Another milestone in the history of a great band, this is further proof that Running Wild can weather constant lineup shifts and retain their balance, all due to the persevering Rolf Kasparek. Musically speaking, this album isn't as catchy as 'Death or Glory', but with excellent production and 13 new tracks, it's a bold showing (14 tracks if you have the re-issue which included "Dancing on a Minefield"). The title track begins a long string of great tunes, most notably "Lonewolf", "Slavery", "Little Big Horn", "White Masque", and "Billy the Kid". The style here is straight up pirate metal, with historical lyrics to and fro and the mandatory pirate material. It may bear notice that this is possibly the first really formulated album they released. They are a few of those riffs you hear that you could swear you've heard before. Axel Morgan and Ug were a great guitarist and drummer respectively (a few years later, Jens Becker and Axel Morgan would join the amazing spinoff band X-Wild). This is more essential listening for the power metal fan.

© 2000 pizarro