Running Wild is a heavy metal band that originated in Hamburg, Germany, in 1976. The band is known for its unique sound, which combines elements of traditional heavy metal with pirate-themed lyrics and imagery. Over the course of their career, Running Wild has released 16 studio albums, several live albums, and numerous EPs and singles, making them one of the most prolific and enduring bands in the heavy metal genre.
The founding members of Running Wild were guitarist and vocalist Rolf Kasparek, bassist Stephan Boriss, and drummer Wolfgang Hagemann. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, which was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, it wasn't until the release of their third album, "Under Jolly Roger," in 1987, that the band fully embraced their pirate theme and began to gain widespread recognition.
"Under Jolly Roger" marked a turning point for Running Wild, both musically and lyrically. The album featured catchy, anthemic choruses, blistering guitar solos, and lyrics that celebrated the freedom and rebellion of pirates. The band's signature "yarr" chant, which is still a staple of their live shows, was first introduced on this album. The album was a commercial success in Europe and helped to establish Running Wild as one of the leading bands in the German heavy metal scene.
Following the success of "Under Jolly Roger," Running Wild continued to release a string of successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. These albums included "Port Royal" (1988), "Death or Glory" (1989), "Blazon Stone" (1991), and "Pile of Skulls" (1992). Each album featured a mix of fast, aggressive tracks and slower, more epic songs, with lyrics that often revolved around historical events or legends. The band's live shows were known for their energetic performances, which often included stage props and pyrotechnics.
In the early 2000s, Running Wild experienced a decline in popularity, as the heavy metal genre fell out of favor with the mainstream music industry. The band's 2002 album, "The Brotherhood," was criticized for its lack of originality and failure to capture the energy of their earlier work. Despite this, Running Wild continued to release albums throughout the decade, including "Rogues en Vogue" (2005), "Shadowmaker" (2012), and "Resilient" (2013).
In 2009, Rolf Kasparek announced that Running Wild would be going on an indefinite hiatus, citing personal reasons. However, the band reunited in 2011 for a series of live shows and subsequently released new material. In 2020, the band released their sixteenth studio album, "Blood on Blood," which was well-received by fans and critics alike.
Running Wild's influence on the heavy metal genre cannot be overstated. Their unique blend of heavy metal and pirate themes has inspired countless bands, both in Europe and around the world. The band's commitment to their image and their high-energy live performances have made them a favorite among metal fans. Despite their ups and downs over the years, Running Wild has remained true to their roots, and their legacy as one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time is secure.
