Alestorm - Black Sails at Midnight

December 7, 2009

Reviewer: The Stream

Scottish pirate metallers Alestorm have definitely triumphed with their second full-length release, Black Sails at Midnight, released on Napalm Records. Tight production, pirate-tastic lyrics, and plenty of keytar solos are bound to please the masses.

For those of you who are not familiar with Alestorm or the genre of Pirate Metal, I will try to give a brief description. Once upon a time there was a band called Running Wild.  They decided one day that they would play metal and sing about pirate-related matters. Since then, several other pirate metal bands have emerged, including Alestorm, who definitely have a knack for it. 

The first thing that you will notice upon listening to Black Sails is the drumming. Ian Wilson proved himself on Alestorm's first full length release, Captain Morgan's Revenge, as a wickedly fast kick drummer. "The Quest" showcases his double bass skills, and also proves that in terms of musicianship, these Scottish pirates can hold their own.

The album follows the formula of a power metal album popularized by bands like Hammerfall and Stratovarius. There are a few fast songs, a few ballads, an instrumental, and there's even a cover of a cheesy Latvian pop song (“Wolves of the Sea”) that Alestorm successfully metallized.

Lyrics are consistent in that Alestorm singer/keytarist/songwriter Chris Bowes sticks to the various adventures and misfortunes that a pirate would run into over the course of his life. The modern day metal sea shanty "That Famous Ol' Spiced" sings praises of an excellent rum that everyone desires with this remarkably catchy chorus: "Oh, pour me a slug of it / Throw me a mug of it / Bring me a jug of that Famous Ol' Spiced!"

Throughout the album you will hear Dani Evans' intricate guitar solos, usually facing off with sometimes blistering keytar/organ solos reminiscent of old school Rhapsody.

"Black Sails at Midnight" definitely proves that Alestorm is unique as power metal bands go. The three-and-a-half-minute title track is a full-throttle Slayer-esque metal tune complete with chorus "Black sails at midnight / You're dead by daylight / Black sails at midnight / Your fate -- too late," while the epic six-plus minute "Chronicles of Vengeance" utilizes a string and brass section as well as a shout chorus, which will definitely convince you that there is no option other than revenge!

Black Sails at Midnight is a pure win, complete with a bottle of rum and a yo-ho-ho!

Release Date: May 27th, 2009
Label:  Napalm Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  The Quest
2.  Leviathan
3.  That Famous Ol’ Spiced
4.  Keelhauled
5.  To the End of Our Days
6.  Black Sails at Midnight
7.  No Quarter
8.  Pirate Song
9.  Chronicles of Vengeance
10.  Wolves of the Sea

Total playing time: 46:19

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