Running Wild is a storied heavy metal band hailing from Hamburg, Germany, that has firmly anchored its name in the annals of the genre since its inception in 1976. Initially forming under the name Granite Heart and later changing to Running Wild in 1979, the band was a key figure in the development of power metal and speed metal in Europe during the 1980s. They gained significant popularity with the release of their third album, "Under Jolly Roger" in 1987, which saw the band adopting a pirate image and lyrics heavily inspired by piratical themes, an approach that would become their signature style and inspire a subgenre known as pirate metal.

Led by the only constant member, vocalist and guitarist Rolf Kasparek (also known as Rock 'n' Rolf), Running Wild has undergone numerous lineup changes over the years but has remained consistent in delivering high-octane metal to their fans. Their discography boasts a treasure chest of albums, with fans particularly lauding records such as "Port Royal," "Death or Glory," and "Black Hand Inn." The recent releases like the "Blood on Blood" album and the "Crossing the Blades" EP showcase the band's enduring ability to craft anthemic metal songs with captivating storytelling. Despite their brief hiatus from 2009 to 2011, Running Wild continues to sail the heavy metal seas, capturing the spirit of adventure and rebellion that has characterized their music for over four decades.

Genres

German Metal

German Power Metal

Metal

Old School Thrash

Pirate

Power Metal

Speed Metal

Related Artists

Helloween

Accept

Blind Guardian

Iron Maiden

Judas Priest

Gamma Ray

Grave Digger

Sabaton

Voivod

Powerwolf

HammerFall

Alestorm

Latest Release

Blood on Blood

Running Wild

Album - 10 Tracks - Released October 29, 2021