Which Running Wild Track Wins “The Rivalry”?

The Rivalry is the first album I could not find on Spotify or in its entirety on YouTube. I found a good deal for the CD on Amazon, so this album and Victory are the only physical copies of Running Wild albums I have. I wanted to upload the full album on YouTube to help folks who don’t have it participate in this poll, but I do not have a verified account so am unable to upload videos over 15 minutes long. I don’t know if it is worth it to post songs not available on YouTube. Let me know if you would listen to them if I uploaded them.

Released in 1998 The Rivalry was the second in the trilogy of good versus evil-themed albums (according to Wikipedia). Like with Masquerade, it wasn’t a big seller. It doesn’t have as many memorable tracks as their previous albums with only three really standing out for me. Nothing weak is here, either, just the usual RW offerings.

The title track is strong with a memorable, catchy riff. The near 9-minute “Ballad of William Kidd” is a highlight. I know that song as track #7 (playing music on a CD gives me a different perspective, LOL). My choice for this poll, though, is track #9 (“Fire and Thunder”). Every time it comes on I immediately think, “Yes! I like this song!” The killer opening riff just hooked me right away and has never let go. I didn’t even realize until preparing for this poll that it is over 7 ½ minutes. It doesn’t seem that long to me.

I picked War And Peace. It's a really cool tune.

I chose Fire and Thunder over War and Peace, but The Poion is a song I like a lot too.

Thanks for the link MoonChild!

80s Metal Lady wrote:

Thanks for the link MoonChild!

But more votes, please!

Kiss of death

Had to go back and listen again it's been so long. The Ballad was the only song that stood out, not a lot grabs me on this one.

I'd say this one is the cathciest of all RW albums. Not sure why its not listed among their best, cause it smokes from start to finish imo, balancing blazing speed and memorabilty perfectly, without getting repetitieve. I'll vote randomly since I like every song here pretty much equally.

Ballad of William Kidd is one of the most powerful tunes Rolf has ever written.