Ahoy fellow Otaku & Metalheads! This month, we’re talking about Pirate Metal!
Sometimes, it’s not all about castles & princesses. Sometimes it’s all about rum, treasure, and the high seas! If I’m being honest, Pirate Metal isn’t fully birthed from Power Metal’s womb. It’s also taken inspiration from Speed Metal, Thrash Metal, and even Folk Metal. This combination of metal styles creates a singular flavor that’s pretty unique, and it’s easily recognizable to any fan of the subgenre. Though Running Wild is credited with being the progenitors of Pirate Metal, I wanted to take a look at a band that takes things in a more comical/lighthearted direction, and a group of scallywags from Perth easily fit this bill. So, get your sword & cutlass, down the strongest bottle of rum you can find, and enjoy my review of Alestorm’s first album, Captain Morgan’s Revenge. Let’s begin!
Background
Taken from Wikipedia:
“The band was founded in 2004 as Battleheart, a studio project by Christopher Bowes and Gavin Harper. Originally intended as a standard power metal band, the success of song "Heavy Metal Pirates" convinced the band to permanently adopt a pirate theme and incorporate folk metal elements into their music. Gavin and Christopher recorded & released two independent demos in 2006, which were received well by the local metal community. The band began to perform live in 2006, with a lineup consisting of Bowes (vocals and keytar), Harper (guitars), Dani Evans (bass) and Doug Swierczek (drums). Doug Swierczek eventually left the band later that year and was replaced by Ian Wilson. After a period of inactivity, in late 2007 Battleheart sent their demos to Napalm Records, and the band was promptly offered a record deal.
After being signed by Napalm Records, the band changed their name from Battleheart to Alestorm. Their debut album, Captain Morgan's Revenge, was released in early 2008.”
Basic Description
Piratey goodness.
At first, people who are new to Alestorm might laugh at what they hear. Pirates? Really!? I would totally understand, and if I’m honest I sorta had the same reaction. However, as with my first time listening to Everfrost, Captain Morgan’s Revenge is shockingly deceptive. Sure, the usage of Pirates & nautical imagery may seem silly, but it does lead to some epic stories and music. There’s folk-like storytelling, Speed & Thrash-style instrumentation, and then there’s the upbeat nature that only Power Metal can provide. It all combines into a package that seems odd at first, but when you give it a chance it’s actually something worthwhile.
Best Track
It’s actually kinda hard to pick just one song as the best when the whole thing is fantastic. From beginning to end you’re treated to quite the epic piratey adventure, and even two of the songs are shorter than the rest, it’s still a beefy package. If I had to pick my favorite song, I’d probably go for the title track. The longest at nearly 7 minutes (6 minutes & 43 seconds to be exact), the tune shows off how upbeat and brutal the album is going to be. The whole thing plays out like a genuine sea shanty, but with plenty of metallic backing behind it’s running time, and you just can’t help but headbang with a bottle of rum by your side. Definitely a great way to show off what Alestorm was all about.
Captain Morgan’s Revenge
Worst Track
While every song on Captain Morgan’s Revenge is worth your time, I find that this record takes itself seriously. Maybe not massively or all the time, but there’s places where the band isn’t quite as comical. This is a bit of a surprise, considering how silly the band would be in recent years. I can’t knock them too much, as it’s their first album, and they’re getting their footing. Still, it’s weird that Alestorm take a more serious approach for their first release.....doesn’t ruin the music in any way though.
Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, then click on the link below:
Captain Morgan’s Revenge
Overall Impression & Rating
Captain Morgan’s Revenge is a fun twist on the Power Metal formula. It may be a touch more serious at times, but it’s still a hell of a lot of fun. If you want to journey through the Caribbean, and blast away at some redcoats, then you’ll want to put this on your ship’s stereo system (How your ship has one.....I don’t know). Your enemies will be walking the plank by the time this album is done!
Captain Morgan’s Revenge gets a 8 out of 10
And so begins the final month of the return of Power Metal Pandemonium, and we’re coming in with cannons blasting! Now that we’re on Alestorm’s ship, we’re off on quite the adventure! See you all towards the middle of the month, when we’ll land on an island that’s filled with.....coconuts? See you then!
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