Captain Morgan's Revenge Review

Released: Jan 25, 2008
Genre: Pirate Metal, Folk Metal
Label: Napalm Records
Number Of Tracks: 10
Captain Morgan's Revenge is the debut, concept, full-length album by the Scottish pirate metal band Alestorm. It was released in 2008 by Napalm Records.

Sound:	10
Lyrics:	9
Impression:	10
Overall rating:	9.7
Users rating:	9.5
Comments:	10

overall: 9.7

Featured review by: Sabbath89, on november 12, 2008

Sound: "True Scottish Pirate Metal" is what they advertise, and they do not disappoint. Alestorm's debut release "Captain Morgan's Revenge" has created the genre of Pirate Metal in all it's glory. They are truly one of a kind. The style, even though labeled as Pirate Metal, could closely be related to Power Metal, or even Folk Metal at times. The sound itself is crisp and melodic. This album was produced very well. The guitars all have a very bright tone that is accented perfectly by the keys. Alestorm is filled with great musicians. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics, as expected, follow Pirate themes and elements. At first, they might come off as a bit corny. However, if you can appreciate the stories that each individual song is telling, I believe you will learn to greatly enjoy this band. Themes include drinking, sailing, treasure, and dancing the "hempen jig." The vocals of Christopher Bowes are gritty, but still sway from the guttural aspect that is common in Death Metal. If I could relate his vocals to that of another, I would have to pick Mathias from Turisas. They are somewhat similar, but not identical by any means. Christopher Bowes fits Alestorm's Pirate theme perfectly. // 9

Impression: If I were to compare Alestorm to another band, I would have to compare them to Turisas. They share a similar sound, musically speaking. That's where the comparison ends though. Alestorm is in a league of their own (as of now). The most impressive songs are 'Over the Seas', 'Captain Morgan's Revenge', 'The Huntmaster', 'Set Sail And Conquer', and 'Terror On The High Seas.' All the songs are enjoyable though. These are just some personal favorites. "Captain Morgan's Revenge" even includes an interesting remake of 'Flower of Scotland', the "unofficial" Scottish national anthem. I love this album in it's entirety, and hate nothing about it. It's musically refreshing. If it were stolen, I would not hesitate to purchase another copy. // 10

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: aenimafist, on january 12, 2009

Sound: Can you picture a pirate playing guitar in a power metal band? How about singing or playing drums? Here's what they really would look like: Alestorm! Scottish Pirate Metal as the y deem themselves may be better titled as Scottish Pirate Power Metal but so be it. These rock and roll pirates really put all others in the brigg in their first record Captain Morgan's Revenge lashing out at all ye scurvy land-lubbers to pump yer fists in th' air! Over the Seas pretty characterizes what Alestorm is all about from the very beginning of the record. It is very shantey-like and has heavily distorted guitar with piratey vocalism and keyboard leads. This sound carries the band across the North Sea the whole way through their record and never lets them down. They have one of the most original sounds of any metal band ever to walk the planet... or sail around it. Take as thy wilt. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Vocalist and keytarist Christopher Bowes rips out the hearts of scally-wags with his pirate-slurred crunchy vocal while maintaining a certain level of clarity. All of the songs are about either sailing for treasure, battling at sea or getting drunk in a pub. Beside the Flower of Scotland of course.

01.Over the Seas: very powerful opening track with excellent lyrics. Possibly best on record. 9/10
02.Captain Morgan's Revenge: excellent title track and also possibly the best song on the record. Lyrics flow very nicely and the song has a fun chorus. 9.5/10
Huntmaster: Heavier than the first two tracks but not the best song on record. 5/10
Nancy the Tavern Wench: Very good little power ballad here with fun lyrics. 8/10\
Death Before the Mast: First thrash song on here. Nice riff and drumming with possibly the best lyrics on the album. 8.5/10
03.Terror on the High Seas: still thrashy but definately not best song on album. Not melodic enough. 6/10
04.Set Sail and Conquer: similar theme to Death Before the Mast but not quite as good. 7.5/10
05.Of Treasure: somewhat similar to Captain Morgan's Revenge in meaning but nice and slow. Average. 7/10
06,Wenches and Mead: this is the funniest song and can be played over and over again and not get old. 8/10
07.Flower of Scotland: somewhat unusual way to end a record butnot too bad anyway. Well done with the vocal and intrumental arrangements. 7/10 // 9

Impression: There is nothing like Alestorm out there right now but I heard that a new album by the band is coming out and it is titled Black Sails At Midnight. I am really looking forward to it because this record is pretty darn good. While Alestorm weren't the first band to have a pirate-themed album, they still do a break-through job and certainly convince me of their skill. Some people think it's all a load of hogwash but it isn't. Best songs: Over the Seas, Captain Morgan's Revenge, Death Before the Mast and Wenches and Mead. Have fun with this record and don't take it too seriously. // 10

Comments

[Sabbath89]

New EP, Leviathan out now. Check it.

[DyingToFish]

this album was the shit!
i loved every song on it, and wenches and mead is a great bar song for the drunk!

[the_messenger66]

this album kicks ass!
my favorite songs were Over the Seas and Nancy the Tavern Wench.
every pirate fan should have this album.

[hatecrewtabber]

best ever album I love their new song wolves of the sea!!!

[CradleOfJames]

This is by far the BEST album I have ever heard. Alestorm RULE! HyperChris is the most amazing Keybordists in the world. This is probably the only album I would give 10/10 for.

[AlienMetalhead]

hatecrewtabber wrote:

best ever album I love their new song wolves of the sea!!!

Tis good but not theirs. Tis a cover of the song Latvia entered with in eurovision. Alestorm's is better in my opinion just thought i'd correct you.

[Sabbath89]

I was talking to Chris Bowes and he mentioned to me that the new album will contain a cover of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song, "He's a Pirate" or whatever it's called.

[MetalManic 666]

im not really in 2 pirate metal but i did enjoy this album.... i only really downloaded coz alestorm are scottish lol

[idpmofo]

Definitely one of the more interesting and amusing (both entertaining and somewhat funny) CD to hit the metal scene in a LONG time. Once the novelty wears off, its still enjoyable.

[Conor_man11]

This album is very well done! The keyboard (which reminds me of an accordian) mixed with the guitar sounds so pirate-like. It's really nice to hear a metal band singing about drinking and pirate like things as appose to blood and gore. Also, I have heard their new album in its entirety, and it is also amazing and extremely similar to Captain Morgan's Revenge. Love this band... would love to see them live (apparently they sound pretty good).