Running Wild--The Rivalry (1998)
Rating--8.8
Agents of Black--RealAudio
Rock'N'Rolf and crew are back with a vengeance with 'The Rivalry'.
Returning to their roots a little on this one, RW blend a good mixture of
fast paced rippers and head-moving metal. The ability to go from full
throttle Rage to a Primal Fear crunch has always made RW a great listen.
The buccaneer/fantasy/Bruce Dickinson lyrics are more evident than ever;
however, this one's not a concept album. Rolf's pipes sound like a cross
between WASP's Blackie Lawless and a better ranged Glenn Tipton.
Great
double-bass drums dot the tracks everywhere. However RW is even better
and more focused when they're not blazing away. Just check out the riffs
in "Ballad Of William Kidd" or the Saxon-heavy "Fire & Thunder". Groove
baby! Other neck-movers include "Man On The Moon", "Return Of The Dragon",
and the title track.
Just one more of the great releases of '98. At over 68 minutes, this
one's got plenty to keep you coming back for more. Running Wild: One of
metal's best kept secrets. And, of course, wouldn't you know they'd hail from Europe!
HOT CHOPS: 28 seconds into "Fire & Thunder" the drums just straighten out
behind a nice little chug. Feel the groove...
TRACK LIST: March Of The Final Battle (The End Of All Evil)/The
Rivalry/Kiss Of Death/Firebreather/Return Of The Dragon/Resurrection/Ballad Of William
Kidd/Agents Of Black/Fire & Thunder/The Poison/Adventure Galley/Man On The Moon/War & Peace
Back to Discography