A pivotal album featuring pirate-themed heavy metal, 'Port Royal' brings 11 tracks of speed and power metal fusion, highly sought on vinyl, notably the French LP pressing.
Artist page · 05/07/2026
Running Wild
About
Running Wild, German power metal pioneers with a pirate spirit since 1976.
Nine key vinyl releases, including 'Port Royal' and 'Death Or Glory', tracked with up-to-date prices and rarities.
Running Wild is a German power metal group originating in Hamburg in 1976, led by Rolf "Rock'n Rolf" Kasparek. The band initially used satanic imagery but shifted to a pirate theme that has defined their music and aesthetic ever since. They have released numerous albums, some of which have become staples in the heavy metal genre.
Key albums like 'Port Royal' (1988) and 'Death Or Glory' (1989) marked their rise with pirate metal anthems. Their discography includes studio albums, live recordings, and compilations, with many available on vinyl. Collectors track pressing details and prices worldwide, with original releases often commanding significant interest.
Discography
Running Wild — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Steamhammer · 2021
Steamhammer · 2016
Steamhammer · 2013
Steamhammer · 2012
Golden Core · 2011
GUN · 2005
GUN · 2002
GUN · 1999
GUN · 1998
Noise · 1995
Electrola · 1994
Electrola · 1992
EMI Noise · 1991
Noise International · 1989
Noise International · 1988
Noise International · 1988
Noise International · 1987
Noise · 1985
Noise · 1984Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Running Wild's career.






The essentials
The 3 Running Wild albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Follow-up to 'Port Royal', this album enhances Running Wild's signature pirate metal sound across 10 tracks. Original German LPs are collectible with prices averaging €19.90.
Released in 1994, 'Black Hand Inn' is notable for its 11-track composition blending heavy and power metal. The Greece LP pressing is an unofficial but sought-after vinyl release.
Go further
Artists similar to Running Wild
Artists who share part of Running Wild's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Running Wild
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"We always wanted to bring pirate themes to metal with sincerity and energy."— Rolf Kasparek
Port Royal's 1988 French LP pressing
The French LP pressing of 'Port Royal', released in 1988 by the Accord label with catalogue number 102241, remains a prized vinyl among collectors, priced around €30 as of recent listings.
Original German release of 'Death Or Glory' LP
The original 1989 German LP pressing of 'Death Or Glory' on Noise International, catalogue number 1C 066-7 93324 1, has stable vinyl market interest with median prices near €19.90.
Unofficial Greek LP pressing of 'Black Hand Inn'
'Black Hand Inn' was pressed unofficially on LP in Greece in 2002 by EMI Electrola (7243 8 29160 2 4), a release tracked for its distinct vinyl presence, though without active market availability currently.
Running Wild's roots in Hamburg since 1976
Formed in 1976 in Hamburg, Running Wild started by adopting satanic imagery but transitioned in the 1980s to a consistent pirate metal theme that shaped their identity in heavy metal.
Records by Running Wild
See all
FAQ
FAQ: Running Wild on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Where did Running Wild originate and in what year?
Running Wild originated in Hamburg, Germany, in 1976, establishing themselves as pioneers of power metal with pirate themes.
What are the main vinyl formats available for Running Wild's albums?
Running Wild's albums are mostly available in LP vinyl format, including stereo and unofficial releases, offering collectors a range of authenticated and rare pressings.
What is the significance of the 'Port Royal' album on vinyl?
'Port Royal' (1988) is a key album embodying Running Wild’s pirate metal era, widely released on LP and notably sought for the French pressing with stable market value.
Which Running Wild album LP is known for having unofficial releases?
'Black Hand Inn' from 1994 has unofficial LP pressings, particularly a Greek release, valued among collectors despite its unofficial status.
What is the price range for original German LPs of 'Death Or Glory'?
Original German LPs of 'Death Or Glory' from 1989 generally sell between €16 and €24, making them collectible but accessible for metal vinyl enthusiasts.
Does Running Wild have live or compilation albums available on vinyl?
Yes, their discography includes live and compilation albums such as 'The First Years of Piracy', also available on vinyl and tracked for rarity and price.
How popular is Running Wild on music streaming platforms?
Running Wild attracts over 280,000 monthly listeners and has accumulated more than 11 million track plays, reflecting continuing interest alongside vinyl collecting.
Where can vinyl collectors find Running Wild's original pressings in France?
Collectors can find original French pressings of 'Port Royal' and 'Ready For Boarding' on various specialist vinyl platforms where stock and prices update regularly.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.






