Written by Dimos ‘Dark Nightmare’ Konstantinidis
Running Wild: Gates To Purgatory
It was summer of ’98 and we were just a bunch of young metalheads from Grevena hanging out in Thessaloniki, buying discs and enjoying city’s metal bars.
During our stay, one night I was suffering from insomnia! The heat was unbearable. I told my friend: “George, give me a tape to listen on the Walkman!” And he gave me Running Wild! Their first full length.
… It caught me by surprise… I was totally stoned… Words cannot describe my feelings back then. I’m also familiar with one or more later Wild’s records, as well as with some of their catchier/classic tracks, but nothing can match this rough, genuine, solid sound that punched me in the face right from the start. Still remains one out of ten all-time favorite records for me.
Victim Of States Power
Punch in the gut. Speed metal anthem… Right from the very first seconds you get a taste of the heavy metal Masterpiece, under the name “Gates to Purgatory”, that is about to unfold… Caustic, political thematology and references to freedom struggle. Couldn’t be more suitable as album’s opener.
Black Demon
All in all, it’s a slower, mid tempo track. References to battles, swords, burnt churches and fight for distinguishing human existence from the church, are song’s main points. Most evil track of the album, by all means.
Preacher
Within the same style and lyrics’ thematology, follows the “Preacher”, condemning religion’s power and referring to demons, devil and preachers.
Soldiers Of Hell
The absolute album’s hit. More speed full, along with a catchier riff and chorus, “haunted” by the most melodic album’s duels. The lyrics withhold at the same well-known pattern.
Diabolic Force
Second side begins even speedier, similar though to Soldiers of Hell, while lyrically alters dealing with occultism and devil’s power.
Adrian S.O.S.
The album gets even faster. Perhaps it’s the fastest song of the album, totally flirting with thrash. Lyrics follow the exact same path.
Genghis Khan
Biggest asset of the record… most epic part for sure. It’s a tribute to Genghis Khan.
He was a man like you and me
His era was his fate
He freed his conquered land
From the ban of death
Freedom to the mongol nation
By fanning their wrath
Prisoner Of Our Time
It’s my favorite track (both album’s and band’s overall). One of the best choruses in the history of heavy metal, a total must for every metal party… tremendous experience. Hymn to life and freedom.
We are prisoners of our time
But we are still alive
Fight for the freedom, Fight for the right
We are Running Wild
Dedicated to my childhood friend, Vangelis Kotsios. I wish you the best brother. HEAVY METAL!
Dimos Konstantinidis