RUNNING WILD - Port Royal Noise International 12" Vinyl LP Album

"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.

Album Front Cover Photo of RUNNING WILD - Port Royal

"Port Royal" Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, few bands have ventured into the thematic waters of pirate lore with the same audacity and flair as Germany's own Running Wild. With their fourth studio album, "Port Royal," the band not only solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in the metal realm but also pioneered the subgenre now affectionately known as Pirate Metal.

Released in1988, "Port Royal" marked a significant turning point in Running Wild's discography. The album, presented on a 12" vinyl LP, stands as a testament to the band's creativity and ability to weave captivating tales through their music.

A Historical Journey: The Creation of "Port Royal"

The creation of "Port Royal" was not merely the result of a band looking for a new concept to explore. Instead, it was a deliberate and inspired decision by Running Wild to carve a niche for themselves in the crowded landscape of heavy metal. Drawing inspiration from historical pirate stories, the band embarked on a musical voyage that would resonate with fans and critics alike.

The album's production process was meticulous, with Running Wild collaborating closely with Noise International, the record label that would release this masterpiece. The synergy between the band and the label played a crucial role in shaping the final product, ensuring that every note, riff, and lyric adhered to the thematic essence of the pirate motif.

Musical Alchemy: The Sound of "Port Royal"

"Port Royal" delivered a sonic experience that blended the ferocity of heavy metal with the swashbuckling spirit of pirate tales. The album's opening track, "Intro," sets the stage with the sound of waves crashing against the shore, immediately transporting listeners to the high seas. From there, the album unfolds with a series of powerful and anthemic tracks, including the eponymous "Port Royal" and classics like "Conquistadores."

The fusion of galloping riffs, thunderous drums, and the distinctive vocals of Rolf Kasparek created a musical tapestry that vividly depicted the adventurous and rebellious world of pirates. Running Wild's ability to seamlessly integrate historical narratives into their music set "Port Royal" apart from its contemporaries.

Essentials of: RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
Music Genre:

Speed Metal / Heavy Metal / Pirate Metal

Label & Catalognr:

 Noise International – N 0122-1

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1988 Germany

Production & Recording Information
Album Packaging

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos. 

Producers:

Running Wild - Producers

Karl-Ulrich Walterbach - Executive Producer

Karl-Ulrich Walterbach: German music producer who transformed the heavy metal scene. Founder of the iconic Noise Records, he launched the careers of Helloween, Celtic Frost, and countless others. Learn more

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Tom Steeler - Sound and Sound Mix Engineer

Recording Location:

This album was recorded Sky Trak, Berlin, Germany during June 1988.

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Stefan Kruger - Cover Paintings

 Sebastian ( or Stefan ) Krüger a German Illustrator who has (during the 1980s) drawn around two dozen of album covers for bands like: Destruction, Risk, Sodom, Tankard, Runing Wild.


Musicians:
  • Rock'n'Rolf - Lead Vocals, Guitar

     Rock and Rolf Kasparek - Guitar, formed the band "Granite Heart" around 1979 this band was renamed into "Running Wild".

  • Majk Moti - Guitar
  • Jens Becker - Bass
  • Stefan Schwarzmann - Drums
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Intro (Rolf Kasparek / Jens Becker / Majk Moti) 0:49
  2. Port Royal (Rolf Kasparek) 4:12
  3. Raging Fire (Rolf Kasparek - Rolf Kasparek / Stefan Schwarzmann / Majk Moti) 3:28
  4. Into the Arena (Majk Moti) 3:59
  5. Uaschitschun (Rolf Kasparek) 4:53
  6. Final Gates (Jens Becker) 2:59
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Blown to Kingdom Come (Majk Moti) 3:19
  2. Warchild (Rolf Kasparek - Rolf Kasparek / Stefan Schwarzmann) 3:00
  3. Mutiny (Rolf Kasparek - Rolf Kasparek / Stefan Schwarzmann) 4:27
  4. Calico Jack (Rolf Kasparek / Majk Moti - Rolf Kasparek / Stefan Schwarzmann / Majk Moti) 8:14
High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
High Resolution Photo #10 RUNNING WILD - Port Royal https://vinyl-records.nl

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

High Resolution Photo #11 RUNNING WILD - Port Royal https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of the custom inner sleeve RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
High Resolution Photo #12 RUNNING WILD - Port Royal https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of the custom inner sleeve RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
High Resolution Photo #13 RUNNING WILD - Port Royal https://vinyl-records.nl
Close up of the record's label
Photo of record label of RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
Photo of Side One: RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
High Resolution Photo #14 RUNNING WILD - Port Royal https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of Side Two: RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
High Resolution Photo #15 RUNNING WILD - Port Royal https://vinyl-records.nl

Riding the Waves of Heavy Metal: Exploring Running Wild's Epic Vinyl Discography

RUNNING WILD - Branded and Exiled
RUNNING WILD - Branded and Exiled  album front cover vinyl record

"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.

Branded and Exiled 12" Vinyl LP
RUNNING WILD - Death or Glory
RUNNING WILD - Death or Glory album front cover vinyl record

"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"

Death or Glory 12" Vinyl LP
RUNNING WILD - Gates To Purgatory
RUNNING WILD - Gates To Purgatory  album front cover vinyl record

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

Gates To Purgatory 12" Vinyl LP
RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
RUNNING WILD - Port Royal album front cover vinyl record

"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

Port Royal 12" Vinyl LP
RUNNING WILD - Ready For Boarding
RUNNING WILD - Ready For Boarding  album front cover vinyl record

"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

Ready For Boarding 12" Vinyl LP
RUNNING WILD - Under Jolly Roger
RUNNING WILD - Under Jolly Roger (Canadian and German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Label , Year , Country

"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 (1987, Canada) - Under Jolly Roger (1987, Germany)