Let me start of with saying that this is one of the best compilation releases I have ever heard.
Running Wild, personalized in bandleader Rolf Kasparek is an institution in Heavy Metal and the band deserves a lot of respect due to their strong determination and hard work bringing melodic Metal to their fans for 20 years now.
Listening to this record brings back enchanting memories of their brilliant Wacken Open Air performance this summer; I have always had a weak point for this band's ultra melodic music.
The song-selection method is fairly simple, 2 songs from every one of their 12 album's. The good thing about this is that we find a nice broad presentation of the band's entire career and with these 24 songs we get some of their absolute best creations.
I would probably have picked out at least 80% of these tracks if I were to make a representing selection of my favourite songs; the only one I really miss is the speedy
Masquerade.
I won't go into detail with a whole bunch of these tracks since many of you already know them and for those who don't know the band very well, let me just say that you could very well be missing out on something that could end up being a healthy interest :).
I'll just point out a couple of my favourites that has made it to this record and a small appetizer of what else to expect.
Riding The Storm has always been one of
Running Wild's strongest pieces of art in my opinion. It's fantastic melodic build-up before the acceleration sets in is simply huge. The song has this magnificent powerful drive made by thrilling guitar passages, fast drums, tight bass work and raw but clear vocal's delivering an energized chorus. A pure classic with a lyric containing much of what is
Running Wild's philosophy: living free and proud.
The newer
Ballad Of William Kidd from the genius The Rivalry album is another preferred song. This long epic glows with drama and harmonious guitar passages. Forceful drumming and a tight bass create a ground solid foundation and the traditional fantastic lead guitar mid-section is a pure thrill.
Among many other brilliant songs we find the strong classic pirate-hymn
Under Jolly Roger, the brilliant melodic smasher
Little Big Horn, the spectacular epic
Treasure Island and the fast and furious
Firebreather. Said in another way we have on this disc all the elements that are
Running Wild. It's not only the songs that are brilliantly written, the musical execution of them is also of high standard.
For those lucky people out there already in possession of
Running Wild's regular releases this one have four songs of special interest.
Prowling Werewolf and
Apocalyptic Horsemen are older previously unreleased tracks that have been redone for this occasion.
Prowling Werewolf is a hard pounding mid-tempo monster with a cool melodic guitar solo, while
Apocalyptic Horsemen pursues a faster style with intense drumming and a strong chorus.
All in all pretty good and typical
Running Wild songs.
Beside these two cuts,
Branded And Exiled and
Mordor, from the band's second album Branded And Exiled
have been re-recorded in 2003 versions, and even though I don't have the information for this decision, its pretty interesting hearing these oldies in a new performance.
The songs where the production has been polished have clearly benefited, especially the older ones.
With 20 Years In History
Running Wild has revealed a magnificent compilation that perfectly shows why this band is so legendary.
Written by
Tommy Sunday, November 2, 2003
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