Gates to Purgatory
Gates to Purgatory is the debut studio album by German heavy metal band Running Wild, released in 1984. Predating their pirate themes, the album features mostly satanically-influenced lyrics, alongside songs with anarchic and libertarian themes. The lyrical content was partly influenced by Gerald "Preacher" Warnecke's studies in theology. He left the band shortly after the album's release to become a vicar.
Despite not being actively promoted, the album sold over 20,000 copies within the first three months, and influenced several other bands worldwide.
It was reissued in 2012 by Lemon Records and in 2017 by Noise Records.
Track listing
All tracks are written by Rolf Kasparek except where noted.- The bonus track "Walpurgis Night" cuts off near the end on most releases due to the condition of the master tape.
- The 1991 Japanese release contains the 1985 album ''Branded and Exiled.''
Personnel
- Rolf Kasparek – guitar, vocals
- Gerald "Preacher" Warnecke – guitar
- Stephan Boriss – bass
- Wolfgang "Hasche" Hagemann – drums
- Running Wild – producer, artwork
- Horst Müller – producer, recording
- D. Magnussen – photography
Cover versions
- The sludge metal band Kingdom of Sorrow covered the song "Soldiers of Hell" on their album Behind the Blackest Tears.