UMUR
"Gates to Purgatory" is the debut full-length studio album by German heavy metal act Running Wild. The album was released through Noise Records in December 1984. Running Wild is mostly known for introducing a pirate image and pirate themed lyrics to the world of heavy metal, but at this early stage of their career, their music was a different kind of beast...
...we´re dealing with traditional heavy metal/speed metal with the melodic elements of early Iron Maiden/Judas Priest, but also the rawness and occult atmosphere of artists like Mercyful Fate and Venom. The latter influences are apparent in songtitles like "Black Demon", "Satan" and "Diabolic Force". The music is generally raw, energetic and features anthemic choruses that you can sing along to. Take tracks like "Soldiers of Hell" or "Prisoner of Our Time". I´ll bet you a $1,000, that listening to those tracks, you won´t be able to control yourself, and you´ll find yourself singing along when those choruses kick in. It´s not always pretty but it´s damn infectious.
The band are generally well playing (and Rock'n Rolf has a nice raw voice but always delivers his vocals with a melodic sensibility) and although the sound production is both raw and unpolished it´s both powerful and charmingly well sounding. When it comes to traditional heavy metal from the early- mid 80s this is one album I can highly recommend and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.