Okay, I didn’t even know Pirate Metal was a thing. But now that I’ve hoisted the main sail and screamed at the sea gods, I can confirm: it is very real, very loud, and very awesome.

Kicking off this new blog series, Swashbuckling Sunday, with Captain Morgan’s Revenge, the debut album from Alestorm—a band that sails full-speed into ridiculousness and somehow comes out sounding like legit metal bards of the high seas.

The album cover alone sets the tone: a skeletal pirate captain on the bow of a ship, sword in hand, surrounded by weathered parchment and chaos. I hadn’t even hit play and I was already aboard.

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⚓ Track-by-Track Plunder:

• Over the Seas: It’s metal, it’s pirate-y, and the vocals sound like a cursed sailor barking out commands mid-battle. That classic sea shanty rhythm is everywhere, and somehow it absolutely works with crunchy guitars and double kicks.
• Captain Morgan’s Revenge: The title track kicks in like a full-blown tavern brawl. Backing vocals sound more like a rowdy crew chant than harmonies. Also, I think I heard a concertina solo?? Metal is wild.
• The Huntmaster: Headbanger. Metal-first, pirate-second, and still a full adventure. Great pacing and just enough sword-swinging energy.
• Nancy the Tavern Wench: Slower, sway-worthy, and absolutely the “lift your ale and sing along with your crew” track. I swear I smelled rum while listening to it.
• Death Before the Mast: Groovy intro, slick triplets, and a guitar solo that sounds like it triggered an ancient treasure curse. Highlight track for me—straight onto Rage’s Power Playlist.
• Terror on the High Seas: Total anxiety anthem. Genuinely gets across the stress of not knowing if your ship is going to survive a cannon barrage.
• Set Sail and Conquer: Galloping guitars and a shouted “SET SAIL!” had me halfway out of my chair. This song is straight-up cardio.
• Of Treasure: So pirate-y it could pass as a Renaissance Fair anthem. You could sneak this onto a lute playlist and confuse everybody.
• Wenches & Mead: If it’s a pirate metal album and mead doesn’t get mentioned, what’s even the point? Easily a sing-along track, especially if you’ve had a drink or three.
• Flowers of Scotland: A soft send-off with triumphant tones and full crew vocals. A perfect closing shanty to a chaotic voyage.

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🪙 Final Thoughts:

This album converted me. I went in thinking “This is gonna be goofy,” and left thinking “Yo, pirate metal might be the secret weapon metal didn’t know it needed.” It’s metal, but with sea shanty rhythm and storytelling layered in—like prog’s drunk, rowdy cousin.

Alestorm managed to take a gimmick and turn it into gold. I’m sold. I’m adding most of this album to Rage’s Power Playlist and I’m already plotting my next Swashbuckling Sunday voyage.

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🎧 Listen to the album on Spotify
💬 Got a pirate metal band that’ll make me want to drink rum at 10am? Tell me about it
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