Alestorm Explained

Alestorm should not be confused with Halestorm.

Alestorm
Alias:Battleheart (2004–2007)
Landscape:yes
Origin:Perth, Scotland
Years Active:2004–present
Label:Napalm
Current Members:
  • Christopher Bowes
  • Gareth Murdock
  • Peter Alcorn
  • Elliot Vernon
  • Máté Bodor
Past Members:
  • Gavin Harper
  • Dani Evans
  • Doug Swierczek
  • Ian Wilson
  • Alex Tabisz
  • Tim Shaw
Module:
Child:yes
Headerstyle:background:#b0c4de

Alestorm are a Scottish heavy metal band formed in Perth, Scotland in 2007.[1] Their music is characterised by a pirate theme, and as a result, they have been dubbed a "pirate metal" band by many critics and their fanbase. The group currently consists of lead vocalist/keytarist Christopher Bowes, bassist Gareth Murdock, drummer Peter Alcorn, keyboardist/harsh vocalist Elliot Vernon and guitarist Máté "Bobo" Bodor.

After signing to Napalm Records in 2007, their debut album Captain Morgan's Revenge, was released on 25 January 2008. Black Sails at Midnight, the band's second album, was released on 27 May 2009. The band's third album, Back Through Time, was released on 3 June 2011. The fourth album from the band, Sunset on the Golden Age, was released in August 2014. Their fifth album No Grave But the Sea was released on 26 May 2017. Their sixth album, Curse of the Crystal Coconut, was released on 29 May 2020. Their seventh and most recent album, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum was released on 24 June 2022.

The band has also released one live album and five EPs. The lead vocalist Christopher Bowes provides the announcer voice for the Pirate team in the video game Pirates, Vikings and Knights II.

History

Battleheart and origins (2004–2007)

The band was founded in 2004 in Perth, Scotland as Battleheart, a studio project by Christopher Bowes and Gavin Harper.[2] [3] [4] Originally intended as a standard power metal band, the success of song "Heavy Metal Pirates" convinced the band to permanently adopt a pirate theme and incorporate folk metal elements into their music.[2] [3] Gavin and Christopher recorded and released two demos in 2006,[3] which were received well by the local metal community.[5] The band began to perform live in 2006, with a lineup consisting of Bowes (vocals and keytar), Harper (guitars), Dani Evans (bass) and Doug Swierczek (drums).[2] [3] Doug Swierczek eventually left the band later that year and was replaced by Ian Wilson.[2] [3] After a period of inactivity, in late 2007 Battleheart sent the aforementioned demos to Napalm Records. The band was quickly offered a record deal.[2] [3]

Alestorm (2007–2009)

After being signed by Napalm Records, the band changed their name from Battleheart to Alestorm.[2] Their debut studio album, Captain Morgan's Revenge, was released in early 2008.[2] [6] [7] [8] [9] The album featured the drummer of the band Incubator, Migo Wagner as the session drummer.[2] The album was also produced by Incubator guitarist Lasse Lammert.[2]

In April 2008, the band released the single "Heavy Metal Pirates".[2] Drummer Ian Wilson left in June 2008 and later rejoined in August of the same year.[2] By September 2008, original guitarist Gavin Harper had left the band.[2] [10] Tim Shaw was Harper's replacement, but after a brief period of touring, was fired from the band.[2] [11] [12] To fill the guitarist position, Dani Evans switched instruments from bass to guitar, and Gareth Murdock of Waylander joined as the replacement bassist.[13] [14]

Black Sails at Midnight (2009 – 2011)

The band's second studio album Black Sails at Midnight was released in May 2009.[15] [16] The album peaked at #60 on the GfK Entertainment charts.[17] In March 2010, Ian Wilson left the band and was replaced with a new drummer named Peter Alcorn.[18] [19] [20] [21] Alestorm's third album, Back Through Time, was Alcorn's first appearance on an Alestorm album.[22]

On June 3, 2011 Alestorm went on a Back Through Time World Tour starting in Australia and New Zealand.[23] [24] The album reached #42 on the German Albums Chart.[25] [26] In October 2011, Elliot Vernon joined the band as keyboard player and also performed screamed / death metal vocals.[27] [28]

New members of the band (2012 – 2014)

The band released their fourth record entitled "Sunset on the Golden Age" on 1 August 2014,[3] [29] [30] reaching the #1 position in the UK Rock Chart.[31]

Dani Evans retired from the band in April 2015,[32] and was replaced by Hungarian guitarist Máté Bodor of the band Wisdom, who is also a part of Leander Kills.[3] [33] In October 2016, Christopher Bowes announced during a concert on the Super Smashed Turbo Tour that the band planned to begin recording a fifth studio album in January 2017. The fifth record, entitled "No Grave But the Sea", was released on 26 May 2017.[34] The album peaked at #1 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers Albums chart.[35]

On 8 January 2020, the band announced the title of their sixth studio album, "Curse of the Crystal Coconut".[36] [37] [38] This was released on 29 May 2020.[37] [38] On 30 April, the band released an EP titled, "The Treasure Chest EP".[39] Prior to the album's release, Alestorm released the singles "Treasure Chest Party Quest" on 2 April 2020, "Tortuga" (feat. Captain Yarrface of Rumahoy) on 23 April 2020, and "Fannybaws" on 14 May 2020.[37] [40] [41] The fourth single for the album titled, "Pirate Metal Drinking Crew" was released on 29 May 2020.[42] The album peaked at #68 on the Official Albums Chart.[43] A deluxe version of the album includes the normal track listing, along with what is referred to as "16th Century Version" editions of each track was released.[44] On 6 August, The Wooden Box was released and it included two bonus tracks on a 7-inch Single which are "Big Ship Little Ship" and "Bassline Junkie".[45] [46] On 28 May 2021, the band released their second live album, "Live in Tilburg".[47]

On 16 January 2022, the band announced that they entered the studio to record their seventh studio album, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum.[48] On 31 January 2022, the band released a music video for the song "Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship", a song from their sixth album, "Curse of the Crystal Coconut".[49] On 13 March 2022, the band announced that their seventh studio album will be released on 24 June 2022.[50] On 6 April 2022, the band released the lead single, "Magellan's Expedition".[51] On 4 May 2022, the band released the second single, "P.A.R.T.Y.".[52] On 1 June 2022, the band released the third single, "The Battle of Cape Fear River.[53] On 22 June 2022, the band released the fourth single, "Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum".[54] On 17 September 2023, the band announced an upcoming EP titled "Voyage of the Dead Marauder", set to be released in 2024.[55] On 14 November 2023, the band announced the release date for the EP, setting the release for 22 March 2024.[56] [57] On 14 February 2024, the band released a new song, "Voyage of the Dead Marauder", the lead single from the EP.[58] The EP featured two cover versions.[1] On 21 March 2024, the band released a new song, "Uzbekistan", the second single from the EP.[59]

Controversies

In August 2021, a Twitter account named "GloryhammerC" posted screenshots of what appeared to be an internal chat from 2017 between the members of the band Gloryhammer, of whom vocalist Chris Bowes was a keyboardist and founding member, that showed misogynist and racist humour along with several racial slurs.[60] Bassist Vincent Jackson Jones of Aether Realm, who formerly collaborated with Bowes in the band Wizardthrone, released a statement on 26 August 2021, in which he distanced himself professionally from Bowes and urged Bowes to make his own statement; at the time, none of Gloryhammer's members had made public comments on the issue. Subsequently, Aether Realm, who were due to tour with both bands, were replaced with the Bootyard Bandits.[61]

On 5 September 2021, Bowes and the rest of the band released statements, admitting the leaked chat was true and apologizing for the controversial remarks[62]

In June 2022, the band was criticised by several sources [63] [64] for playing a gig in Tel Aviv due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After a fan messaged them on social media explaining they could not attend the gig due to Israeli checkpoints, the band responded the fan should, 'come and drink RUM,' [sic]. This led to some [65] accusing the band of downplaying the seriousness of the situation and white-washing Israeli crimes.

Musical style

Alestorm is generally classified as pirate metal, folk metal, power metal and heavy metal. Alestorm has also included elements of pop,[66] rap metal,[66] nu metal,[67] progressive metal,[68] thrash metal, symphonic metal, death metal,[68] symphonic black metal,[68] metalcore,[68] black metal,[69] extreme metal,[70] and Finnish folk music in their music.

The band refer to themselves as "True Scottish Pirate Metal"[2] [71] and are identifiable by the pirate-themed lyrics in their songs.[3] Alestorm's music utilizes the upbeat epic style of Scottish folk metal and power metal. Album recordings feature heavy use of real trumpets, trombones, accordions synths, fiddle and tin whistle, violins, vibraslaps, brass, keytars, and singalong choruses to convey a pirate sea shanty feel.[3] [72] Alestorm's lyrical themes focus on pirates themes including sailing, pillaging, and drinking.

The band's later albums incorporate screaming and death growls performed by keyboard player Elliot Vernon, as well from guest vocalists such as Ken Sorceron[69] and Mathias Lillmåns.

Band members

Current members[73]

Former members[73]

Touring musicians[73]

Session musicians[73]

Timeline

Discography

See main article: Alestorm discography. Studio albums

Tours

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alestorm band biography . metallian . 5 May 2024 . 22 May 2024.
  2. Web site: Alestorm. . 30 June 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120928091831/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+kingdom/perth+and+kinross/alestorm . 28 September 2012 . dead.
  3. Web site: Alestorm Biography. True. Chris. AllMusic. 24 March 2011.
  4. Web site: Alestorm Interview, 27/04/09 | 18 & Life . 2009-12-13 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110724124042/http://warmonkey.net/andy/2009/08/alestorm-interview-270409/ . 24 July 2011 .
  5. Web site: Battleheart – Terror on the High Seas . Metalreviews.com . 2007-01-19 . 2017-05-25.
  6. Web site: Bowar, Chad . . Alestorm – Captain Morgan's Revenge review . 30 June 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100526162746/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/alestormcaptain.htm . 26 May 2010 . dead.
  7. Web site: Napalm Records Online Store – Heavy Metal & Rock CDs, Vinyl, Merch Mailorder . Napalmrecords.com . 2017-05-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090509101338/http://www.napalmrecords.com/hp_promo.php?bioID=89 . 9 May 2009 . dead.
  8. Web site: Eduardo. Rivadavia. Alestorm Captain Morgan's Revenge. AllMusic. 8 January 2020.
  9. Web site: BLABBERMOUTH.NET - ALESTORM Confirmed for Germany's ROCK HARZ Festival . 2008-02-01 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080210061553/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=88462 . 10 February 2008 .
  10. Web site: Lunarfall. Gavin Harper Leaves Alestorm. Sputnikmusic. September 14, 2008. 21 October 2020.
  11. News: Alestorm - Already Announce New Guitarist. Metal Storm. 16 September 2008. 21 October 2020.
  12. News: Alestorm Announces New Guitarist. Blabbermouth.net. 16 September 2008. 21 October 2020.
  13. News: Josh Hart. Interview: Dani Evans and Christopher Bowes of Alestorm. Guitar World. 9 June 2011. 21 October 2020.
  14. News: Interview: Alestorm's Gareth Murdock Talks Touring Life, Band History, Pizza, & Beer. The Void Report. 29 September 2018. 21 October 2020.
  15. Web site: James Christopher . Monger . Review: Black Sails at Midnight . . 21 December 2009.
  16. Kerswell, Ronnie (June 2009). "Alestorm – Black Sails at Midnight." Rock Sound (123): 80. .
  17. Web site: Napalm Records : Chart Entries. Napalmrecords.com. 22 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20150408044323/http://www.napalmrecords.com/company/charteinstiege/. 8 April 2015. dead.
  18. Web site: Alestorm - Drummer Abandoned Ship. Metal Storm. 10 March 2010. 21 October 2020.
  19. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155504
  20. https://www.facebook.com/notes/alestorm/announcing-the-3rd-alestorm-album-back-through-time/172409262793737
  21. Web site: Soundworks Touring - ALESTORM 'BACK THROUGH TIME' Australian/ New Zealand Tour May 2011 . 2011-03-23 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110514141702/http://www.soundworkstouring.com/australia/tour/47.php . 14 May 2011 . Alestorm 'Back Through Time' Australian/ New Zealand Tour May 2011 www.soundworkstouring.com
  22. Web site: Back Through Time. AllMusic. 17 January 2020.
  23. Web site: ALESTORM Australian and New Zealand Tour 2011 | VoltageMedia . 2011-03-23 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120308170637/http://www.voltagemedia.com.au/news/2011/02/01/alestorm-australian-and-new-zealand-tour-2011 . 8 March 2012 . Australian and New Zealand Tour 2011 www.voltagemedia.com.au
  24. http://www.liveguide.com.au/Tours/687038/Alestorm/Alestorm_Back_Through_Time_Australian_Tour
  25. http://acharts.us/album/63920 Alestorm - Back Through Time
  26. Web site: Alestorm's 'Back Through Time' Lands on German Chart. Blabbermouth.net. 17 June 2011.
  27. News: Eric Mackinnon. Alestorm: All we wanted was to play in wee pubs. Metal Hammer. 3 July 2014. 21 October 2020.
  28. Web site: Alestorm Interview: Vans Warped Tour Denver 2017. 3 July 2017. 21 October 2020.
  29. Web site: Alestorm – Bacon Powered Pirate Core. alestorm.net. 9 February 2014. 21 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180621143655/http://www.alestorm.net/index.php?page=news. dead.
  30. News: swatata. Alestorm - Sunset On The Golden Age review. Metal Storm. 10 November 2020. 21 October 2020.
  31. Web site: Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40 Official Charts Company . officialcharts.com . 2014-08-10 . 2018-06-21.
  32. Web site: Breaking News: Guitarist Dani Evans Leaves Alestorm . Metaltalk.net . 2015-04-19 . 2017-05-25.
  33. Web site: Távozik a Leander Killsből Bodor Máté . 16 January 2017 . Shockmagazin.hz.
  34. News: No Grave But the Sea - Alestorm. 2017-06-05. Blabbermouth.net. 6 June 2018. en-US.
  35. Alestorm. Billboard. 24 January 2018.
  36. News: Alestorm swing back into action with Curse Of The Crystal Coconut. 8 January 2020. Metal Hammer. 9 January 2020.
  37. News: Alestorm Go on 'Treasure Chest Party Quest' in New Video, Announce Sixth Album. Joe DiVita. 2 April 2020. Loudwire. 26 May 2020. en-US.
  38. News: Alestorm To Release 'Curse Of The Crystal Coconut' Album In May. 6 March 2020. Blabbermouth. 26 May 2020. en-US.
  39. News: Alestorm - The Treasure Chest EP. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  40. News: Alestorm release new music video for 'Tortuga'. James Weaver. 23 April 2020. Distorted Sound Magazine. 26 May 2020. en-US.
  41. News: News: Alestorm release video for new song, 'Fannybaws'!. Zach Redrup. 16 May 2020. Dead Press. 26 May 2020. en-US. 17 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200817033836/https://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-alestorm-release-video-for-new-song-fannybaws/. dead.
  42. News: Alestorm unleash new song/video "Pirate Metal Drinking Crew". 29 May 2020. Next Mosh. 31 May 2020. en-US.
  43. Web site: Official Albums Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. 21 October 2020.
  44. News: Alestorm Releases New Single & Official Video "Tortuga". 23 April 2020. Rock 'N' Load. 31 May 2020. en-US. 21 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200621081310/https://rocknloadmag.com/news/alestorm-releases-new-single-official-video-tortuga/. dead.
  45. News: Alestorm - Big Ship Little Ship / Bassline Junkie Single. 6 August 2020. 21 October 2020. en-US.
  46. News: Alestorm Release New Single "Big Ship Little Ship"; Music Video Streaming. Brave Words. 6 August 2020. 21 October 2020. en-US.
  47. Web site: Live at the End of the World. Brave Words. 25 February 2021. 27 February 2021.
  48. News: Alestorm Begin Recording New Album, Seventh Rum Of A Seventh Rum. Brave Words. 16 January 2022. 16 January 2022. en-US.
  49. News: Alestorm release "Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship" performance video. Next Mosh. 2 February 2022. 2 February 2022. en-US.
  50. News: Alestorm Announce New Album Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum. MetalSucks. 13 March 2022. 13 March 2022. en-US.
  51. News: Greg. Kennelty. Alestorm Sails Along On New Single "Magellan's Expedition". Metal Injection. 6 April 2022. 6 April 2022. en-US.
  52. News: Alestorm Release "P.A.R.T.Y." Single And Music Video. Brave Words. 4 May 2022. 4 May 2022. en-US.
  53. News: Alestorm Return To Battle On new Music. Heavy Magazine. 3 June 2022. 4 June 2022. en-US.
  54. Web site: Alestorm - Drop New Single & Video. Metal Storm. 22 June 2022. 22 June 2022.
  55. Web site: Alestorm - Recording New EP. Metal Storm. 14 September 2023. 17 September 2023.
  56. Web site: Alestorm Announce Spring '24 North American Headline Tour; Voyage Of The Dead Marauder EP On The Way. Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. November 14, 2023. November 15, 2023.
  57. Web site: Alestorm announce North American headlining Spring tour, new EP is on the way. Lamb Goat. 14 November 2023. 15 November 2023.
  58. Web site: Mandy. Scythe. Alestorm Drop Video for "Voyage of the Dead Marauder". MetalSucks. 14 February 2024. 14 February 2024.
  59. Web site: Mandy. Scythe. Alestorm Release New Single "Uzbekistan". MetalSucks. 23 March 2024. 27 March 2024.
  60. https://loudwire.com/alleged-leaked-chat-gloryhammer-misogynists-racists/
  61. https://loudwire.com/chris-bowes-bandmante-urges-statement-gloryhammer-leaked-chat-misogyny-racism
  62. https://loudwire.com/gloryhammer-chris-bowes-response-statements-racism-misogyny-leaked-chat/
  63. https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/06/12/alestorm-accused-of-telling-palestinian-activist-urging-them-to-cancel-tel-aviv-gig-to-come-and-drink-rum/
  64. https://loudwire.com/alestorm-offensive-reply-palestinian-activist-cancel-tel-aviv-show/
  65. https://www.instagram.com/eye.on.palestine/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d36ffbc7-3cba-4984-b60b-01af112814b1
  66. Web site: Nick. Balazs. Alestorm - Curse Of The Crystal Coconut. Brave Words. 29 May 2020. 31 May 2020. en-US.
  67. Web site: Max. Morin. Album review: Alestorm Curse of the Crystal Coconut. Metal Injection. 20 May 2020. 26 September 2021.
  68. Web site: Kevin. Stewart-Panko. Alestorm: Curse of the Crystal Coconut. Outburn. 28 May 2020. 29 May 2020.
  69. Web site: Björn. Butzen. CD Review: Alestorm – Back Through Time. Reflections of Darkness. 8 June 2011. 26 June 2022.
  70. Web site: Chris. Krovatin. 10 bands who wouldn't be here without Cradle Of Filth. Kerrang!. January 25, 2021. November 21, 2022.
  71. Web site: Vince. Neilstein. There's Such A Thing As Pirate Metal? Why Of Course There Is!. MetalSucks. 21 March 2008. 26 June 2022.
  72. Web site: Victoria Anderson. Alestorm – No Grave But The Sea. Ghost Cult Magazine. 31 May 2017. 21 October 2020.
  73. Web site: Alestorm Band Info. Metal Storm. 21 October 2020.
  74. News: Alestorm - Diary From Turisas Support Tour Available. Brave Words. 22 October 2020.
  75. News: March 2009 Blabbermouth Archive. Blabbermouth.net. 22 October 2020.
  76. News: Black Sails Over Europe Tour 2009 Featuring Alestorm, Tyr New MySpace Page Launched, Tour CD Available. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  77. News: AUT, Graz - Paganfest European Tour. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  78. News: Heathenfest Tour Begins Next Week. MetalSucks. 29 October 2009. 22 October 2020.
  79. News: GBR, Dudley - Alestorm: UK Tour. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  80. News: Finntroll - Headlining European Paganfest With Eluveitie, Arkona. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  81. News: Alestorm - Australian Mini-Tour. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  82. News: Steelwing Confirmed As Support On Upcoming World War Tour 2010 With Alestorm and Sabaton. Brave Words. 11 May 2010. 22 October 2020.
  83. News: AUS, Sydney - Alestorm: Back Through Time Tour. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  84. News: Kamelot, Alestorm, Blackguard And The Agonist Set For August/September North American Tour. The PRP. 6 March 2011. 22 October 2020.
  85. News: Finntroll, Turisas, Alestorm And More - Heidenfest 2011 European tour Video Released. Brave Words. 11 October 2011. 22 October 2020.
  86. News: GBR, Brighton - Alestorm: Useless Drunken Bastards UK & Ireland Tour. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  87. News: News: Dragonforce announce UK and Ireland headline tour for September!. Deadpress. 4 April 2012. 22 October 2020.
  88. News: Zach Redrup. News: Dragonforce announce UK and Ireland headline tour for September!. Deadpress. 4 April 2012. 22 October 2020.
  89. News: Alestorm on Facebook. 28 August 2012. 22 October 2020.
  90. News: Alestorm Announce North American Tour; Trollfest Gypsyhawk to Support. Brave Words. 10 July 2013. 22 October 2020.
  91. Web site: Alestorm on Facebook. . 7 July 2014. 22 October 2020.
  92. News: Alestorm - To Tour North America In 2015. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  93. News: Gareth Murdock – Alestorm (audio interview). Wall of Sound. 22 November 2017. 22 October 2020.
  94. News: Bruce. Henne. Sabaton issue Swedish Pagans live clip. Metal Hammer. 28 February 2022. 16 January 2022.
  95. News: Alestorm on Facebook. 28 June 2017. 22 October 2020.
  96. News: Vans Warped Tour 2017 Line-Up Announced. Kerrang!. 23 March 2017. 22 October 2020.
  97. News: Argentina metal act Rumahoy to join Alestorm on Australia & New Zealand tour. The Rock Pit. 8 January 2019. 22 October 2020.
  98. Web site: Napalm Records on Facebook. . 11 October 2017. 22 October 2020.
  99. News: Bloodstock festival 2018: The big review. Metal Hammer. 13 August 2018. 22 October 2020.
  100. News: USA, Mesa, AZ - Alestorm & Gloryhammer: North America 2018. Metal Storm. 22 October 2020.
  101. News: Alestorm, Skälstorm Announce European Tour Part Two. Brave Words. 12 December 2018. 22 October 2020.
  102. News: Alestorm Official Website Tour Dates. Alestorm. 4 December 2021.
  103. News: Alestorm Website TOURDATES & TICKETS. Alestorm. 15 November 2023.

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