With the most hip-hop video I’ve ever seen from a metal band, power pirates Alestorm have dropped a new single!
‘Treasure Chest Party Quest’ is the first glimpse of the band’s upcoming album, Curse of the Crystal Coconut, which is set to be released on 29 May under Napalm Records.
1. Treasure Chest Party Quest 2. Fannybaws 3. Chomp Chomp 4. Tortuga 5. Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship 6. Call of the Waves 7. Pirate’s Scorn 8. Shit Boat (No Fans) 9. Pirate Metal Drinking Crew 10. Wooden Leg Part 2 (The Woodening) 11. Henry Martin
Serving up another piece of melodeathy folk metal are Finland’s booze-fueled Verikalpa in their sophomore album, Tuoppitanssi. While I couldn’t tell you what in the fuck they’re singing about (well, I could because I read the album’s info sheet, but I really can’t say for sure), I can tell you that you’re in for a lively album with an edge. With strong melodies, a heavy rhythm section, and ferociously rough vocals, this style is hardly new, but it’s really fun it’ll probably pull you back at least once.
I can’t pinpoint the thing keeping Verikalpa from sounding like yet another generic offshoot of Korpiklaani, like so many folk bands do, but they have enough charm and individuality to steer clear of sounding too derivative. Regardless, the prevalence of the accordion is always a welcome trait. Weirdly enough, a good portion of Tuoppitanssi could be described as “viscious polka”; it’s hard, it’s gritty, and the vocals could peel the bark off a tree, but the accordion’s bounciness changes the entire feel.
Alternatively, when Tuoppitanssi isn’t in ska mode, it offers a pleasing variety. In fact, my favourite track on the album is ‘Varjosahti’, which is one of the album’s slower tunes (and a tad extra piratey). ‘Verimaat’ is also a notable track, largely due to those stupid-fast kicks. Otherwise, most of the tracks are up-tempo (like the blitzy ‘Karhunkaataja’), and there’s a pretty even split of 4/4 and 6/8, as you would expect from this style of music. That being said, the album is far from repetitive.
Fans of anything from Ensiferum to Vanir to Blodiga Skald will thoroughly enjoy Tuoppitanssi. It bites hard throughout its entirety but is catchy enough that you’ll be able to remember the songs without much effort. If you like drunk and bouncy, Verikalpa are right up your alley.
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Germany’s newest metal pirates have come ashore with a debut that is nothing short of impressive. Tempest of Time sees Aereum crash onto the metal scene with nine swashbuckling tracks that are worth their weight in cursed gold. If melodic and aggressive is your thing, this album is exactly what you need!
I’m not gonna lie; when I first heard the vocals, I wasn’t sold. I’m usually not a huge fan of high, throaty rough vocals, and this album has plenty. But, after about a minute and a half, they grew on me. They’re sharp and piercing like the wind and they sound pissed off enough to embody even a buccaneer’s teen years. It might be an acquired taste for some, but it probably won’t take long until you’re hooked on this album like I was.
Tempest of Time begins with solid shanty riffs and countermelodies in ‘Digital Warfare’, and continues to ebb and flow like the sea; each track offers its own variety of feels and grooves, from the colossally-heavy ‘Just Pirates’ to the easier, folky ‘Modular Cowboy’. It’s actually amazing how Aereum have managed to do the melodeath/folk thing so well. The driving force is the riff-heavy guitarwork, which do far more than your usual chord-chugging, and the solos are sure to melt some faces. The drums also go beyond your typical grooves, thrashing about like a vicious shark. The track with my favourite drumming would be ‘The Eye of Bastet’, which also happens to be my favourite track overall. Seriously, they barely sit still for four fucking bars. It’s awesome.
It’s only February, but I’m calling this as one of the pirate (and folk) highlights of the year. It’s dynamic, super heavy, and it has huge relistenability. Easily the best nautical album I’ve heard in a long time. Be sure to catch this one, lest ye walk the plank!
(These jokes doing anything for you?)
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Comedy pirates Alestorm have announced that they have begun the recording of their sixth album, which will be recorded in Krabi Road Studios in Thailand.
The album will be titled Curse of the Crystal Coconut and is set for an early summer release under Napalm Records.
Follow Alestorm on Facebook for the first album details!
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Pirate metal outfit Running Wild have released another single from their upcoming EP! ‘Ride on the Wild Side’ sees a more straightforward metal approach than the previous single, and it will be the closing track of Crossing the Blades.
Crossing the Blades will be released on 6 December via SPV/Steamhammer.
01. Crossing The Blades 02. Stargazed 03. Strutter 04. Ride On The Wild Side
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2019 is still going strong! October held nothing back, unleashing exceptional albums (especially in heavy and power metal). There were a few notable folk metal releases which almost made this list (albums by Forgotten North, Tandra, and Nifrost) but, after a lot of back-and-forth, I settled on the following Top Ten Metal Albums of October!
10. Dawn of Destiny – The Beast Inside
When a unique band like Dawn of Destiny comes around with a new album, it always gets me excited. Fortunately, my excitement was well-founded in The Beast Inside, which is the band’s seventh full-length album. The songs range from energetic power metal to heavier, darker metal to unconventional-yet-melodic metal. Some songs are definitely stronger than others, with ‘Signs in the Sky’ and ‘If We Close Our Eyes’ being my favourites, but every track offers something different from the last, so make sure to give the whole album a spin!
Sit down and strap the fuck in because Secret Chapter are going to take you on a nostalgic ride back to the 80s with their hyper-melodic, solo-rific debut, Chapter One. While Chapter One treads a similar sound he likes of Skid Row, TNT, Europe, and 80s hair metal in general, it keeps things interesting by maintaining a modern heavy metal undertone. The production, layered instrumentation, and driving riffs combined with undoubtedly 80s choruses allow for the best of both worlds, and there’s no shortage of passion or aggression. A lot of 80s metal bands just sound like refined metal from the era (if that), but Secret Chapter manage to maintain individuality by putting their own musical spin on things.
Crow’s Flight have swooped in with a new drummer, new vocalist, and new album that’ll be a hit for fans of melodic metal as well as traditional heavy metal. While I wouldn’t call The Storm a classic metal by any means, there are enough traits that it’s worth a mention. Regardless, if you’re looking for strong melodies accompanied by kickass riffs and atmospheric keyboards, look no further.
7. Rumahoy – Time II: Party
Blowing in only a year after their debut, the self-proclaimed “Best True Scottish Pirate Metal Band in the World” Rumahoy are back with another booze-fueled party album ready to go: Time II: Party. After sailing the seas of the Wild West, Captain Yarrface and his skimask-clad crew have written ten catchy sea shanties of the most fucking ridiculous variety. Within you’ll find the expected power/folk metal combo that’s typical of pirate metal, but with a variety and dynamism that’s all but unseen in the genre.
Vancouver’s own Iron Kingdom have dropped yet another solid slab of classic metal. Combining old school dual guitar sounds with clear, crisp vocals and some of the best drumming I’ve ever heard from a classic metal band, On the Hunt offers a bit more of a modern approach to the style of old. It’s the perfect balance, production-wise, because every part is clear and separated but there’s still an organic feel to the whole thing. There’s no lack of passion and sincerity, but there’s also just enough flare to keep me excited about it.
Belgium’s female-fronted symphonic metal outfit Cathubodua have unleashed their devastating debut album: Continuum. Featuring folk, symphonic, death, and power metal elements, Continuum wastes no time in displaying its melodic, balls-to-the-wall epic onslaught.
Smithed by the mighty Aerodyne, Damnation is, in short, one hell of a sophomore album. It’s energetic, anthemic, charismatic heavy metal with a blatant Ozzy undertone. Sound kickass? Of course it does! It’s true metal to the core, no doubt about it.
In one of the strongest symphonic metal debuts of the year, Induction deliver shameless bombast, insane grooves, and killer musicianship. Featuring guitarist Tim Hansen, vocalist Nick Holleman, and Sean Brandenburg on drums, Induction is a dynamic symphonic power metal album with tons of prog influence.
2. Galneryus – Into the Purgatory
The finest neoclassical power metal band east of the Silk Road have unleashed yet another album of facemelting ferocity. Into the Purgatory is the twelfth album to come from the mighty Galneryus and, despite such a long career, it lives up to the band’s glory, and then some. A slice of Galneryus’ neoclassical edge has been swapped for a bit more of a progressive influence this time around so, while you can still expect a hyper-melodic work of shred insanity, it’s different enough from their other albums to keep things feeling new.
Italian proggers Noveria don’t fuck around. As soon as it starts, Aequilibrium explodes into high-intensity with a death metal atmosphere and epic choirs. Through the rest of the album, we encounter sick riff after sick riff (not the least of which can be found in ‘Awakening’ and ‘Broken’) in all their beefy, syncopated glory, as well as beautiful interludes and pulled back sections. Another aspect that makes Aequilibrium stand out is the fact that, while there’s a dark tone to most of the album, it’s never depressing and it’s always energetic.
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Blowing in only a year after their debut, the self-proclaimed “Best True Scottish Pirate Metal Band in the World” Rumahoy are back with another booze-fueled party album ready to go: Time II: Party. After sailing the seas of the Wild West, Captain Yarrface and his skimask-clad crew have written ten catchy sea shanties of the most fucking ridiculous variety. Within you’ll find the expected power/folk metal combo that’s typical of pirate metal, but with a variety and dynamism that’s all but unseen in the genre.
As with any comedic metal band, like Nanowar, Alestorm, Tenacious D, or Gloryhammer, the jokes and humour are definitely important, but the true key to success is the music itself. If you take away the hilarity of the lyrics, the music should still be able to hold its own, otherwise the act gets pretty old pretty fast. Fortunately, the talented Rumahoy have fucking nailed their songwriting, so, while you’re not busy laughing your ass of at things like “Hooks out for Harambe!” and “pirate erection”, you can appreciate the musical arrangements almost as much.
As far as contrast goes, these party pirates have nailed that, too. ‘1000 Years of Dust’ brings a darker, heavier sound than the rest of the album (as you’d expect from a song about pirates kidnapped by mummies), and there’s the electropop dance tune ‘Poop Deck Party’ which features some unexpected rapping by Gloryhammer/Alestorm founder Christoper Bowes. Every track on the album commands a contagious, heroic energy, along with anthemic “yo-ho-ho”s, “oogachaga”s, or similar chantable choruses and killer grooves and riffs. Group that together with clean mixing and a tight band, and you’ve got yourself an unstoppable pirate force.
If you like your pirate metal with a heavy serving of sick riffs, ripping solos, jokes about poop, and the occasional cheesy keyboards, this album is exactly what you need. Rumahoy have effortlessly outdone all of their competition with Time II: Party. It’s fun, it’s clever, and it’s crazy good.
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Three years after seventeenth album, Rapid Foray, pirate metallers Running Wild will issue their next release in the form of a new EP. Entitled Crossing the Blades, this four-track should tide fans over until the next full album comes out next summer.
01. Crossing The Blades 02. Stargazed 03. Strutter 04. Ride On The Wild Side
According to the band, the first track, ‘Crossing the Blades’, will be a harbinger for the Summer 2020 album; the song (although as a completely different version) will also be present on the new album.
Also included on the EP’s tracklist is ‘Stargazed’, which the band has played live at Wacken, as well as the KISS cover ‘Strutter’.
Crossing the Blades will be released on 6 December, which also falls on Saint Nicholas Day, via SPV/Steamhammer.
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Ced (Cederick Forsberg), guitarist and mainman behind Blazon Stone stated that he’ll not go on with Blazon Stone.
In a statement published earlier today, the guitarist said that “There’s nothing original about this project I can be proud of,” and that trying to get a steady line up has been difficult.
Here’s his statement:
“It’s time to let Blazon Stone die. For the last few years I’ve tried to find suitable band members that are both talented and passionate. I cannot find a singer. I cannot find a drummer. I have tried everything can no longer come up with any new ideas how to keep the ship above surface.
I also don’t any longer enjoy the whole concept of Blazon Stone: The whole idea from the start was just to record a “RW style” album for fun. As the song writing quality stepped up a lot with “War Of The Roses” and “Down In The Dark” (compared to the first 2) I felt like this can actually become something and I got ambitious… And then entered the nightmares of trying to actually have a functioning line-up. But the concept is the thing I like the least: There’s nothing original about this project I can be proud of. It’s just blatant copy of an existing band. There’s individual songs I’ve written that I’m proud of, but that’s not enough.
Of course I’m thankful for various temporary live stand-ins like vocalist Philip Forsell, both drummers Daniel Sjögren and Kalle Löfgren, as well as bass players Jimmy Mattsson and Kevin Crona, and let’s not forget 2nd guitarist Emil!
But I can’t go on like this anymore.
There’s obviously no interest among any great musicians to join Blazon Stone for a real line-up. And I cannot afford to hire professional musicians for live use either, because there’s really not a lot of money involved when a band is at this size. Bands like Sabaton or Hammerfall may be able to hire anybody they want to because they have big labels backing if needed. I don’t have anything to save this sinking ship anymore.
Of course I’m thankful for all fans who has bought the albums, but I still cannot simply summon any talented musicians out of nowhere.
Now it’s over. I have given up on Blazon Stone. There’s nothing more I can do. I have tried as much as I can.
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Metal pirates Lagerstein, hailing from the land down under, have made an exciting announcement today! Their third album, entitled 25/7, has been confirmed for 23 August. The album will feature twelve party-packed tracks of all the booze-filled antics you expect to hear from pirate metal.
Along with the album announcement, the band have also announced a massive sixty-show tour in Europe, with dates as follows:
31/05 DE – Dark Troll Festival 14/06 AU – Vienna 15/06 DE – Skaldenfest 21/06 DE – Mise Open Air 22/06 DE – Aaargh Festival 23/06 IT – Alpen Flair Festival 05/07 HU – Nordic Metal Night VI 19/07 RO – Iasi 21/07 RO – Celtic Transilvania Festival 26/07 FR – Paris 27/07 FR – Lille 02/08 DE – Wacken Open Air 10/08 CH – Metal Scar Rock Party 16/08 SE – Sabaton Open Air 21/08 SE – Stockholm 22/08 SE – Stockholm 23/08 NO – Oslo 28/08 DE – Munich 29/08 PL – Bielsko Biala 30/08 PL – Warsaw 31/08 CZ – Prague 01/09 CZ – Prague (Acoustic) 02/09 CZ – Ostrava 03/09 SK – Banska Bystrica 04/09 AT – Vienna 05/09 DE – Bamberg 06/09 DE – Erfurt 07/09 CZ – Brno 08/09 CZ – Usti Nad Labem 08/09 CZ Teplice 09/09 HU – Budapest 10/09 PL – Krakow 11/09 SK – Bratislava 12/09 DE – Oberhausen 13/09 DE – Berlin 14/09 DE – Hamburg 15/09 BE – Ghent 17/09 UK – London 18/09 UK – Bristol 19/09 UK – Cardiff 20/09 UK – Manchester 21/09 UK – Glasgow 22/09 UK – Newcastle 23/09 UK – Sheffield 24/09 UK – Swansea 25/09 UK – Reading 26/09 UK – Plymouth 27/09 UK – Bridgewater 28/09 UK – Nottingham 29/09 UK – Birmingham
Lagerstein first set sail in 2010 and have since pillaged the metal scene with two full-length albums. Having released their first two albums independently, they’ve founded their own record label, Kegstand Records, for the release of 25/7.
Make sure to go and follow their Facebook page to see when more album details arrive!
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