What makes Under Jolly Roger by Running Wild notable?

This album is significant for popularizing the pirate metal subgenre, influencing countless bands that followed and becoming a staple of the heavy metal canon. It received critical acclaim from music publications and helped propel the band to greater commercial success, particularly in Europe. Under Jolly Roger is Running Wild's fourth studio album, arriving at a pivotal moment in their career as they solidified their identity within the power metal genre. Released in 1987, this album followed their breakthrough effort, Branded and Exiled, and helped establish them as key figures in the emerging German metal scene.

Who is Under Jolly Roger for?

Under Jolly Roger works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, short, engaging listening sessions and an exhilarating journey experience.

How many songs are on Under Jolly Roger?

Under Jolly Roger has 8 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Under Jolly Roger

Running Wild · 1987

35 min · 8 tracks · heavy metal

Raucous guitar riffs and thunderous drums propel anthemic choruses steeped in pirate lore and heavy metal bravado.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Under Jolly Roger — The title track sets the thematic tone for the album, combining rousing melodies with lyrics that evoke the adventurous spirit of piracy. Its infectious energy captures the essence of Running Wild's sound.
→
Raise Your Fist — This anthem serves as a rallying cry for fans, featuring powerful riffs and a sing-along chorus that exemplifies the band's ability to create engaging heavy metal music. Its message of empowerment resonates throughout the genre.
→
Diamonds of the Black Chest — With its punchy rhythm and vivid storytelling, this track showcases Running Wild's knack for blending melodic hooks with adventurous narratives, highlighting their lyrical creativity within the power metal framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Under Jolly Roger combines strong songwriting with thematic cohesion, marking it as a notable entry in heavy metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a galloping rhythm and layered guitar harmonies, establishing its pirate theme immediately.
Choruses are anthemic and often repeated, encouraging listener participation, particularly in tracks like 'Raise Your Fist'.
The tempo varies across the eight tracks, with several songs featuring rapid shifts from mid-tempo verses to faster-paced choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
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

steady, consistent energy levels
short, engaging listening sessions
an exhilarating journey experience
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: Under Jolly Roger is Running Wild's fourth studio album, arriving at a pivotal moment in their career as they solidified their identity within the power metal genre. Released in 1987, this album followed their breakthrough effort, Branded and Exiled, and helped establish them as key figures in the emerging German metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Blind Guardian· Helloween· Gamma Ray