RUNNING WILD - Gates To Purgatory incl OIS 12" Vinyl LP Album

Running Wild's debut album, "Gates to Purgatory," released in 1984, marked a pivotal moment in heavy metal history. Predating their famed pirate themes, the album delved into satanic influences, creating a raw and rebellious sound. With haunting lyrics and iconic cover art, the album set the stage for Running Wild's future success, influencing subsequent metal bands and cementing its place as a pioneering force in the genre.

This album "RUNNING WILD Gates To Purgatory" includes the original custom made inner sleeve (OIS) with album production details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

RUNNING WILD - Gates To Purgatory incl OIS 12" Vinyl LP Album  front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Gates to Purgatory" Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, few albums hold the same mythical status as "Gates to Purgatory," the debut studio album by the German band Running Wild. Released as a 12" Vinyl LP album, this iconic record not only marked the inception of a band that would later become synonymous with pirate metal but also showcased the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined the early years of the heavy metal genre.

The genesis of "Gates to Purgatory" can be traced back to the vibrant metal scene of the early 1980s. Formed in 1976 by guitarist and vocalist Rolf Kasparek, Running Wild underwent several lineup changes before solidifying into the quartet that would record their debut album. The band's early years were marked by a determination to carve a unique identity within the burgeoning metal landscape.

Released in 1984, "Gates to Purgatory" captured the essence of the era, blending traditional heavy metal elements with a darker, satanic aesthetic. This album predates Running Wild's later thematic focus on piracy, showcasing a different facet of their artistic expression. The lyrics, heavily influenced by satanic imagery, added an element of controversy that further fueled the album's notoriety.

One cannot discuss the creation history of "Gates to Purgatory" without acknowledging the significance of its cover art. The album's iconic cover, featuring a menacing skeletal figure wielding a scythe against a backdrop of flames, perfectly encapsulated the album's themes and added visual impact to the auditory experience. The cover art became an integral part of Running Wild's identity and contributed to the overall mystique surrounding the band.

Album Fact Sheet: RUNNING WILD Gates To Purgatory
Music Genre: Heavy Metal 
Album Production information:

The album: "RUNNING WILD Gates To Purgatory" was produced by: Running WIld

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Horst Muller

This album was recorded at: Caet Studio, Berlin, Germany, June 1984

Caet Studios In the world of music, certain studios hold an iconic status due to their rich history and the multitude of talented artists who have graced their halls. One such studio is Caet Studios, located in the vibrant city of Berlin, Germany. Renowned for its exceptional sound recording capabilities, Caet Studios has become synonymous with the German Heavy Metal scene, serving as a creative hub for numerous influential bands during the 1980s.

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The 1980s marked a golden era for Heavy Metal music, with the genre reaching new heights of popularity and cultural significance. German Heavy Metal bands, in particular, emerged as a force to be reckoned with, capturing the attention of both domestic and international audiences. Among these bands were Celtic Frost, Running Wild, and Destruction, who utilized Caet Studios as their creative sanctum.

Celtic Frost, a pioneering group in the Extreme Metal subgenre, left an indelible mark on the music world with their groundbreaking albums. Caet Studios served as the birthplace of their magnum opus, "To Mega Therion," released in 1985. The studio's pristine acoustics and state-of-the-art equipment allowed Celtic Frost to craft a sound that was as dark and atmospheric as their lyrical themes. Songs like "Circle of the Tyrants" and "Necromantical Screams" resonated with fans and established Celtic Frost as one of the most innovative and influential Metal bands of their time.

Running Wild, known for their pirate-themed anthems and energetic live performances, also found solace within the walls of Caet Studios. Their album "Under Jolly Roger," released in 1987, solidified their status as a leading force in German Heavy Metal. Caet Studios provided Running Wild with the ideal environment to capture their raw energy and intricate instrumentation, resulting in a record that showcased their trademark blend of speed and melody. Tracks like the eponymous "Under Jolly Roger" and "Raise Your Fist" became instant classics and continue to resonate with fans to this day.

Destruction, a band synonymous with the German Thrash Metal movement, sought refuge in Caet Studios to unleash their sonic assault. Their album "Infernal Overkill," released in 1985, epitomized the aggression and intensity that characterized the Thrash Metal genre. With Caet Studios' expertise, Destruction meticulously crafted a sonic landscape that showcased their breakneck speed and razor-sharp riffs. Tracks like "Total Desaster" and "Bestial Invasion" became anthems for the thrashing masses, solidifying Destruction's position as one of the genre's titans.

While Celtic Frost, Running Wild, and Destruction are just a few of the notable bands that graced Caet Studios during the 1980s, countless others followed suit. The studio's reputation for excellence attracted a multitude of emerging and established Heavy Metal acts, all eager to harness the power of its remarkable acoustics and cutting-edge recording equipment. Caet Studios became a pilgrimage site for musicians, offering a sanctuary where creativity and sonic innovation thrived.

Beyond its technical prowess, Caet Studios fostered a sense of community within the German Heavy Metal scene. Bands not only shared the same recording space but also collaborated and inspired one another, pushing the boundaries of the genre. The legacy of Caet Studios extends beyond the music it helped create, representing a pivotal era in German Heavy Metal history and leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape.

Album cover photography: D. Magnussen

Information on the people working on the production of "Gates to Purgatory"

  • Horst Mueller – Sound engineer, mixing, production

    One of those “in the room” names behind early European extreme metal—if the mid-80s sounded feral but still punchy, there’s a decent chance his hands were on the desk.

    Horst Mueller, I’m best known as the engineer/producer orbiting the German metal explosion of the 1980s (even though I’m listed as Swiss-born). In the 1983–1986 stretch I’m all over the credits that helped define the sound: engineering Destruction (1984–1985), Sodom (1985), Running Wild (1984–1985), Hellhammer (1984), and producing/engineering/mixing Kreator’s "Endless Pain" (1985), plus work for Warrant (1985) and Iron Angel (1985). And yeah—I wasn’t only “behind the glass”: I’m credited with effects and additional vocals for Celtic Frost in 1984–1985. Later on, my name pops up again in the 1990s and beyond (including a 1997 production credit and later compilation work), but that mid-80s run is the real high-voltage fingerprint.

  • Record Company / Catalog number / Label:  Noise N 0012
    Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
    Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  
    Year & Country:  1984 Made in Germany  
    Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: RUNNING WILD Gates To Purgatory
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Rock 'n' Roll (Rolf Kasparek) - Lead Vocals, Guitars (Rock and Rolf Kasparek - Guitar, formed the band "Granite Heart" around 1979 this band was renamed into "Running Wild".)
    • Preacher (Gerald Warnecke) - Guitar, Vocals (Gerald "Preacher" Warnecke - Guitarist with the Germany Pirate Metal band "Running Wild" from 1982 until 1985 and left to complete his study in Theology.)
    • Stephan (Stephan Boriss) - Bass
    • Hasche (Wolfgang Hagemann) - Drums
    Complete Track-listing of the album "RUNNING WILD Gates To Purgatory"

    The detailed tracklist of this record "RUNNING WILD Gates To Purgatory" is:

      Track-listing:
    1. Victim of States Power 3:36
    2. Black Demon 4:25
    3. Preacher 4:22
    4. Soldiers of Hell 3:23
    5. Diabolic Force 4:58 (This track "Diabolic Force" has also been released on the Compilation album "Metal Attack Vol. 1 on NOISE N 0022)
    6. Adrian S.O.S. 2:49
    7. Genghis Khan 4:11
    8. Prisoner of our Time 5:22

    Riding the Waves of Heavy Metal: Exploring Running Wild's Epic Vinyl Discography

    RUNNING WILD - Branded and Exiled
    RUNNING WILD - Branded and Exiled  album front cover vinyl record

    "Branded and Exiled" (1985), Running Wild's pivotal album, marked the debut of guitarist Majk Moti and defined the Pirate Metal genre. With Rolf Kasparek's visionary songwriting, the album blended traditional heavy metal with maritime themes, unleashing tales of rebellion and adventure.

    Branded and Exiled 12" Vinyl LP
    RUNNING WILD - Death or Glory
    RUNNING WILD - Death or Glory album front cover vinyl record

    "Death or Glory" is a Pirate Power metal album by German band RUNNING WILD. One of their most successful releases, it contains the concert favourites "Riding the Storm" and "Bad to the Bone"

    Death or Glory 12" Vinyl LP
    RUNNING WILD - Gates To Purgatory
    RUNNING WILD - Gates To Purgatory  album front cover vinyl record

    Running Wild's debut album,"Gates to Purgatory," released in 1984, marked a pivotal moment in heavy metal history. Predating their famed pirate themes, the album delved into satanic influences, creating a raw and rebellious sound. With haunting lyrics and iconic cover art, the album set the stage for Running Wild

    Gates To Purgatory 12" Vinyl LP
    RUNNING WILD - Port Royal
    RUNNING WILD - Port Royal album front cover vinyl record

    "Port Royal" by Running Wild, a landmark in heavy metal, emerged as the epitome of Pirate Metal. Released in 1988, on a 12" vinyl LP, the album marked a deliberate shift for the German band. Meticulously crafted in collaboration with Noise International, it blended ferocious riffs and anthemic tracks

    Port Royal 12" Vinyl LP
    RUNNING WILD - Ready For Boarding
    RUNNING WILD - Ready For Boarding  album front cover vinyl record

    "Ready For Boarding" by Running Wild, a live album recorded in Munich, Germany, captures the band's electrifying stage presence. Released on a 12" vinyl LP by Noise Records, it features a rare track, "Purgatory," dedicated to the PMRC. The album, with its powerful live performance and bold musical statements

    Ready For Boarding 12" Vinyl LP
    RUNNING WILD - Under Jolly Roger
    RUNNING WILD - Under Jolly Roger (Canadian and German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

    Label , Year , Country

    "Running Wild" is one of the German power metal bands to emerge in the early/mid 1980s (along with Helloween, Gamma Ray, Rage, Blind Guardian, Grave Digger, EdGuy, etc). The band has carved its niche in the metal world as the first "pirate metal" band, a theme which took off with the release of this album

    - Under Jolly Roger (1987, Canada) - Under Jolly Roger (1987, Germany)