighty Running Wild.

In any case, if you are able to find any of these albums and are willing to drop about 50 bucks for each, this is what I would recommend:

1. Death or Glory
2. Black Hand Inn
3. Pile of Skulls
4. Blazon Stone
5. Masquerade
6. The Rivalry

Those are imo their strongest releases. The band has a very long and generally strong recording history (I believe in total RW has released 14 studio albums, I could be a little off... and several EPs as well). Although general consensus is that RW don't have many weak albums, most will agree that the last 3 albums have been less than stellar especially Rogues En Vogue. So I would avoid Rogues in particular as a first release.



Given the rarity and the high price RW albums go for, you may be in better luck with a compilation. 20 Years in History is a very good introduction to the band. It is a best-of of sorts , it has some unreleased material and some new mixes to older songs. All in all it makes for both a good introduction to the band and a decent companion (for the unreleased songs) to the rest of RW's catalog.

I'll give the new album a shot. It seems a little odd though seeing as they only broke up two years ago.

That certainly didn't last long. Glad to see they're back!

I always knew they would be back. I love running wild. One of my favourite metal bands ever!

I was really kicking myself for passing up Running Wild for years. I knew of the name, but the whole "pirate" image put me off of checking them out. By the time I gave in, started listening, and got hooked, they broke up. D'oh!

So, whatever the reasons, I'm glad they're back! Great news!

Thats cool there back but they wont play anywhere near me so i wont see them.

metalhead777 wrote:

I'v wanted to get into them for a while. I'v heard they really influenced alestorm (lyrically) and I'm hooked on them. So,why not try what made them want to do their thing in the first place?

What would you say their best albums/songs are before I go out and buy anything?

Black Hand Inn is my favorite from Running Wild. Under Jolly Roger is also very good.

The earlier RW albums were very much inspired by the NWOBHM sound and movement. The first album in particular draws heavily on nwobhm acts of the early 80s. With each subsequent album RW gradually developed their own signature sound, although the sophomore release Branded and Exiled dispalyed a slower tempo style the band would soon return to the fast riff delivery of their debut album refining their songwriting direction.

Under Jolly Roger is where RW began to find their signature sound and image. It was the first RW album inspired by pirate theme and imagery. The raw power metal production coupled with speedy riffs and anthemic tunes make this album an early RW classic.

However it was with the release of Port Royal that the band's pirate themes and unique sound became more apparent. Death or Glory helped solidify the band's style and pave way for the 90s classics that followed.

yep - Alex is right. Death or Glory is a great album too.

Gates to Purgatory is my favorite one. Diabolic Force, Victim of States Power, Genghis Khan, Adrian!
So I would get that one, Black Hand Inn and Pile of Skulls

This is great news! I always thought he'd return, but I thought it would take a little longer.

All I have to say is Störtebeker!. Look for their debut album "Return to Port Royal" sometime in 2012

stormspell wrote:

All I have to say is Störtebeker!. Look for their debut album "Return to Port Royal" sometime in 2012

nice. When is Rocka Rolla due?

In couple of weeks, I hope.

stormspell wrote:

In couple of weeks, I hope.

nice! I really liked those songs alot you posted earlier.

Hope I have money by then.

I was looking at their other albums on Amazon (namely Port Royal), and why in God's name would they be going for $150+ ? The idea of paying that much for a CD is just crazy to me.

I assume they are in desperate need for reissue or remaster.

Metal-On-Metal wrote:

I was looking at their other albums on Amazon (namely Port Royal), and why in God's name would they be going for $150+ ? The idea of paying that much for a CD is just crazy to me.

I assume they are in desperate need for reissue or remaster.

Most of their CDs are freakishly expensive but I tracked down a new copy of Blazon Stone for $8 plus shipping on eBay:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/RUNNING-WILD-BLAZON-STONE-REMASTERED-SEALED-CD-NEW-/270787564214?pt=Music_CDs&hash=item3f0c3252b6#ht_1607wt_905

I`d add "Branded & exciled" album of 1985, a fantastic one!

Everything up to "Rivalry" is worth owning.