Gates to Purgatory cover

Gates to Purgatory

Running Wild · 1984

42 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal · power metal

A thunderous blend of galloping riffs and soaring vocals, embodying the spirit of early power metal.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • cathartic release through anthemic choruses
  • invigorating energy for workouts
  • narrative themes of struggle and

Maybe skip if you want

  • dislike consistent energy levels
  • prefer softer, more subdued sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1984, 'Gates to Purgatory' was Running Wild's debut album, marking their entry into the heavy metal scene. At this point, the band was still establishing their identity amidst the burgeoning German metal movement, which would see bands like Helloween and Accept rise to prominence shortly thereafter.
Stylistic neighbors
Blind Guardian· Helloween· Gamma Ray

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Victim of States Power 3:39
  • 2 Black Demon 4:29
  • 3 Preacher 4:26
  • 4 Soldiers of Hell 3:30
  • 5 Diabolic Force 5:04
  • 6 Adrian S.O.S. 2:54
  • 7 Genghis Khan 4:13
  • 8 Prisoner of Our Time 5:26
  • 9 Walpurgis Night (The Sign of Women’s Fight) 4:41
  • 10 Satan 4:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata