Twelfth voyage in for 'Running Wild' and the old themes of Freedom, War and most of all Pirates are still going strong, but perhaps cracks in this ever reliable band do start to appear- lets take a closer look. The customary line-up changes are again felt with bassist 'Thomas Smuszynski' being replaced by 'Peter Pichel', while second guitarist 'Thilo Herrmann' is dropped as 'Rock 'n' Rolf' handles all the guitar work. Drumming is again courtesy of 'Angelo Sasso', however a drum machine was allegedly used throughout, combine this with a general more Metal less Power Metal approach and the album does take on a different sound and feel to what you may expect. There are a couple of weaker tracks present, but despite the potentially disastrous changes, 'Rolf' manages to come up with some sharp cuts well within 'Running Wild's' trademark sound.

'Welcome to Hell' is chosen to open and this is does in respectable fashion, being a hearty mid tempo rocker, underlined by a splendid pulsating rhythm, simplistic but solid lyrics and plenty of tempo changes to maintain interest. The more straightforward 'Soulstrippers' ensues in plodding fashion and despite not being poor, is a fairly ordinary cut by 'Rock 'n' Rolf's' standards, while the title track is a good solid effort, but in my view is too similar to 'Welcome to Hell' which does take the edge off somewhat. 'Crossfire' is up next and shows plenty of promise, the guitars and rhythm hit the spot and although not as brisk as I like my 'Running Wild', the chorus is certainly top notch. Rolling back the years is the superb instrumental 'Siberian Winter' an extremely well penned piece, which not only has the bands distinctive sound, but still comes across fresh and incorporates plenty of tempo variation- nice work! Not quite as inventive is the more mundane 'Detonator', the riff and rhythm are pretty repetitive, while the light-weight chorus fails to lift the song. Much better is the unbelievably catchy rocker 'Pirate Song', from the title you might think this would be a clunky affair, but it's far from it, what we have is an energetically paced, galloping jewel which comes complete with a great fist-raising chorus- this song will stay in your head all day long guaranteed! Not quite so impressive is mid tempo of 'Unation' a track that at times recalls earlier 'Running Wild', especially with the backing vocals, but ultimately doesn't really make the grade, despite 'Rock 'n' Rolf's' fine guitar solo. The tempo is lifted for the riff driven 'Dr. Horror' a song with potential, but falls short of the mark mainly thanks to the trite and overused chorus. Thankfully 'Rolf' has saved the best for last with the sublime epic titled 'The Ghost', which is based on “T.E. Lawrence and the Arab revolt”, musically it's a treat, very melodic while cleverly utilising Eastern influences and further bettered with plenty of tempo changes throughout to keep the interest- excellent stuff!

'Powerride' is the first of two bonus tracks and a solid affair it is too, short, snappy and goes for the jugular, while 'Faceless' is better still, featuring a good dose of old school 'Running Wild' riff driven catchiness, a hearty well sung chorus and decent fret work.

A real mixed bag for 'Rock 'n' Rolf', there is filler present and perhaps the stronger bonus tracks should have been switched for 'Dr. Horror' and 'Detonator', but that said there are still three truly superb songs present- 'Siberian Winter', 'Pirate Song' and 'The Ghost'