Alestorm
Encyclopedia
Alestorm is a folk metal
band from Perth
, Scotland. Their music is characterized by a pirate theme
, and as a result have been dubbed a "Pirate metal" band at a popular heavy metal related website.
The band formed under the name Battleheart in 2004. After releasing two EPs
, they were signed by Napalm Records in 2007 and renamed themselves Alestorm. Their debut album was released on 25 January 2008. The band's third album, Back Through Time, was released in June 2011.
Terror on the High Seas, their second EP, was recorded the same year, with Evans now featured in the recording line-up, although the drums were again programmed. Later in the year, the song "Set Sail And Conquer" from the EP was featured on Metal Hammer
s "Battle Metal V" CD with other such bands as Týr
, Firewind
, HammerFall
and Blind Guardian
.
In 2006, Evans switched to rhythm guitar and Bowes became primarily the band's keyboardist with the joining of bassist Jason Heeny and vocalist Robin Hellier, but Heeny and Hellier left after only a few months, prompting Evans and Bowes to revert to their old positions of bassist and vocalist, respectively.
In early 2007, drummer Doug Swierczek left the band and was replaced by Ian Wilson.
, who were also signed to the label. Their debut album, Captain Morgan's Revenge, was released in early 2008. The song "Captain Morgan's Revenge" was also featured on Metal Hammers "Battle Metal VI."
In April 2008, the single "Heavy Metal Pirates" was released as a digital download
. Ian Wilson left Alestorm temporarily in June of that year because he was unable to fully commit to the band. He was temporarily replaced by German
Alex Tabisz, before rejoining the band in late August, in time for a show at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow
on 29 August.
joined as the replacement bassist. In March 2010, Ian Wilson left the band and was replaced with a new drummer named Peter Alcorn. Alestorm's third album, Back Through Time
, is Alcorn's first appearance on an Alestorm album.
.
From April to May 2009, Alestorm, Týr, Heidevolk
, and Adorned Brood
took part in another European tour, titled Black Sails Over Europe. A tour CD limited to 1,000 copies was released by Napalm Records, which contained three new tracks from Alestorm's second album, Black Sails at Midnight.
Alestorm played two additional tours in 2009: Paganfest in Europe and Heathenfest in the United States.
and Eluveitie
.
From 17 to 20 June 2010, Alestorm played various shows around Australia.
In late 2010, Alestorm toured the UK along with Sabaton
, (they also played together with Sabaton at their hometown festival of Falun named Rockstad: Falun during the 28–29 May) as well as playing at Hard Rock Hell
: Road Trip in Ibiza.
On 24 September, Alestorm played a new song from their third album called "Rum" live in Karlstad
, Sweden in support of Sabaton's World War Tour. On 17 October, they played a cover of a Gloryhammer (a side project of keytarist Christopher Bowes) song called "The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee" in Brighton
, England.
, Alestorm went on a Back Through Time World Tour. The first part of the tour was held in Australia and New Zealand from 10 until 15 May.
Former members
EPs
Compilations
Folk metal
Folk metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal music that developed in Europe during the 1990s. As the name suggests, the genre is a fusion of heavy metal with traditional folk music...
band from Perth
Perth, Scotland
Perth is a town and former city and royal burgh in central Scotland. Located on the banks of the River Tay, it is the administrative centre of Perth and Kinross council area and the historic county town of Perthshire...
, Scotland. Their music is characterized by a pirate theme
Pirates in popular culture
In American and British popular culture, the modern pirate stereotype owes its tradition mostly to depictions of Captain Hook and his crew in theatrical and film versions of Peter Pan, Robert Newton's portrayal of Long John Silver in the film Treasure Island, and various adaptations of Sinbad the...
, and as a result have been dubbed a "Pirate metal" band at a popular heavy metal related website.
The band formed under the name Battleheart in 2004. After releasing two EPs
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, they were signed by Napalm Records in 2007 and renamed themselves Alestorm. Their debut album was released on 25 January 2008. The band's third album, Back Through Time, was released in June 2011.
Battleheart
Originally a two-member band consisting of Gavin Harper and Christopher Bowes, Battleheart recorded an independent EP in early 2006. The band was completed with the addition of bassist Dani Evans and drummer Doug Swierczek. Battleheart played their first live show only five days after the members had met for the first time.Terror on the High Seas, their second EP, was recorded the same year, with Evans now featured in the recording line-up, although the drums were again programmed. Later in the year, the song "Set Sail And Conquer" from the EP was featured on Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer is a monthly heavy metal music magazine published in the United Kingdom by Future Publishing, and in several other countries by different publishers. Metal Hammer articles feature both mainstream bands and more unusual acts from the whole spectrum of heavy metal music...
s "Battle Metal V" CD with other such bands as Týr
Týr (band)
Týr, , is a folk metal band from the Faroe Islands. Their subject matter revolves almost entirely around old Nordic lore, mythology, and history, taking their name from a Norse god of war. They signed a worldwide deal with Austria's Napalm Records in early 2006, while signed to the Faroese record...
, Firewind
Firewind
Firewind is a Greek power metal band. Formed in 1998, the group is currently signed to Century Media Records and was originally a small project created by guitarist, Gus G. to showcase his demo, Nocturnal Symphony in 1998. Firewind later became a full band over three years later when they recorded...
, HammerFall
HammerFall
HammerFall is a power metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. The band was formed in 1993 by ex-Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak.- Early days :...
and Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in Krefeld, West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres...
.
In 2006, Evans switched to rhythm guitar and Bowes became primarily the band's keyboardist with the joining of bassist Jason Heeny and vocalist Robin Hellier, but Heeny and Hellier left after only a few months, prompting Evans and Bowes to revert to their old positions of bassist and vocalist, respectively.
In early 2007, drummer Doug Swierczek left the band and was replaced by Ian Wilson.
Napalm Records and name change
After being signed by Napalm Records, the band changed their name to Alestorm. The name change was due to similarities with BattleloreBattlelore
Battlelore is a metal band from Lappeenranta, Finland. All of Battlelore's lyrics concern J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth.-Style:Battlelore mixes female vocals with harsh male growling in "beauty and the beast" duet, backed by heavy guitar riffing and occasional keyboard interludes. The band's...
, who were also signed to the label. Their debut album, Captain Morgan's Revenge, was released in early 2008. The song "Captain Morgan's Revenge" was also featured on Metal Hammers "Battle Metal VI."
In April 2008, the single "Heavy Metal Pirates" was released as a digital download
Music download
A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
. Ian Wilson left Alestorm temporarily in June of that year because he was unable to fully commit to the band. He was temporarily replaced by German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
Alex Tabisz, before rejoining the band in late August, in time for a show at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
on 29 August.
Line-up changes
By September 2008, guitarist Gavin Harper had left the band. Tim Shaw was Harper's replacement, but after a brief period of touring, also left the band. To fill the guitarist position, Dani Evans switched instruments from bass to guitar, and Gareth Murdock of WaylanderWaylander (band)
Waylander is a Northern Irish band influential in the realms of Celtic folk metal. Formed in 1993, the band blends traditional Irish folk with 1990s heavy metal.-Biography:...
joined as the replacement bassist. In March 2010, Ian Wilson left the band and was replaced with a new drummer named Peter Alcorn. Alestorm's third album, Back Through Time
Back Through Time
Back Through Time is the third studio album by Alestorm. It was released on 3 June 2011 by Napalm Records and is the first Alestorm recording to feature Peter Alcorn on drums. The album is available in jewelcase, digipack, LP, and Special Edition Boxset formats which includes two bonus cover songs...
, is Alcorn's first appearance on an Alestorm album.
2009
In late February 2009, after a second European support tour, the band embarked on the Pagan Knight's tour across North America with Týr and SuidakraSuidakra
SuidAkrA is a melodic death metal band from Germany with Celtic folk influences. During their fourteen-year career, they have performed over 200 live shows for several European and Russian tours, as well as a North American tour...
.
From April to May 2009, Alestorm, Týr, Heidevolk
Heidevolk
Heidevolk is a folk/viking metal band from the Netherlands. The lyrical themes of their music are inspired by nature, the history of Gelderland, and the history of Germanic mythology. All of their lyrics are in their native language, Dutch...
, and Adorned Brood
Adorned Brood
Adorned Brood is a folk black metal band from Neuss, Germany.- History :After the foundation in 1993, Adorned Brood recorded two demo tape. They signed a contract to German music label Folter Records. They recorded their first studio album Hiltia in 1996. They recorded a new album, called Wigand,...
took part in another European tour, titled Black Sails Over Europe. A tour CD limited to 1,000 copies was released by Napalm Records, which contained three new tracks from Alestorm's second album, Black Sails at Midnight.
Alestorm played two additional tours in 2009: Paganfest in Europe and Heathenfest in the United States.
2010
In 2010, Alestorm played a few shows as guests on selected dates of the Paganfest tour through Europe. That tour was headlined by FinntrollFinntroll
Finntroll is a folk metal band from Helsinki, Finland. They combine elements of black metal and folk metal. Finntroll's lyrics are mostly in Swedish, the only exception being the song "Madon Laulu" on Visor Om Slutet...
and Eluveitie
Eluveitie
Eluveitie is a folk metal band from Winterthur, Switzerland. The band formed in 2002 and their first EP, Vên came out in 2003. The band then released a full-length album, Spirit in June 2006. In November 2007, Eluveitie was signed by Nuclear Blast....
.
From 17 to 20 June 2010, Alestorm played various shows around Australia.
In late 2010, Alestorm toured the UK along with Sabaton
Sabaton (band)
Sabaton is a Grammis-nominated power metal band from Falun, Sweden formed in 1999. The band's main lyrical themes are those of historical wars. This is heard in albums Primo Victoria, Attero Dominatus and Coat of Arms where all of the songs, except final tracks, take inspiration from historical...
, (they also played together with Sabaton at their hometown festival of Falun named Rockstad: Falun during the 28–29 May) as well as playing at Hard Rock Hell
Hard Rock Hell
Hard Rock Hell is a three day music festival currently held at Pontin's Holiday Village, Prestatyn, Wales. The idea of holding the festival at in a holiday camp gives the organisers pre-built venues and stages and because of the on-site accommodation allows them to hold a multi day festival over...
: Road Trip in Ibiza.
On 24 September, Alestorm played a new song from their third album called "Rum" live in Karlstad
Karlstad
Karlstad is a city, the seat of Karlstad Municipality, the capital of Värmland County, and the largest city in the province Värmland in Sweden. The city had 61,685 inhabitants in 2010 out of a municipal total that during the first quarter 2010 was 84,885 inhabitants...
, Sweden in support of Sabaton's World War Tour. On 17 October, they played a cover of a Gloryhammer (a side project of keytarist Christopher Bowes) song called "The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee" in Brighton
Brighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
, England.
2011
In order to promote their third studio album Back Through TimeBack Through Time
Back Through Time is the third studio album by Alestorm. It was released on 3 June 2011 by Napalm Records and is the first Alestorm recording to feature Peter Alcorn on drums. The album is available in jewelcase, digipack, LP, and Special Edition Boxset formats which includes two bonus cover songs...
, Alestorm went on a Back Through Time World Tour. The first part of the tour was held in Australia and New Zealand from 10 until 15 May.
Band members
Current members- Christopher Bowes – lead vocals, keyboards (2004–present)
- Dani EvansDani Evans (musician)Dani Evans is the guitarist and former bassist for the Scottish power metal band Alestorm,, having taken over guitars after the departure of Gavin Harper...
– guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(2006, 2008–present), bass guitar (2006–2008), backing vocals (2006–present) - Gareth Murdock – bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals (2008–present) - Peter AlcornPeter AlcornPeter Alcorn is the drummer of the Scottish power metal band Alestorm, taking over after the sudden departure of their previous drummer. He is also the drummer for Irish Death metal band For Ruin.-Tours:...
- drums (2010–present)
Former members
- Ian Wilson – drums, percussion (2007–2008, 2008–2010)
- Gavin Harper – guitar, backing vocals (2004–2008)
- Tim Shaw – guitar, backing vocals (2008)
- Doug Swierczek – drums (2006–2007)
- Alex Tabisz – drums (2008)
- Robin Hellier - lead vocals (2006) (during the Battleheart period)
Discography
Studio albums- Captain Morgan's RevengeCaptain Morgan's Revenge-Personnel:* Christopher Bowes - Lead/Backing Vocals; Keyboards; Tin Whistle* Gavin Harper - Lead/Rhythm/Acoustic Guitars; Jaw Harp; Additional Drums; Tamborine; Backing Vocals* Dani Evans - Bass Guitars* Ian Wilson - PercussionWith:...
(2008), Napalm Records - Black Sails at MidnightBlack Sails at MidnightBlack Sails at Midnight is the second studio album by the Scottish power/Pirate Metal band Alestorm. As with their first album, all the drums tracks were recorded by session drummer Migo Wagner but touring drummer Ian Wilson added additional percussion...
(2009), Napalm Records - Back Through TimeBack Through TimeBack Through Time is the third studio album by Alestorm. It was released on 3 June 2011 by Napalm Records and is the first Alestorm recording to feature Peter Alcorn on drums. The album is available in jewelcase, digipack, LP, and Special Edition Boxset formats which includes two bonus cover songs...
(2011), Napalm Records (UK chart peak: #200)
EPs
- Battleheart (as Battleheart) (2006)
- Terror on the High Seas (as Battleheart) (2006)
- Leviathan (2008)
Compilations
- With Us or Against Us (2007) – free album sent with Napalm Records merchandise
- Battle Metal V (2007), Metal Hammer
- Battle Metal VI (2008), Metal Hammer
- With Us or Against Us X (2008) – free album sent with Napalm Records merchandise
- Battle Metal VIII (2009), Metal Hammer
- Black Sails Over Europe (2009) – split album with HeidevolkHeidevolkHeidevolk is a folk/viking metal band from the Netherlands. The lyrical themes of their music are inspired by nature, the history of Gelderland, and the history of Germanic mythology. All of their lyrics are in their native language, Dutch...
and TýrTýr (band)Týr, , is a folk metal band from the Faroe Islands. Their subject matter revolves almost entirely around old Nordic lore, mythology, and history, taking their name from a Norse god of war. They signed a worldwide deal with Austria's Napalm Records in early 2006, while signed to the Faroese record... - Austrian Metal Alliance Vol. 1 (2011) - free album sent with Napalm Records merchandise
External links
- Alestorm at Napalm Records
- Audio Interview with Alestorm from Hard Rock Hell Festival 2008
- Video Interview with Alestorm from Metal Gods TV
- Interview with Alestorm from Teeth of the Divine
- "ALESTORM Interview with Dani Evans", Xplosive Metal, June 2011, Caroline Restiaux