Alestorm

Albums: All of them. It’s only five but I’m bury and l am also very lazy. So be it. Also, I’m suffering from some latent affects of having my fucking mind blown!

Admittedly, when I first heard about this band, it sounded fucking stupid. Then I listened to “Drink” and I thought it might actually be brilliant. These Scottish metal heads made a catchy track that hits most (if not all) of the major pirate tropes in one go and it was well-crafted. It immediately found a place on one of my running mixes. Then, before I started listening to their albums, a third thought entered my mind (new record!): what if they’re a one-trick pony?

I’m not going to say that pirate lore is deep and broad, but the band seemed to find a way to keep the topic fresh across five freaking albums. Sure, there is a bit of overlap in much of their stuff–every album included a dirge and at least one true drinking song–but the rest was as lively and varied as the sea itself including a daring and beautiful instrumental that nearly made its way as ToD. On the other hand, they made a song perfect for your last day at a shitty job. How nice of them! How truly Scottish of them!

Track of Distinction: “Wolves of the Sea” is part battle anthem and part drinking song and all fun, which is absolutely what every pirate song should be. Because, if you’re drunk enough, do you even really die?