RUNNING WILD - 1980s Vinyl Album Cover Gallery & Discography Information

"Running Wild" were a popular and influential German heavy metal band, formed in 1976 in Hamburg. They were part of the German heavy/speed/power metal scene to emerge in the early to mid 1980s. The band has carved its niche in the metal world as the first "pirate metal" band, a theme which took off with the release of "Under Jolly Roger" in 1987 (thus abandoning the Satanic imagery of their earlier work). Although the earlier releases contained Satanic themes and imagery, the guitar player of the band was then a Preacher (aka Gerald Warnecke) who is now a vicar in Cologne. On April 17, 2009 Rolf announced that "Running Wild" had split-up.

RUNNING WILD Banner photo

On the discography listing below you will find RUNNING WILD vinyl records released during the 1970s and 1980s. For each record you will have the record company's catalognr, album title, year and country of release. Complete information for each record can be viewed by selecting the corresponding links. Albums have been ordered in ascending alphabetical order of the album titles.

Label & Catalogno Band/Performers - Album Title

Noise N 0030
Running Wild - Branded and Exiled . "Branded and Exiled" was the first "Running Wild" album to feature Majk Moti on guitar.

RUNNING WILD - Branded and Exiled (1985, Germany)

"Branded and Exiled" (1985), Running Wild's pivotal album, marked the debut of guitarist Majk Moti and defined the Pirate Metal genre. With Rolf Kasparek's visionary songwriting, the album blended traditional heavy metal with maritime themes, unleashing tales of rebellion and adventure. Released under Noise Records, the collaboration catapulted the band to international acclaim. T

Noise International 1C 067-7 93324
Running Wild - Death or Glory

RUNNING WILD - Death or Glory . (1989, Germany)

"Death or Glory" is a Pirate Power metal album by German band RUNNING WILD. One of their most successful releases, it contains the concert favourites "Riding the Storm" and "Bad to the Bone"

Noise 0012
Running Wild - Gates To Purgatory

RUNNING WILD - Gates To Purgatory (1982, Germany)

Running Wild's debut album,"Gates to Purgatory," released in 1984, marked a pivotal moment in heavy metal history. Predating their famed pirate themes, the album delved into satanic influences, creating a raw and rebellious sound. With haunting lyrics and iconic cover art, the album set the stage for Running Wild's future success, influencing subsequent metal bands and cementing its place as a pioneering force in the genre.

Noise International N 122
RUNNING WILD - Port Royal

RUNNING WILD - Port Royal (1988, Germany)  

"Port Royal" by Running Wild, a landmark in heavy metal, emerged as the epitome of Pirate Metal. Released in 1988, on a 12" vinyl LP, the album marked a deliberate shift for the German band. Meticulously crafted in collaboration with Noise International, it blended ferocious riffs and anthemic tracks to narrate pirate tales. "Port Royal" remains a timeless masterpiece, influencing a subgenre and securing its place in heavy metal history.

Red Noise N 0108-1 / SPV 08-4472
Running Wild - Ready For Boarding

RUNNING WILD - Ready For Boarding (1988, Germany)

"Ready For Boarding" by Running Wild, a live album recorded in Munich, Germany, captures the band's electrifying stage presence. Released on a 12" vinyl LP by Noise Records, it features a rare track, "Purgatory," dedicated to the PMRC. The album, with its powerful live performance and bold musical statements, remains a timeless gem, etching Running Wild's legacy in the world of heavy metal history.

Cobra Records CL 1025

RUNNING WILD - Under Jolly Roger . (1987, Canada)

"RUNNING WILD" is one of the German power metal bands to emerge in the early/mid 1980s (along with Helloween, Gamma Ray, Rage, Blind Guardian, Grave Digger, EdGuy, etc). The band has carved its niche in the metal world as the first "pirate metal" band, a theme which took off with the release of this album "Under Jolly Roger"

Noise N 0062 / SPV 08-4425 

thumbnail of front cover

RUNNING WILD - Under Jolly Roger (1987, Germany)

 

This is world's first Pirate Metal album.

"Running Wild" is one of the German power metal bands to emerge in the early/mid 1980s (along with Helloween, Gamma Ray, Rage, Blind Guardian, Grave Digger, EdGuy, etc). The band has carved its niche in the metal world as the first "pirate metal" band, a theme which took off with the release of this album "Under Jolly Roger"