Running Wild "Masquerade (Picture disc)" 12"

Running Wild’s classic album “Masquerade” as a deluxe Picture-LP (limited to 500 copies). Comes with an insert and an huge poster of the artwork!

It’s interesting to analyse how power metal in general didn’t collapse as badly, by the first half of the decade, as other subgenres, actually some of the strongest outputs of bands like Rolf & co. date back to that period. “Black Hand Inn” is still highly-regarded by the fanbase. So no need to persuade Kasparek to rearrange his ways by any means, actually, the album in question doesn’t take any turns from its predecessor’s direction.

Needless to say, that the chant-along refrains and interactive choruses are insistent and bountiful, making other speed-inflected songs irresistibly singable. The admirable connection, previously displayed by the Kasparek and Hermann duo, triumphantly continues in benefit of the instrumental aplomb. Their lead work stays expertly-restrained and vivid, aligning with the melodic feel of the songs without dipping in tangled shredding. The songs generally reflect a smoother flow of the record’s conception and recording, as well as the musicians’ stronger collaborative commitment.

This would be the band’s most unified and consistent line-up, recording not less than 3 albums in total, which felt like a lot, considering the traditionally-convoluted, revolving door history that preceded it. There are no anomalies in sound, no attempts at commerciality or modernization in any shape or form, something we are grateful for in the context of the time. A less ambitious, more direct effort, not devoid of fireworks, aggression and inspiration. Not lacking the obligatory, eye-catching Marschall cover painting either. For 1995, we could not ask for more.

Tracklist:

1. The Contract / The Crypts of Hades
2. Masquerade
3. Demonized
4. Black Soul
5. Lions of the Sea
6. Rebel at Heart
7. Wheel of Doom
8. Metalhead
9. Soleil Royal
10. Men in Black
11. Underworld