Artist page · 05/07/2026

Running Wild

HamburgFormed in 1976Hard Rock / Heavy Metal9 vinyl albums
Running Wild formed in Hamburg, Germany, in 1976, playing power metal with evolving themes from satanic imagery to pirate motifs through the 80s and beyond.
9Albums on Vinyles.com
852Discogs releases
280kLast.fm listeners

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.

Blood On BloodSteamhammer · 2021
2021
Blood On Blood
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Rapid ForaySteamhammer · 2016
2016
Rapid Foray
CD, Album
Studio
ResilientSteamhammer · 2013
2013
Resilient
CD, Album
Studio
ShadowmakerSteamhammer · 2012
2012
Shadowmaker
CD, Album
Studio
The Final Jolly RogerGolden Core · 2011
2011
The Final Jolly Roger
CD, Album
Studio
Rogues En VogueGUN · 2005
2005
Rogues En Vogue
CD, Album
Studio
The BrotherhoodGUN · 2002
2002
The Brotherhood
CD, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
VictoryGUN · 1999
1999
Victory
CD, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
The RivalryGUN · 1998
1998
The Rivalry
CD, Album
Studio
MasqueradeNoise · 1995
1995
Masquerade
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Black Hand InnElectrola · 1994
1994
Black Hand Inn
CD, Album
Studio
Pile Of SkullsElectrola · 1992
1992
Pile Of Skulls
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Blazon StoneEMI Noise · 1991
1991
Blazon Stone
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Death Or GloryNoise International · 1989
1989
Death Or Glory
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Ready For BoardingNoise International · 1988
1988
Ready For Boarding
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Port RoyalNoise International · 1988
1988
Port Royal
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Under Jolly RogerNoise International · 1987
1987
Under Jolly Roger
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Branded And ExiledNoise · 1985
1985
Branded And Exiled
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Gates To PurgatoryNoise · 1984
1984
Gates To Purgatory
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Running Wild's career.

01
Under Jolly Roger
Under Jolly Roger
Under Jolly Roger · 1987
02
Riding the Storm
Riding the Storm
Death Or Glory · 1989
03
Conquistadores
Conquistadores
Port Royal · 1988
04
Bad to the Bone
Bad to the Bone
Death Or Glory · 1989
05
Port Royal
Port Royal
Port Royal · 1988
06
Ballad Of William Kidd
·
07
Raise Your Fist
Raise Your Fist
Under Jolly Roger · 1987
08
Pirate Song
·

The essentials

The 3 Running Wild albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1988
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Port Royal

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.

11 tracksStereoLabel: Noise InternationalFrench original LP pressing available
#2 · 1989
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Death or Glory

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.

10 tracksStereoLabel: Noise InternationalGerman original LP available
#3 · 1994
Vinyle
Black Hand Inn

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.

11 tracksUnofficial releaseLabel: EMI ElectrolaNotable Greece LP pressing

Go further

Artists similar to Running Wild

Artists who share part of Running Wild's musical DNA.

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
01Album

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.

1988France
02Pressing

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.

1989Germany
03Pressing

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.

2002Greece
04Album Production

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.

1976Hamburg

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

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026