Review by Tymell for Running Wild - Gates to Purgatory (1984)

I've pretty much always known Running Wild weren't always pirate-themed, that it was only really with their third full-length, Under Jolly Roger, that they became the salty sea dogs we know them as today. But I'd never actually tried out those early pre-pirate releases, so this one would be an interesting experience.

Instrumentally, it's not a radical departure. There are some tracks where it shifts into slightly unexpected territory, but you can certainly hear the same gritty speed metal that would carry them on so well later on. Lyrically though, this is very much a different kettle of fish. It's surprisingly dark, by early 80s standards anyway, with an infernal theme loud and clear. You're hard-pressed to find a song on here that doesn't reference Satan and/or Lucifer; "Preacher" could easily be a Mercyful Fate track sans King's falsetto delivery, while "Soldiers of Hell" would feel right at home on any of Venom's early albums. Like those bands, this might not strictly fit in as "black metal" per se, but the lyrical direction is there.

And honestly, it's a good time. Setting aside any existing expectations of a Running Wild album, this is decent speed metal. "Genghis Khan" has a great fun rhythm to it, the sort they'd later put to great effect in their sea shanties. "Soldiers of Hell" has some absolutely gorgeous solo work that really carries you off and away. "Adrian S.O.S." and "Victims of States Power" are straight-up thrash fucking metal. The vocals can at times be a bit buried in the mix, but that aside this is solid stuff.

I can certainly see why the style changed later, as there's a vibrancy in the instrumentation here that can feel at odds with the darker lyrical themes. Something had to change, and I'd happy Running Wild went in the very rewarding direction they did. That said, Gates to Purgatory might not be part of the iconic Running Wild catalogue, but it's definitely worth a spin for any classic speed metal fan looking to be Lucifer's friend!

Choice cuts: Preacher, Soldiers of Hell, Genghis Khan, Adrian SOS