'Under Jolly Roger' and 'Port Royal' were good solid, respectable albums but 'Death or Glory' sees everybody's favourite Pirate Metal band taking their music to the next level. Here they concoct a number of memorable and remarkably catchy, fist-raising rockers to excite any Metal loving landlubber. Personnel changes which are the order of the day for 'Running Wild', see 'Ian Finlay' replacing 'Stefan Schwarzmann' for the drumming duties.

First off is the sublime 'Riding the Storm' which is just one of the best opening tracks you could hope for, it begins with a beautiful instrumental intro, before launching into a hearty rocker, great slashing fret work, inspiring lyrics and a superb overall execution- a real seafaring treat! Not quite in the same league but still a good pulsating number is 'Renegade', a little predictable at times and the mid track slowdown in perhaps a tad out of place, while 'Evilution' is a fine solid plodder, too statically paced at times to make the grade but again decent. Better still is the more memorable 'Running Blood', lyrically it's stronger than the last couple and graced by a strong chorus of which 'Rock 'N' Rolf' works splendidly. The instrumental 'Highland Glory' ensues and at times is a tad reminiscent of 'Iron Maiden', but thankfully doesn't come across as a rip-off, ultimately not the best instrumental to come from 'Running Wild', but nevertheless a very pleasant journey. Better still is the brisker paced 'Marooned' which ebbs and flows with conviction, lyrically 'Rolf' gets it bang on here and musically the song also fails to disappoint. If you thought that was good, wait until 'Bad to the Bone', because this is nothing short of stunning, an absolute classic, lively, instantly catchy and superbly penned- brilliant. Following strongly is the punchy rocker 'Tortuga Bay', a typical quality pirate anthem 'Running Wild' style, while the title track 'Death or Glory' is solid but perhaps a little too pedestrian at times to impress totally. The quality continues with the epic 'Battle of Waterloo' and 'Rolf' pulls out all the stops for this galloping jewel, at times it's a little 'Iron Maiden' reminiscent, but with a song like this the comparisons are inevitable, anyway superb instrumental work meets worthy lyrics and sharp vocals for yet another highlight. Last up is the more straightforward 'Majk Moti' penned 'March On' another decent effort but doesn't come together as well as the majority of the tracks present and despite the good chorus perhaps needed a little more work.

The version I own comes complete with the 'Wild Animal EP' and appropriately opens with the title track, a good fist-raising rocker well within the classic 'Running Wild' mould, punchy chorus, 'Rolf' on good form and plenty of sharp fret work throughout. A reworking of 'Chains & Leather' which originally appeared on 'Branded & Exiled' follows and while lyrically it's clichéd it does show how far the band has progressed. Next up is 'Tear Down the Walls' a fairly ordinary affair, a bit too repetitive at times, but it does feature a slightly darker down-tuned approach and makes for an interesting listen. The album closes with 'Störtebeker' a song named after the German pirate Klaus Störtebeker and in my opinion is a hidden 'Running Wild' gem, the intro is very Maidenesque, before launching into a riff driven rocker, splendid melody, good lyrics and nice execution- quality stuff!

This is the first of a string of superb albums for 'Running Wild' and if you are new to these “Metal Pirates of the sea” then 'Death and Glory' is a very good place to start.