Search - Running Wild :: Gates to Purgatory

Running Wild's debut is catchy, but weak

Lunar Strain | United States | 11/13/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Running Wild's debut...oh let's say...is either one of their weakest if not their weakest release. First of all, they lack their trademark pirate image here. So if your expecting some rip roaring pirate style speed metal, then you are going to be disappointed. They actually have more of a black metal image on this release with lyrics about none other than Satan himself. It's basically Satan this, pentagram that...you get the drift. These lyrics seemed very immature and downright silly at times. I can't blame the band for taking the more dangerous black metal approach at first because that metal subgenre was very popular at the time with the rising fame of Venom (a black metal band I do like) and other such bands, but I'm glad they would drop the hell/satan lyrics not long after this. The production is also very rough and the guitars arn't nearly as fast as they would later become. That said, I do have to say that the songs have some good beats and they are quit catchy. The track Prisoner of our Time is actually one of my all time favorite Running Wild songs and it is still a staple in the bands live performances to this day. Rock N' Rolf's vocals are also interesting as he has a much thicker German accent present here. For fans of Running Wild, this album is a must, but for passive fans or for someone just getting into the band, your better off purchasing some of the bands later albums such as Death or Glory, Black Hand Inn, or Masquarade.



The CD release contains two bonus tracks: Walpurgis Nights and Satan, which was a nice surprsise. The tracks arn't listed on the insert, but they are on the CD itself. My one complaint is that the song Walpurgis Nights cuts off on the end. I'm not sure if that error is damage to the original recording or if its its a glitch on the making of the CD, but it is quit annoying. Just don't be surprised by it if you buy this disc"