"Branded and Exiled" Album Description:
In the world of heavy metal history, few bands have left as indelible a mark as Running Wild, the iconic German outfit that pioneered the unique subgenre of Pirate Metal. One of the pivotal albums in their discography, "Branded and Exiled," released in 1985 under the Noise Records label, stands as a testament to the band's creative prowess and the evolution of their distinctive sound.
The creation history of "Branded and Exiled" is a fascinating journey into the heart of Running Wild's musical evolution. This album marked a significant turning point as it was the first to showcase the guitar wizardry of Majk Moti, adding a new dimension to the band's sonic landscape. Moti's contribution brought a fresh energy and technical finesse to Running Wild's music, elevating their status within the metal community.
The inception of the album can be traced back to the vibrant metal scene of the 1980s, a period marked by innovation and experimentation. Running Wild, led by the visionary Rolf Kasparek, embarked on a musical voyage that blended elements of traditional heavy metal with a thematic focus on pirates and maritime adventure. This unique fusion birthed the subgenre known as Pirate Metal, setting Running Wild apart from their contemporaries.
The creative process behind "Branded and Exiled" was a collaborative effort, with Kasparek leading the charge in songwriting and Moti infusing his distinct guitar stylings. The album's thematic core revolves around the rebellious spirit of pirates, a recurring motif in Running Wild's body of work. The lyrics, penned by Kasparek, weave tales of maritime rebellion, seafaring escapades, and the untamed freedom of the open sea.
Noise Records, a prominent label in the metal scene, played a crucial role in bringing "Branded and Exiled" to the eager ears of fans. The partnership between Running Wild and Noise Records facilitated the distribution and promotion of the album, catapulting the band to international recognition.
As "Branded and Exiled" hit the shelves in 1985, it garnered widespread acclaim for its bold musical vision and thematic originality. The album's impact reverberated through the metal community, inspiring a new wave of bands to explore unconventional themes and push the boundaries of the genre.
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Music Genre:
Heavy Pirate Metal
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Album Production information: The album: "Branded and Exiled" was produced by: Running Wild
Executive Producer - Karl-Ulrich Walterbach
Karl-Ulrich Walterbach – Producer
Karl-Ulrich Walterbach is the German metal mastermind whose fingerprints are all over the rise of European heavy metal in the 80s. As founder of Noise Records, he pushed raw underground bands into the spotlight, shaping the sound of Helloween, Celtic Frost, and many others. His vision fused DIY grit with fearless ambition, turning chaotic studio sessions into genre-defining releases.
Co-producer and Sound Engineer - Horst Müller Horst Mueller - a sound engineer from Germany and has engineered the records of several German Metal bands, notable Destruction, Running Wild, Warrant and the Swiss Celtic Frost band, as well as many others. He has used several different aliases/pseudonyms, aliases used by Horst Mueller include: Horst "Hoddle" Muller, Horst H.I.F. "The Crazy Frog" Muller, Horst "The Only One" Muller, "Mad" Horst Muller.
Sound mix - Thomas Stiegler
Photographer - D. Magnussen
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Record Label & Catalognr:
Noise N 0030
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| Packaging: This album "Branded and Exiled" includes the original company inner sleeve |
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Media Format:
12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+LP) weight: 230 gram
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Year & Country:
1985 Made in Germany |
