RUNNING WILD


***German Pirate Metal Pioneers' 'Crossing The Blades' 4 Track EP Released December 6th On Steamhammer / SPV***

German Power Metal flagship Running Wild have confirmed the release of a new 4 track EP 'Crossing The Blades', on December 6th on Steamhammer/SPV on CD, 12" vinyl, download and stream. Containing three riotous new Running Wild tracks, plus a striking cover of the Kiss classic, 'Strutter', 'Crossing The Blades' is the first release since 2016's highly rated 'Rapid Foray' album.

The title track itself, 'Crossing Blades', is a harbinger of the next studio album, scheduled for summer 2020. Running Wild captain Rock'n'Rolf Kasparek explains that "This version will only be available on the 'Crossing The Blades' EP. The album will feature a different version, completely re-recorded and with a number of little changes."



While the theme of 'Crossing The Blades' is the old musketeer motto "all for one and one for all", the song came about in a new, unusual way. Rolf explains that "Normally, a Running Wild song is based on a guitar riff. In this case, however, it's a bass line, with the guitar only contributing the chords; a unique feature in a Running Wild number."

'Stargazed', the hard driving dynamic, riff-laden second track on the EP, will be familiar to many Wacken Open Air 2018 Festival attendees, where Running Wild previewed the song exclusively to an enthusiastic response.



In explanation of the inspiration behind the cover of Kiss's 'Strutter', Rolf recalls that "A few months ago, the Kiss show in Hanover during their farewell tour brought back memories of my beginnings as a musician. Kiss were the reason why I founded my first band Granite Heart in 1976, a predecessor of Running Wild. At the time, I found two songs particularly outstanding: 'Deuce' and of course 'Strutter'. At that Kiss show in Hanover I noticed that they don't play 'Strutter' live. That's why I decided to record my own version, in homage to my first idols, of course in typical Running Wild style and with a little more steam than the Kiss original."

To do justice to powerfully paced EP closer 'Ride On The Wild Side', (which is not set to be included on the new album despite its strength) Kasparek recorded the guitar solo on a Fender Stratocaster for the first time, instead of his tried and tested Gibson Explorer.

'Crossing The Blades', which will ease the fans lengthy wait for the new album while simultaneously heightening anticipation for new Running Wild music, is a prime slab of powerful fist-pumping heavy metal that portends more than well for 2020's upcoming opus.

Knife-edged – Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392.
roland@workhardpr.com
www.running-wild.de
www.spv.com

24th October 2019


© Work Hard PR 2019


RUNNING WILD


***German Power Metal Masters' Rousing New Studio Album 'Rapid Foray' Released August 26th On Steamhammer / SPV***

German Pirate Metal Innovators Running Wild's captivating new studio album, 'Rapid Foray', scheduled for release on August 26th on Steamhammer / SPV, is nothing other than a riff-strewn, hook laden, fist waving, chest thumping, pure unadulterated heavy metal delight. One of the most diverse releases in Running Wild's whole 30 plus year career, 'Rapid Foray' seamlessly picks up from where 2013's highly acclaimed 'Resilient' album left off, sailing full steam ahead to create an even more sublime metal concoction.

The album's martial title heralds the out and out heavy metal content of 'Rapid Foray', Running Wild's 16th album, which will be available as a Digipak CD (+ poster), double gatefold 180 gram golden vinyl (with printed inner sleeves + CD in a paper sleeve) and limited edition (to 1,000) box set, containing Digi CD, LP, mouse mat, poster, sticker, button and more.

Vocalist / guitarist and main man Rock 'n' Rolf Kasparek reveals that "The eleven new tracks are more complex than those on our previous two releases, which I noticed in particular when we were recording the guitars. At the same time some of the numbers remind me of Running Wild classics. I feel that we've come up with a very interesting and impressive mix." Having started with a total of three dozen song concepts, Kasparek and sound engineer Niki Nowy, who produced, mixed and mastered the album together, whittled the material down to the eleven outstanding, strong compositions that became 'Rapid Foray'.



Album opener 'Black Skies, Red Flag' sets the strident pirate metal tone, continued with songs such as the double bass driven 'Warmongers', one of Running Wild's toughest tracks ever, let alone the galloping title track itself, 'Rapid Foray'. Kasparek is particularly pleased with 'By The Blood Of Your Heart's fantastic vocal melody and atmospheric bagpipe orchestra; "For me this track has all the qualities of a real stadium anthem. Listening to it gives me goose bumps every time." Commenting on the eleven plus minutes of multifaceted album closer 'Last Of The Mohicans', Rolf muses "When you listen carefully you will notice that 'Last Of The Mohicans' consists of thousands of small bits and pieces, which is why the work on this track turned out to be rather complex."

Explaining the apparently belligerent album title, Kasparek states that "The pirate image is part and parcel of Running Wild, but of course it's all tongue-in-cheek, as you can see from the sand in the hourglass on the cover, half of which has already run out." Work on the new material was repeatedly delayed for 12 months from Spring 2014, while Kasparek recovered from a broken shoulder; "After that I had to prepare intensively for our show in Wacken, which was also very time-consuming. Now I'm all the more pleased to be able to present an exceptionally strong new recording to all Running Wild fans."

'Rapid Foray', a resounding, outstanding, contemporary collection of vibrant and upbeat, soaring, unconditionally heavy, classic metal compositions, will not only go down a storm with existing fans, but should also win over hordes of new ones of this mighty metal ship.
Raider – Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392.
roland@workhardpr.com
www.running-wild.de
www.spv.com

29th June 2016


© Work Hard PR 2016


RUNNING WILD


***German Power Metal Legends’ Storming New Studio Album ‘Resilient’ Released October 7th On Steamhammer / SPV***

German Power Metal flagship Running Wild, who invented the unique ‘Pirate Metal’ genre over a quarter of a century ago, are set to release their absolutely storming new studio album, ‘Resilient’ on October 7th on Steamhammer / SPV. ‘Resilient’, which Captain Rock’N’Rolf Kasparek worked full throttle on from February 2013 right through to late August, packs an even mightier punch than its highly acclaimed predecessor, ‘Shadowmaker’, released in April last year. ‘Resilient’ will be released as a ten track jewel case CD, a digipak CD with two bonus tracks, and as a double gatefold coloured vinyl album with printed inner sleeves + CD (cardboard sleeve).

After the release of ‘Shadowmaker’, Rolf consciously took a break from Running Wild by immersing himself in Giant X, his band with guitarist Peter Jordan, who released their debut album ‘I’, in January 2012. “The break was important and extremely refreshing for me,” he explains. “I felt renewed vigour as soon as I started writing the material for ‘Resilient’; tracks such as ‘Fireheart’ and ‘Soldiers Of Fortune’ just came pouring out of me. The dynamic pace of ‘Soldiers Of Fortune’ in particular kicked off a whole avalanche of creativity in me.”

In terms of lyrics, there are the familiar fusillades that we’ve come to expect from Running Wild: ‘Bloody Island’, (a major, almost ten minute long, glorious highlight of the album), and the bonus track ‘Payola & Shenanigans’ see Rock’n’Rolf criticise the curse of greed that we’ve seen specifically in the European banking crisis of recent years. ‘Crystal Gold’ is about the obviously politically motivated privatisation of drinking water, while ‘Fireheart’ and ‘Run Riot’ are warnings to Running Wild’s fans to have confidence in themselves and be vigilant towards the authorities. Rolf: “For me, that’s the attitude which stands for that true rock’n’roll feeling.”

‘Resilient’ was produced by Rock’n’Rolf himself, ably assisted by Niki Nowy during the mixing and mastering process, as well as Katharina Nowy and Peter Jordan, who contributed a number of guitar solos. For the first time, Rolf worked with precise vocal lines during the demo recordings. “The targeted use of lyrics and vocal melodies during the demo stage was new for me, but it worked out really well and I’ve never gone to the studio as well prepared as I did this time around. I didn’t have to try and test things but only had to put a few finishing touches to my singing at the studio. A definite advantage!”

Running Wild, who were at the forefront of the new wave of power metal (NWOPM) bands emerging from Continental Europe in the early 80’s, debuted in 1984 with ‘Gates Of Purgatory’, swiftly followed by ‘Branded and Exiled’ in 1985, both heavily featuring satanic themes and imagery. A support slot with Motley Crue in 1986 gave Running Wild a leg up on other European metal bands and led to a US tour soon after.

Running Wild then re-invented themselves for 1987’s ‘Under Jolly Roger’ album, adopting an outlandish pirate image in keeping with the title, and injecting jig-like rhythms and buccaneering vocals to massive effect. ‘Under Jolly Roger’ broke the group with metal audiences across the world, and Running Wild went on to release eleven more extremely well received studio albums, focused on historical subjects, conspiracy theories and the fight between good and evil, culminating with 2012’s ‘Shadowmaker’ LP. Powerplay’s Bruce Turnbull awarded the album 8/10, stating that “considering the amount of time it took Rolf to compose these tracks, they are startlingly strong….With plenty of variation, ‘Shadowmaker’ is a captivating listen from start to finish, one that true Running Wild devotees will devour the moment they get their hands on it.”

Now ‘Resilient’, packed with ten awesome, fist waving, chest thumping, riff strewn, pure unadulterated storm proof heavy metal anthems, is set to see the mighty metal galley that is Running Wild win a whole new generation of metal warriors to their pirate cause!

Irrepressible – Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392.
roland@workhardpr.com
www.running-wild.de
www.spv.com

13th September 2013


© Work Hard PR 2013



RUNNING WILD


***German Power Metal Legends’ Brand New ‘Shadowmaker’ Studio Album Released April 23rd On Steamhammer / SPV***

German Power Metal flagship Running Wild, who invented the unique ‘Pirate Metal’ genre a quarter of a century ago, have signed to Steamhammer / SPV worldwide to release their brand new album, ‘Shadowmaker’ on April 23rd.

‘Shadowmaker’, the first new studio album since 2005’s ‘Rogues On Vogue’ release, contains ten mighty slabs of irresistibly catchy, crunching guitar-riff driven power metal, all topped with founder Rock’n’Rolf’s distinctive, swashbuckling vocals. Particular highlights include strident party anthems such as ‘Piece Of The Action’ and ‘Me And The Boys’, the dark trilogy of ‘Black Shadow, ‘Shadowmaker’ and ‘Into The Black’, which focus on the alarming state of the world, the piratical ‘Riding On The Tide’ and ‘Sailing Fire’, or the autographical ‘I Am Who I Am’.

‘Shadowmaker’ will be available as a black jewel case CD (over printed with silver), containing a 40 minute bonus DVD documenting the making of the album, with commentary on each of the ten new songs. ‘Shadowmaker’ will also be released as a double gatefold (clear vinyl) LP with printed inner sleeves, and as a limited edition box set containing the double vinyl LP, the jewel case + DVD, a poster, sticker, postcard and a 30 page booklet.

Running Wild, who were at the forefront of the new wave of power metal (NWOPM) bands emerging from Continental Europe in the early 80’s, debuted in 1984 with ‘Gates Of Purgatory’, swiftly followed by ‘Branded and Exiled’ in 1985, both heavily featuring satanic themes and imagery. A support slot with Motley Crue in 1986 gave Running Wild a leg up on other European metal bands and led to a US tour soon after.

Running Wild then re-invented themselves for 1987’s ‘Under Jolly Roger’ album, adopting an outlandish pirate image in keeping with the title, and injecting jig-like rhythms and buccaneering vocals to massive effect. ‘Under The Jolly Roger’ broke the group with metal audiences across the world, and Running Wild went on to release ten more extremely well received studio albums, focused on historical subjects, conspiracy theories and the fight between good and evil, finally culminating with 2005’s ‘Rogues On Vogue’ LP.

Rock’n’Rolf Kasparek, vocalist, guitarist and mastermind of Running Wild, then stepped back and took time out to clear his head plus recharge his musical batteries and inspiration. He states that “Without the break following ‘Rogues En Vogue’ and my detour via other projects, I wouldn’t have found my way back to Running Wild. A routine had crept in which I didn’t really like any more. I had to put an end to Running Wild to get a clear head again. This was the only way to write an album as laid-back and passionate as ‘Shadowmaker’.”

The production team of Niki and Katherina Nowy plus Kasparek’s long-time friend Peter Jordan allowed Rock’n’Rolf to wholly concentrate on just composing the captivating songs and riveting guitar riffs on ‘Shadowmaker’. Kasparek reflects that “On ‘Rogues On Vogue’, I also acted as a producer and sound engineer. This time around, those time consuming tasks were taken off my shoulders, which freed me to take care of a lot of important things… We’ve also developed in terms of vocals – no other Running Wild album has featured the kind of choirs that ‘Shadowmaker’ does. In my opinion the result is one of the best albums I’ve ever written.”

Obscurer – Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392.
roland@workhardpr.com
www.running-wild.de
www.spv.com

29th February 2012


© Work Hard PR 2012




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