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Alestorm, the raucous Scottish outfit, has taken the heavy metal world by storm with their unapologetically fun and boisterous brand of “True Scottish Pirate Metal.” Their unique blend of traditional folk music elements, sing-along choruses, and an infectious, over the top pirate theme has cemented their reputation as a band that guarantees a good time, making them a recurring sensation in trending metal discussions and a must-see act at rock festivals globally.
The band’s voyage began in Perth, Scotland, in 2004, initially under the name Battleheart. Formed by vocalist and keytarist Christopher Bowes and guitarist Gavin Harper, the project started with a more conventional power metal sound. However, the unexpected popularity of a song titled “Heavy Metal Pirates” proved to be a pivotal moment, convincing the duo to fully embrace the pirate theme and weave folk metal elements into their music. After independently releasing two demos in 2006, they quickly garnered attention from the local metal community.
Their big break arrived in 2007 when they signed with Napalm Records, subsequently changing their name to Alestorm to avoid confusion with another band. Their debut album, Captain Morgan’s Revenge, released in early 2008, set the course for their future. It showcased Christopher Bowes’ distinctive vocals, often delivered with a tongue-in-cheek swagger, alongside a barrage of catchy riffs and pirate-themed lyrics. The band’s core lineup has evolved over the years to include long-standing members Gareth Murdock on bass and backing vocals (joining in 2008), Peter Alcorn on drums (since 2010), and Elliot Vernon on keyboards and harsh vocals (joining in 2011). In 2015, Hungarian guitarist Máté Bodor completed the current lineup, bringing his formidable guitar skills to the crew. This lineup has remained stable, contributing to their consistent sound.
Alestorm’s discography is a treasure trove of pirate anthems. Following their debut, they released Black Sails at Midnight (2009), Back Through Time (2011), and the highly successful Sunset on the Golden Age (2014), which even topped the UK Rock Chart. Their subsequent releases, No Grave But the Sea (2017), Curse of the Crystal Coconut (2020), and Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum (2022), have continued to deliver their signature blend of pirate-themed shenanigans, epic choruses, and increasingly diverse musical elements, even incorporating hints of death metal and metalcore in Elliot Vernon’s screamed vocals on some tracks. Their latest offering, the Voyage of the Dead Marauder EP, released in 2024, further demonstrates their continuous creative output.
Beyond their infectious music, Alestorm is celebrated for several fascinating quirks and facts. Christopher Bowes is also the mastermind behind the equally popular symphonic power metal band Gloryhammer, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer. Alestorm’s live shows are a spectacle of unrestrained merriment, often featuring inflatable ducks, crowd-surfing antics, and an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated party chaos. They famously take pride in their self-deprecating humour and their commitment to the pirate metal theme, never taking themselves too seriously while still delivering expertly crafted heavy metal. Their lyrics are filled with tales of drinking, pillaging, mythological sea creatures, and all manner of swashbuckling adventures, instantly transporting listeners to the high seas. Alestorm’s unyielding dedication to their niche has not only garnered them a fiercely loyal fanbase but has also made them one of the most unique and entertaining acts in modern folk metal and power metal, ensuring that their call to adventure resonates across the seven seas of rock and roll.