All aboard shipmates for 'Running Wild's' thirteenth voyage into the realms of skull & crossbones, buccaneers and booty. Can a group really keep recycling the same pirates themes for over 10 albums worth of material? Well most can't, but give 'Rock & Rolf' his due, he rarely get it wrong and he certainly doesn't disappoint here, as he serves up another healthy platter of his favourite themed material. The drumming, compliments of 'Matthias Liebetruth' is thankfully an improvement over the mechanical sound of recent releases and all in all an excellent return to form for the 'Cap'in'.

The mid tempo 'Draw the Line' opens in solid fashion and while most would expect a brisker rocker, this is a strong effort, that's graced with an effective, catchy chorus and further complimented by an absorbing rolling rhythm and some nice guitar licks from 'Rolf'. Better still is the slashing ripper 'Angels of Mercy', a thoroughly absorbing track, that rides upon a sublime rhythm and is enhanced by unusual but compelling lyrics and more sharp fret work- great stuff. The strong run continues with the pulsating 'Skeleton Dance', an excellently executed track which keeps you entertained throughout with plenty of subtle highlights and tempo changes, some of rhythm work screams of classic 'Priest' and is yet another enjoyable track. The pace falls for the melodic intro to 'Skull & Bones', but this semi epic soon picks up into a lively pulsating cut, the lyrics are classic 'Running Wild', while the instrumentation is thorough and ultimately enjoyable. Not quite as cutting is 'Born Bad, Dying Worse', a fairly simplistic number and while the rhythm and guitar work is likeable, it's not quite up with the first four tracks. Improvements are quickly made with the quality galloper 'Black Gold', while 'Soul Vampires' has a slighter lighter, maybe even more commercial feel and although not indicative, still is a pleasant journey. The title track follows and overlooking the slightly quirky chorus, it's nicely penned, with plenty of sharp fret work and decent choppy rhythm. 'Winged and Feathered' ensues and what it lacks lyrically, it makes up for with enthusiasm, while the grooving rocker 'Dead Man's Road' is simplistic but ultimately very catchy. The final track is an epic simply titled 'War' and in all honesty is a bit of a let down for the final cut, the military feel is overdone and in truth comes across as dull, the song picks up around the 8 minute mark, but by then it's too late.

Bonus tracks featured with the limited edition version of 'Rogues en Vogue' are well worth getting your hands on, as both could have easily made it onto the album proper. 'Cannonball Tongue' is a lively pulsating rocker, highlighting strong lyrics and chorus, with sweet riffs, hooks and forceful rhythm work throughout. The second 'Libertalia', is a true pirates hymn, brisk, robust and with a chorus that's gutsy and fist raising- what more could you want!

Ok this isn't 'Running Wild's' best album, but there's a wealth of fine material here to please any Metal loving landlubber, in fact if it wasn't for the dull epic 'War', I would have given this an even higher rating!