RUNNING WILD - Gates To Purgatory (12" PICTURE DISC)

German Speed Metal never sounded better! In the early '80s European metal scene, a wave of bands emerged from the underground, bringing more extreme and heavier sounds. This marked the beginning of what could be described as an "evil battle of sound." Running Wild, initially a lo-fi band, evolved into one of the biggest metal acts in Germany, thanks to their original concept of piracy in the late '80s.

However, in 1984, Running Wild had a different mindset—they aimed to sound black and heavy, and that’s exactly what their early material delivered. Many metal fans consider their debut album, Gates to Purgatory, a true masterpiece of the genre. Released in late 1984, shortly after their first EP Victim of States Power, the first pressing of the album featured eight tracks with a total runtime of 33 minutes. This is also what you get on the Picture-LP version.

The album's content is typically divided into two main categories: Heavy Metal tracks and Speed Metal songs. The variety in sound ensures that this record is difficult to dislike. One of the album's standout features is its sound production—it has the perfect vibe, with every instrument clearly audible thanks to the excellent mixing. The lyrical content is also typical of '80s German Speed Metal, with themes of evil and anti-religion.

Overall, Running Wild's first full-length album is a quintessential example of old-school Heavy Metal. The album cover alone is a testament to its badassery. This timeless masterpiece comes highly recommended to fans of old-school Heavy Metal.