Pile of Skulls

Pile of Skulls is a metal album by Running Wild released in 1992. It was the first album almost completely dominated by songwriting from band leader Rolf Kasparek but remains a fan favourite. The album has sold over 350,000 records worldwide.

The song "Jennings' Revenge" tells about the exploits of privateer Henry Jennings.

The lyrics of "Treasure Island" are based on the book of the same title, by 19th century author Robert Louis Stevenson.

Reception

Pile of Skulls was met with mostly positive reviews from critics. Steve Huey of All Music Guide called it one of Running Wild's strongest efforts. While calling it too ambitious he thought Pile of Skulls combines the group's trademark pirate subject matter with a unifying concept about corruption and abuse of power through history.

Track listing

1. "Chamber of Lies" – 2:21
2. "Whirlwind" – 4:51
3. "Sinister Eyes" – 5:05
4. "Black Wings of Death" – 5:17
5. "Fistful of Dynamite" – 4:05
6. "Roaring Thunder" – 5:56
7. "Pile of Skulls" – 4:39
8. "Lead or Gold" – 5:06
9. "White Buffalo" – 5:16
10. "Jennings' Revenge" – 4:17
11. "Treasure Island" – 11:14
12. "Beggars' Night" (Rerecording from Under Jolly Roger) (Bonus) – 4:57
13. "Hanged, Drawn and Quartered" (Bonus) – 4:39
14. "Win or Be Drowned" (Bonus)– 4:17
15. "Uaschitschun '92" (Rerecording from Port Royal) (Bonus) – 5:03

(1)-(6), (8)-(12), (15) : music & lyrics by Rolf Kasparek
(7) : music: Axel Morgan, lyrics: Axel Morgan/Rolf Kasparek
(13) : music: Axel Morgan, lyrics: Axel Morgan
(14) : music: Rolf Kasparek, lyrics: Rolf Kasparek & Thomas Smuszynski

Line-up

• Rolf Kasparek - Vocals, guitar
  
• Axel Morgan - Guitar
  
• Thomas Smuszynski - Bass
  
• Stefan Schwarzmann - Drums

References