Alestorm – Black Sails At Midnight

Releasedate: 29-05-2009; Label: Napalm Records
By: Elvira Visser

When being a returning reader on this website you probably came across the name Alestorm before. Although the last two times I saw them they made such a party I could not stand the heat to watch them. The band comes from the deepest depths of eastern Scotland. A band that makes all those who come across their journey drink some rum and party along. Ready to show the crowd they are an entertaining live band.

With this album as follow up on “Captains Morgans’s Revenge” they present another CD full of true Scottish pirate metal. Blending folk and power metal in the vein of bands like Korpiklaani and Turisas, but clearly with a pirate twist singing tales of life on the high seas. Including “Keelhauled” and “The Quest” in which you can hear some authentic instruments like the violin and horns.

One thing that strike me is that, I have seen the band live and although they built a great party and play catchy choruses everyone has to should along to, they are more a party band then that they deliver fine quality. You hear plenty of hoempapa and moments to shout along, but maybe that is the jewel of pirate metal? Raw not perfect in every aspect but really ready to have a good time. Because when listening this record, you do have to come out of your chair and dance along. On “That Famous Ol’spiced” there is this great slower part and “Keelhauled” is with the melody that everyone knows one of the best tracks. (Dance then, wherever you may be I am the Lord of the Dance, said He!…)
“To the End of Our Days” creates a very nice twist to all the rum dancing tracks. You hear some thunderstorm on deck, maybe just lost a battle, because the track is set in a bit darker sad tone. Only he is not the best singer. “No Quarter” reminds me at Korpiklaani, but when the tune from Pirates at the Carribean sets it, it is a little too much added to this track. I would recommend to see this band live, and enjoy their energy on stage. Best be listened at with a bottle of rum and yo ho ho!

Links:
Alestorm MySpace
Alestorm Official