RUNNING WILD - Bad To The Bone (12" SHAPED PICTURE DISC)

For epic battle cries, few can rival “Bad to the Bone.”
For sprawling sagas, “The Battle of Waterloo” reigns supreme.
For resilience in the face of adversity, “March On” is your rallying call.

These three tracks encapsulate everything that made Death or Glory a hallmark of Running Wild’s career. The production is sharp and vibrant, crackling with energy and a sense of grandeur. This is heavy metal at its most heroic, steeped in tales of imperial conquests and legendary struggles—all delivered in under twenty minutes of glorious, unrelenting metal. While the band boasts a catalog brimming with standout moments, Death or Glory remains the album to beat. It’s the pinnacle of their craft, with ferocious drumming, electrifying dual guitars, and a relentless sense of class that permeates every track.

“Bad to the Bone” barrels ahead like a warhorse at full gallop. The riffs are snarling and infectious, while Rolf Kasparek’s commanding vocals rally the listener into the fray. The chorus is a metal anthem for the ages, impossible to resist shouting along with, even if you can’t quite match Rolf’s signature howl. Then there’s “The Battle of Waterloo,” a masterpiece that blends historical storytelling with soaring melodies and intricate guitar work. Its lead harmonies glimmer with ambition, while the song’s structure takes you through the chaos and triumph of battle, leaving an indelible mark as the crowning jewel of Running Wild’s discography.

As for “March On,” it’s a rallying cry that encapsulates the fighting spirit of the album. A perfect closer for a single that proves itself to be more than just a preview of greatness—it stands tall on its own, a testament to Running Wild’s mastery. With these three tracks alone, the single rivals many full albums in its impact and replayability.

For fans of Iron Maiden, there’s a lot to love here, but Running Wild brings something distinctly their own to the table. Their blend of power metal and heavy metal is both infectious and timeless, etched in the annals of metal history. If you haven’t yet journeyed through the glory of Death or Glory, there’s no better time to dive in. Victory awaits.