Under Jolly Roger Expanded Version 2017 Remastered Version

this review is for the new 2017 double reissue cd of this 1987 metal classic, anyway as i said in the branded and exiled review this is where running wild went into a new then brand new scene that was popping up especially in germany and scandanavia at the time with the release of under jolly roger in early 1987, this was a really great record for its time but the band took on a whole new image wich was cool, as for there sound??? it did not change much at all, the lyrics and there attire did but not the music, the lyrics just now consisted of pirate topics and not the semi satanic and judas priest style lyrics gates to purgatory and branded consisted of, anyway as i said in the gates review i would give this 5 stars but i do not feel we really needed another whole bonus disc of this whole album to have re recorded versions of these songs from 1991 and 2003, i may be alone here but i dont understand why so many classic metal bands like my favorite metal band of all time the past 36 years SAXON have done this, the original tracks will always be what i cherish................ anyway nice double digi pack with powerful great loud remastering as well as a replica of the original map that came with the original german lp in 1987 as well as a good booklet that includes a huge essay by rockin rolph and malcom dome..........................from late 2016 as stated below NO LYRICS THOUGH & I AGREE A LIVE DVD FROM THIS ERA WOULD HAVE BEEN GREAT again the second disc seems pointless to me

perfect

This is the review for the 2017 re-mastered version. By now, everyone who looks this album up to buy the remaster knows all about it so I'll skip the review of the music and get right to the new version. The remaster sounds awesome. As it should. My speakers pound and the clarity is well, clear lol. Now, when you are trying to increase sales of cd's, bring your A game. Package it with liner notes, photos, maybe an extra DVD but most importantly, LYRICS! This comes with nice liner notes and the original map that came with the original release which is cool but NO LYRICS! That drives me nuts. Also, the "re-recorded 2003" version is NOT re-recorded! It's the exact same track as the original! They did that on Port Royal as well. Kinda ticked me off so that's why the 4 star rating. No lyrics and disappointed on the missing track.

Great Music! The bonus tracks on the second disk are not so great of reworks though!

Running Wild knows how to play havoc on the brain. What a great album with not one lame song starting from this albums opening tune Under Jolly Rodger. But my personal favorites are Raise Your Fist and Diamonds of the Black Chest.

Long live 80s metal

Under Jolly Roger (1987) was a turning point for Running Wild. The German metal band's first two albums were dark and very heavy, with some Satanic references, but beginning with this release, the band embarked in a new musical direction, incorporating themes involving pirates, swashbuckling, plundering and the search for hidden treasure, into the heavy metal medium. From here, guitarist Rolf Kasperek, the creative force behind Running Wild, would continue to make pirates, warfare, and military conflict, the subject of his songs for the next two decades.From a production standpoint, Under Jolly Roger has a more live, raw sound than either Branded and Exiled, or to a lesser extent, Gates to Purgatory, the band's first two albums. The lower frequencies seem to have been turned down in the mix, and there aren't a lot of bass tones, though the drums certainly do punch through. The guitars are up front, strong, harsh, and mostly aggressive, making Under Jolly Roger a powerful and punishing musical experience.The pirate journey begins with the title track Under Jolly Roger, firmly launching the band on their new musical journey. Following the booming sound of cannon fire, the song launches into the kind of galloping guitars rhythm that would become a familiar sound in the years to come. A great guitar solo highlights the maiden voyage, and a victorious Rolf finishes with the cry `Ready for boarding!'.Diamonds Of The Black Chest, is a thrashy tale about the quest for treasure. Pounding and aggressive, Raise Your Fist, is all about frustration. While the abrasive Raw Ride has the ideal groove for head banging, and features a cool melodic solo. Beggars Night is a driving brutal song, punctuated by Rolf snarling lyrics, and some crazy mad guitar work. Land of Ice, is perhaps the slowest song that Running Wild has ever done, and it effectively conveys the atmosphere of trudging along in the cold, struggling to deal with the harsh conditions.Under Jolly Roger is rock solid, with some of the most powerful metal of the day. With a new direction, Rolf Kasperek, and Running Wild would forge ahead boldly, never wavering from this style of metal, getting better with time. Hopefully the CD will become available soon. Highly recommended to fans of 80's Euro-metal.

Even though they have made better albums it's still a solid album. The first song is my favorite. But the album as a whole is growing on me. Their 90s catalogue of work is their best.

Great album, a bit meaningless to have a second disc of re-recorded songs but they do sound better, why not just rerecord the whole album?

Excellent German metal. Rough and ready production even in expanded form. Title track is pure gonzo metal. Follow up Port Royal is superior in playing, song writing and production ,however this is still a riot!!

A great cd from Running Wild, very important from their discography, it's their best to date, but not the best from all times.The songs are heavy, great and enjoyable, great artwork.Any metal fan should know it and have it.

Super

Para los que les falta el disco y no tuvieron oportunidad de hacerse con el (Que fué mi caso), lo tenía grabado del vinilo en un cassette de cromo y me ha decepcionado un poco el remasterizado, suena mejor mi copia que esto. Eso sí, se han esmerado en la presentación.