Fourth album in for 'Running Wild' and the pirate theme established on 'Under Jolly Roger' continues strongly here. Like a lot of their work, 'Port Royal' has a semi conceptual feel, with many tracks centred around the title of the album. Production wise this is disappointing for an '88 release, the recording level of the whole album is poor and makes me wonder why this didn't get re-mastered like most of 'Running Wild's' other earlier material. Unsurprisingly for 'Running Wild' the line-up underwent a changed following 'Under Jolly Roger' with both bassist 'Stephan Boriss' and drummer 'Hasche' making way for 'Jens Becker' and 'Stefan Schwarzmann'.

A short spoken narrative nicely introduces the album before the onslaught of the title track 'Port Royal', a brisk pulsating rocker highlighting a trademark ebbing and flowing rhythm, the Cap'in's raspy but effective vocals and a fine 'Majk Moti' solo. Ensuing just as strongly is the energetic 'Raging Fire', lyrically a little more simplistic than most cuts present but still effective, the chorus could be sharper but the rhythm is just sublime. Slightly more commercial sounding, but no less brisk is the riff driven 'Into the Arena', the penmanship is sharp, while the whole track benefits from the introduction of more melody, the incisive guitar work and catchy chorus are also a high point. The oddly titled 'Uaschitschun' follows and despite the light-weight intro and predictable lyrics is still a pretty decent affair, while the instrumental 'Final Gates' is nicely executed but not the most entertaining present with its languid stop-start rhythm. Back on track is the excellent 'Conquistadores', a typical brisk paced 'Running Wild' classic, superb riffs and rhythm, catchy pirate themed lyrics and all rounded off with sweet fret work from 'Rock'n'Rolf' and 'Majk Moti'. The chugging 'Blown to Kingdom Come' ensues in pulsating fashion and nicely incorporates a screaming guitar solo and some interesting lyrics but ultimately not one of the better tracks present. The momentum is lifted for the riff driven ripper 'Warchild', a good solid ripper that regrettably is held back by the shoddy production, that said quality is quality and that's when this cut is. Unfortunately the same applies for the 'Mutiny', the lead guitar changes are impressive as is the outro, but it's all too far hidden in the murky production. The album bows out with the epic 'Calico Jack' and while not in the realms of Iron Maiden, at times is implicative of, think ''Phantom of the Opera' or 'Seventh Son' lyrically it all comes unstuck towards the end but still a hearty tale for any Metal loving Landlubber.

A good solid early effort from 'Running Wild', but overall is let down by the light-weight production, a re-mastered version of 'Port Royal' is definitely needed!