Come set sail with the power metal Scottish pirates of Alestorm — not to be confused with Halestorm — as they celebrate with the release of their EIGHTH album, The Thunderfist Chronicles. This album consists of eight crazy and fun tracks, including the surprise drop, “The Storm.” “The Storm” was released about 48 hours before the album release and it definitely got some momentum going for their fans. This band is known for gimmicks from inflatable rubber duckies to hardcore sea shanties. They are not a band you want to sleep on. Alestorm is a band that literally has you buckling down your hatches. 

I caught them last year and they are one of my favorite new unknown discoveries. It was also the night I found out that I’m a power metal fan — from hair flips to the rhythmic in sync rocking on stage — it’s everything I need at a concert.

This entire album beats to the wave of their boats, and I mean that literally because they’re pirates. Each track on this album starts off with a standard catchy riff mixed with shanty vibes, yet they’re all unique in their own way. Vocalist Christopher Bowes gruff voice matches evenly with each note and it’s going to have you bobbing your head until you’re seasick. Sorry if you’re rolling your eyes at every one of my sea or pirated themed jokes, but trust me, they’re just as corny in live performance. Not that there’s anything wrong with corny; in fact, I think it’s fun when bands just want to do something silly like this. 

One of the best songs off this album is “Banana,” which is about as silly as someone could get with a song name. It’s a singalong banger that’ll get stuck in your head like the commercial slogans. Yes, I’m referring to the ones like Farmers Insurance — bum bum we are farmers bum bum bum bum bum bum bum. I sing along to that during commercials; it’s meant to stick to you like glue. Their single, “The Storm,” is also so good. It’s intricate and powerful in sound.

Here’s what Christopher Bowes has to say about this track: “Oh wow! Our new song ‘The Storm’ is about the raw, boiling power of mastic asphalt. It’s hot, sticky, and unstoppable, just like our music. We were busy one night drinking a bottle of creme de menthe and arguing about road surfacing when it hit us: nothing says pirate metal like molten tar and industrial paving. Hail Ve-Eplu.”

He has already noted how weird and difficult all their riffs are in each song; he’s sure to regret them later on. But, guess we’ll have to wait and see this fall when they tour with Gloryhammer and Glyph. You can bet I’ll be at a show and you should definitely, too! Otherwise, matey, maybe go walk the plank! ? They’ll be bringing endless tidal waves of riffs, melodies, and ducks, so don’t miss out!

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