What makes The First Years of Piracy by Running Wild notable?

This album is significant for cementing Running Wild's unique identity within the power metal genre and particularly for popularizing pirate-themed narratives in music. It includes the hit 'Under Jolly Roger', which has become a staple at heavy metal festivals and contributed to the band's lasting influence in the genre. Released on November 11, 1991, The First Years of Piracy is Running Wild's fifth studio album, coming after their breakthrough with the previous album, Port Royal. At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation in the power metal scene, blending pirate-themed lyrics with heavy metal instrumentation while expanding their fanbase significantly.

Who is The First Years of Piracy for?

The First Years of Piracy works well if you're into rousing anthems for camaraderie, steady pacing for sing-alongs and adventurous spirit in every track.

How many songs are on The First Years of Piracy?

The First Years of Piracy has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 35 years ago this November

The First Years of Piracy

Running Wild · 1991

42 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A seafaring odyssey of galloping rhythms, soaring melodies, and anthemic choruses that evoke the spirit of adventure.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Under Jolly Roger — The opening track sets a triumphant tone with its catchy chorus and vivid storytelling about piracy, establishing a signature style that defines the album.
→
Branded and Exiled — This track showcases a darker narrative about betrayal and exile, featuring powerful riffs and a memorable hook that highlights the band’s lyrical depth.
→
Walpurgis Night — With its atmospheric intro and dynamic shifts, this song blends folklore with epic melodies, illustrating Running Wild's ability to weave complex themes into engaging music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines pirate themes with energetic metal, making it distinctive within its genre.

What we noticed

Each song features anthemic choruses that invite listener participation, often repeating key phrases for emphasis.
The lyrics consistently reference pirate themes, creating a cohesive narrative across the tracks, which enhances the album's adventurous spirit.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

rousing anthems for camaraderie
steady pacing for sing-alongs
adventurous spirit in every track
mid-tempo energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced instant gratification
seek introspective quiet moments

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on November 11, 1991, The First Years of Piracy is Running Wild's fifth studio album, coming after their breakthrough with the previous album, Port Royal. At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation in the power metal scene, blending pirate-themed lyrics with heavy metal instrumentation while expanding their fanbase significantly.
Stylistic neighbors: Blind Guardian· Helloween· Gamma Ray