Ahoy, mateys! Batten down the hatches, 'cause we're about to set sail on a wild voyage through the high seas of heavy metal, courtesy of Germany's own Running Wild and their 1989 classic, 'Death or Glory'. This ain't your grandpappy's metal, no sir. This be pirate metal, a genre Running Wild practically invented, complete with swashbuckling riffs, thunderous drums, and lyrics that'll make ye want to hoist the Jolly Roger and plunder the seven seas.
Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this album, let's set the scene. 1989 was a weird time for metal. Hairspray was still king, but the winds of change were blowing. Thrash was in full swing, death metal was just starting to rear its ugly head, and amidst all this chaos, Running Wild was carving out their own niche. They weren't the first band to dabble in pirate themes (hello, King Diamond!), but they were the first to fully embrace the lifestyle, from their stage outfits to their album covers to their music itself.
'Death or Glory' was a pivotal moment for the band. It was their fourth studio album, and it marked a shift towards a more epic, cinematic sound. The production was bigger, the songwriting was tighter, and the whole thing just felt more... mature. But don't get me wrong, this ain't no sell-out move. This is still raw, unadulterated heavy metal, with enough energy to power a thousand pirate ships.
The album kicks off with 'Riding the Storm', a galloping anthem that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Rolf Kasparek's vocals are as powerful as ever, soaring over the chugging guitars and pounding drums. It's a full-throttle opener that immediately transports you to the deck of a ship battling the elements.
From there, we plunge into the rebellious heart of 'Renegade,' a fist-pumping anthem for those who defy convention. The energy doesn't let up with 'Evilution,' a commentary on the darker side of human nature, set to a ferocious pace. 'Running Blood' keeps the momentum going, a celebration of the unyielding spirit of metalheads worldwide.
The album takes a brief respite with 'Highland Glory (The Eternal Fight),' a majestic, mid-tempo track that conjures images of battles fought on windswept Scottish highlands. But there's no rest for the wicked, as 'Marooned' thrusts us back into the action, a tale of survival and defiance in the face of isolation.
'Bad to the Bone' is a defiant middle finger to the music industry, a raucous declaration of independence. Then comes 'Tortuga Bay,' a brief but exhilarating instrumental that captures the frenetic energy of a pirate haven.
The title track, 'Death or Glory,' is a powerful anthem that encapsulates the album's themes of courage and determination. Finally, the album closes with the epic 'Battle of Waterloo,' a sprawling, seven-and-a-half-minute masterpiece that recounts one of history's most famous conflicts with all the drama and intensity you'd expect from Running Wild.
The production, handled by Rolf Kasparek himself along with Jan Nemec, is top-notch. It's heavy, but not muddy. The guitars have bite, the drums have punch, and the vocals are front and center where they belong. The album was recorded at Horus Sound Studio in Hannover, Germany, a studio that has seen its fair share of legendary metal bands over the years.
Of course, no Running Wild album would be complete without a bit of controversy. The band has always been outspoken about their beliefs, and 'Death or Glory' is no exception. 'Bad to the Bone' takes aim at the music industry, while 'Evilution' and 'Battle of Waterloo' tackle the darker aspects of human history. Some folks might find these lyrics a bit too preachy, but hey, that's part of the Running Wild charm.
In the grand scheme of things, 'Death or Glory' might not be Running Wild's most groundbreaking album. It doesn't have the raw energy of their early work, nor the complexity of their later releases. But it's a damn fine record, and it deserves its place in the pantheon of heavy metal classics. It's an album that perfectly captures the spirit of pirate metal, and it's sure to get your blood pumping and your fists in the air.
So hoist the black flag, grab a bottle of rum, and let Running Wild take you on a journey you won't soon forget. 'Death or Glory' is a testament to the power of heavy metal, and it's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to escape the mundane is to embrace the fantastical.
