Many people started to dislikeRUNNING WILD after they became active again, and recorded their, rather weak, “Shadowmaker.” Well, this album was apparentlyintended to be theGIANT-X material rather than RUNNING WILD`s. after a storm of criticism, Rock 'n' Rolf realized his mistakes pretty fast and, in order get rid of this unpleasant aftertaste, he worked hard and recorded this album, the album which is rooted very much in the classical RUNNING WILD style.
Although“Resilient”is certainly not as good as such album as “Under Jolly Roger,”“Port Royal,” or “Death or Glory,” nevertheless, I have to admit the characteristic style of RUNNING WILD is back. Well, just listen to the opening track “Soldiers of Fortune,” will you? The title track “Resilient” is really a well-played one, and totally in the old school style. This cut does prove Rolf Kasparekhas something to say. Sadly, it is not that sweet overall.
“Adventure Highway”lacks a lot, because of the drumming machine. It is hard to replace a real drummer even when one uses such a good program as Superior Drumming. Same shit happens in case of “the drift.”Well, I finally got used to it, but this bad aftertaste is still present. “DesertRose” is an ascetic, yet still memorable track. Oh, this “Fireheart” is a really good one!
Plenty of energy and catchiness. “Run Riot” is a decent one but nothing special over all, and has got these Judas Priest-like guitars. “Down to Wire” does not crush, either. It is a well-played, heavy metal cut with a flat plastic sound that spoils this song a lot. Same can be said about “Resilient,” frankly. “Crystal Gold” has some better moments, but still isn’t very good.
Well, “Bloody Island” is totally different. This one`s glorifying old good times. I am pretty sure this track is really memorable and a good ending of a standard edition of this album. Hey, we are not dealing with such an edition, but a Japanese one, so there are two bonus tracks: “Payola & Shenanigans” and “Premonition”.
Honestly speaking, I was expecting something better when it comes to the band that`s been active for the last 35 years. Asmentioned, this is much better than their weak “Shadowmaker,” but still this stuff is not as good as their old records are. Do hope Mr Rock 'n Rolf is past his old times and will amaze us with his new album, so he can prove that RUNNING WILD, with its thinner line-up is still able to surprise their fans.
LWS