Alestorm
Captain Morgan's Revenge
Rating
Style: Pirate Metal
Release date: January 28th 2008
 

I’d love if this had been a really good review. Trust me, I would!

The paradox, you see, is that this debut CD from Scottish Alestorm has made me smile like no other silver disc has in a long time. Why? Because it’s so cheesy funny and charming that you can’t help liking it!

Just to give you an understanding what this sounds like:
You get someone who's inspired by Running Wild, Skyclad and Rhapsody into one rehearsal room.
Heat up with technical prowess.
Spice up with songs about conquering the high seas, curses, wenches and drinking.
Add to that a charming Scottish accent.

I have a lot of respect for concepts, cheesy as they may be. Pirates, puppets, corrupted societies, sci-fi, you name it, just bring it on – AS LONG AS you can not only play and put together nice stories but also sing. And that, I’m afraid, vocalist/keyboard player Chris Bowes can not. He’s overdoing the pirate theme to a degree where it hurts. It just doesn’t sound good. And that, my friends, ruins the experience. Perhaps a clean vocal next time, eh?

Sad but true, but the idea is from the outset more than OK.


Tracklist
01. Over the Seas
02. Captain Morgan's Revenge
03. The Huntmaster
04. Nancy the Tavern Wench
05. Death before the Mast
06. Terror on the High Seas
07. Set Sail and Conquer
08. Of Treasure
09. Wenches & Mead
10. Flower of Scotland
Label: Napalm Records
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Artwork rating: 93/100
Reviewed by: Thomas Nielsen
Date: December 17th 2007
Website: www.alestorm.celtiaproductions.co.uk