While today’s band are known as the purveyors of pirate metal, their debut was in a different vein with a lot less pirates and a lot more Satan.

Running Wild – Gates To Purgatory

Released October 1984 via Noise Records (Combat in US)

Running Wild started off in Germany in 1976 with the name Granite Heart. They changed their name to Running Wild in ’79, the name change was inspired by the Judas Priest song from Killing Machine. The band got some songs on compilations in the early ’80’s and then were set to offer their debut album on the fledgling German label Noise Records.

Running Wild were comprised of Rolf Kasparek on guitar and vocals, Gerald “Preacher” Warnecke on guitar, Stephan Boriss on bass and Wolfgang Hagermann on drums. The band would have numerous line-up changes over the years, including just after this album, with Kasparek being the one constant member. The album was recorded in Berlin and produced by the band as well as Horst Müller.

There were a few versions of the record – the original issue was 8 tracks, while the US and Canadian releases features 2 additional songs. It is the 10 song version I’ll review today. There was also a deluxe reissue in 2017 featuring a wealth of bonus tracks.

Victim Of States Power

Out of the gate we’re off with a crisp speed metal track that doesn’t take its foot off the gas. Musically it goes for the throat and lyrically it is a political themed track, fighting back against the oppressive power of the state with every metalhead’s old friend Lucifer. A very slamming way to kick off the album. Grade: A

Black Demon

Not quite as fast here but still a total metal ripper. Rolf’s vocals are somewhat cavernous here on this dark tale of a demon who is up to no good. The song is nothing out of this world but it’s simple and very effective. Grade: B

Preacher

An even slower grind here as we march through a dirge about Satanic forces conspiring against a preacher. A bit of irony here as Gerald “Preacher” Warnecke helped write this song, very soon after the album’s release he would be out of the band to become – wait for it – a preacher. The song is solid, if not unspectacular. Grade: B-

Soldiers Of Hell

The pace picks back up some on this prototypical 1980’s “Hail Satan!” song. A bit thrash and quite melodic, this one offers up a sneak peak at the power metal territory Running Wild would move into and stake their reputation on a few years later. Grade: B

Diabolic Force

Another speed metal attack here once again exploring some dark arts and hellish ends. Easy to headbang to and enjoy. Grade: B+

Adrian S.O.S.

This one ramps up the speed and threatens to fly off the tracks. The S.O.S. Refers to “Son of Satan” in this case, not a plea for help. Running Wild weren’t quite to the nautical themes just yet. This one is a short and brutal track, in line with something like early Slayer. Here, Adrian is an undead werewolf who comes to the world to liberate it from the oppressive binds of corporate overlords. Grade: A-

Genghis Khan

Running Wild set the evil shtick aside for a moment and offer up the first of what would become many historical explorations here as they look back on one of the world’s most famous conquerors. The song still fits the darker tone of the album but also showcases what Running Wild were soon set to become. Grade: A

Prisoner Of Our Time

We wrap up the original version of the album with a banging track that offers up the whole “metal is liberation from society” thing. This one is a bit of a darker take on it, mentioning Satanic imagery and even an early shout to “black metal.” The band also thrown their own name in for an extra push. Grade: B+

Walpurgis Night (The Sign Of Women’s Fight)

A bit of a Wicker Man vibe on this first US bonus track, as men are hiding from an all-out assault by witches in the night. The male narrator is taken by the witches and is then “taken” by the queen witch, because that’s what always happens in these dark witch stories. Overall a very nice track with some really cool guitar work on it. Grade: A-

Satan

The final track offers up another “Satan as liberator from the true evil of society” theme that this early incarnation of the band were very into. It’s a fine way to wrap up the album. Grade: B+

Gates To Purgatory was a successful debut for Running Wild. It became one of Noise Record’s most notable early releases and has gone on to sell close to 250,000 copies. Word spread through the metal world about Running Wild and the band would enjoy steadily growing momentum through the 1980’s. The band did one more album of dark themes before shifting gears in 1987 on Under Jolly Roger, kicking off a career-long exploration of pirate themes and becoming the flag-bearers of pirate metal.

But while Running Wild would become known for their power metal and pirate themes, Gates To Purgatory was still a very solid release into the heavy metal scene in ’84. It’s an occult themed speed metal record that still showcases a flair for melody and was also well-produced, especially in comparison to the other “occult metal” albums of the early ’80’s. The band made their mark later on in a somewhat different guise, but this album is essential early ’80’s listening.

Album Grade: B+

While Running Wild’s story will always revolve around pirates, their story can’t be told without recounting their dank and excellent 1984 debut. And the story of heavy metal in 1984 can’t be told without visiting this slab of speed metal excellence.