Review by Monty Sewell for MPM
After 2 years, the great architects of Power Metal return, steering their way through the much anticipated 17th studio album with the same force that defined their iconic sound in 1987.
Running Wild hits harder than before; their ten-track journey bringing depth and ambition into some of history’s greatest events with a smattering of rock nostalgia.
The album’s title track opens with a fiery shred carrying its way effortlessly through the instrumental, second only to Rolf “Rolf n Roll’ Kasparek’s signature husk.
Though layered, the vocals never lose themselves in the pithy production and remain lyrically accessible as they navigate their way through ‘Wings of Fire’ and ‘Say Your Prayers’.
Both songs dedicate themselves to the themes of prophesies, each foretelling riff riling attention to the bands defining writing. Just like the first released single from the record, ‘Diamonds and Pearls’, they harbour an established integrity, showcasing their knack for a fist pumping chorus.
Stepping away from their usual trope, Running Wild casts out ‘Wild & Free’ alongside ‘Wild, Wild Nights’. These ‘no questions asked’ head bangers are reminiscent of the dominant 80s hair metal era.
Though it’s only after ‘Crossing the Blades’, an ode to The Three Musketeers, that we’re assured the album sturdily holds its own amongst their extensive discography.
‘Blood On Blood’ owes its most distinctive diversion from the expected on ‘One Night, One Day’. Refreshingly removing itself from the shackles of a verse-chorus structure, it flaunts Kasparek’s rustic soul with a meaningful sincerity. Yet before the album hits its crescendo, well received second single ‘The Shellback’ reveals itself in true sea shanty form.
As pioneers of their genre, the band allow themselves to be vulnerable and yet mighty, the tracks soloing anchored in its rhythmic vigour. ‘The Iron Times’ is a true sign off, basking its own decadence. “We fight or you die!” growls out to the listener, the words not lost in ambiguity as the resilient music industry continues to heal.
Running Wild has always stood strongest when warped in its own self-proclaimed genre. ‘Blood on Blood’ holds nothing new but is worth its weight in gold and a rousing promise for the live shows to come.
Taken from the new album “Blood On Blood” – out October 29th, 2021! Pre-Order Link: https://smarturl.it/RunningWildBlood
Exclusive CD/LP+Shirt-bundle, only at the Steamhammer shop: https://shop.steamhammer.de/artists/r…
