Rapid Foray Explained
| Rapid Foray |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Running Wild |
| Cover: | Rapid Foray cover.jpg |
| Released: | 26 August 2016 |
| Recorded: | 2016 |
| Genre: | Heavy metal, power metal |
| Label: | Steamhammer Records |
| Producer: | Rolf Kasparek |
| Prev Title: | Resilient |
| Prev Year: | 2013 |
| Next Title: | Blood on Blood |
| Next Year: | 2021 |
Rapid Foray is the sixteenth studio album by the German heavy metal band Running Wild. It was released by Steamhammer Records on 26 August 2016.[1] The album was delayed due to Rolf Kasparek's shoulder injury, and their subsequent show at Wacken in 2015. A lyric video was made for "Black Bart".
Recordings
According to Kasparek, he recorded the vocals, and guitars at his personal studio while Peter Jordan recorded guitar solos, drums, and choruses. Three studios were involved in the recording process. He also mentioned that only three musicians took part on the album
Release
An enhanced limited edition digipak edition, available only on the EMP.de website, includes a double-sided poster, and an exclusive Running Wild compass.
Critical reception
New Noise Magazine called it a "full length full of sweet speed metal riffs, German rhythms, and fun righteous anthems", and said that "the band really does feel as true to the vintage sounds off of their classic material". It gave a rating of five stars.[2]
Overall Reception:
- Critical Reception: Rapid Foray received generally positive reviews from critics. Many praised the album for capturing the spirit of Running Wild's earlier works, blending the band’s signature pirate-themed heavy metal with powerful riffs, and anthemic choruses. Reviewers noted that the album was a solid return to form for the band, especially after some of the more mixed responses to their previous efforts.
- Musical Style: The album was appreciated for staying true to Running Wild's traditional sound, with strong guitar work, and catchy melodies. The production quality was also highlighted, with a polished sound that didn’t sacrifice the raw energy characteristic of the band’s earlier work.
- Vocals, and Lyrics: Rolf Kasparek, the band's founder, and lead vocalist, received praise for his performance on the album. Critics, and fans alike appreciated his consistent vocal delivery, and the engaging, adventurous lyrics that fit well within Running Wild’s established thematic style.
General Reactions:
- Fan Response: Fans of Running Wild were largely positive about Rapid Foray. They appreciated the album as a return to the band's classic sound, which had waned in some of their more recent releases. Tracks like "Black Bart", and "Rapid Foray" were highlighted as standout songs that echoed the band’s past glories.
- Commercial Performance: The album performed well commercially, particularly in Europe, where Running Wild has a strong fanbase. It charted in several countries, including Germany, where it reached a respectable position in the charts.
- Legacy: Rapid Foray is considered one of the better late-career albums of Running Wild, reinforcing the band’s legacy in the heavy metal genre. While it may not have reached the heights of their classic albums from the 1980s, and early 1990s, it was a significant release that reaffirmed their place in the metal community.
Personnel
- Rolf Kasparek – vocals, guitars, bass guitar
- Peter Jordan – guitars
- Additional musicians
- Ole Hempelmann – bass guitar
- Michael Wolpers – drums
- Production
- Rolf Kasparek – producer
- Niki Nowy – recording
- Peter Jordan – recording
- Michael Wolpers – recording
- Jens Reinhold – artwork, layout
Notes and References
- Web site: RUNNING WILD: 'Rapid Foray' Album Details Revealed . Blabbermouth . 10 June 2016 . 27 August 2016.
- Web site: Album Review: Running Wild – 'Rapid Foray'. New Noise. 25 August 2016.
