Hubbry Logo
AlestormAlestormMain
Open search
Alestorm
Community hub
Alestorm
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Alestorm
Alestorm
Alestorm
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Alestorm are a Scottish heavy metal band formed in Perth in 2004.[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.

Key Information

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 album, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum, was released on 24 June 2022. Their eighth album, The Thunderfist Chronicles, was released on 20 June 2025.

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

History

[edit]

Battleheart and origins (2004–2007)

[edit]

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]

Captain Morgan's Revenge (2007–2009)

[edit]
Alestorm performing in 2008

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] They also played the UK festival Bloodstock, alongside headliners Nightwish and Dimmu Borgir.[10] 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][11] Tim Shaw was Harper's replacement, but after a brief period of touring, was fired from the band.[2][12][13] To fill the guitarist position, Dani Evans switched instruments from bass to guitar, and Gareth Murdock of Waylander joined as the replacement bassist.[14][15]

Black Sails at Midnight and Back Through Time (2009–2011)

[edit]

The band's second studio album Black Sails at Midnight was released in May 2009.[3][16][17] The album peaked at #60 on the GfK Entertainment charts.[18] In March 2010, Ian Wilson left the band and was replaced with a new drummer named Peter Alcorn.[19][20][21][22] Alestorm's third album, Back Through Time, was Alcorn's first appearance on an Alestorm album.[3][23][20][21][22]

On June 3, 2011 Alestorm went on a Back Through Time World Tour starting in Australia and New Zealand.[24][25] The album reached #42 on the German Albums Chart.[26][27] In October 2011, Elliot Vernon joined the band as keyboard player and also performed screamed / death metal vocals.[28][29]

Sunset on the Golden Age and No Grave But the Sea (2012–2019)

[edit]

The band released their fourth record entitled "Sunset on the Golden Age" on 1 August 2014,[3][30][31] reaching the #1 position in the UK Rock Chart.[32]

Dani Evans retired from the band in April 2015,[33] and was replaced by Hungarian guitarist Máté Bodor of the band Wisdom, who is also a part of Leander Kills.[3][34]

Alestorm in 2017

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.[citation needed] The fifth record, entitled "No Grave But the Sea", was released on 26 May 2017.[35][36] The album peaked at #1 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers Albums chart.[37]

Curse of the Crystal Coconut and Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum (2020–2022)

[edit]

On 8 January 2020, the band announced the title of their sixth studio album, "Curse of the Crystal Coconut".[38][39][40] This was released on 29 May 2020.[39][40] On 30 April, the band released an EP titled, "The Treasure Chest EP".[41] 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.[39][42][43] The fourth single for the album titled, "Pirate Metal Drinking Crew" was released on 29 May 2020.[44] The album peaked at #68 on the Official Albums Chart.[45] 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.[46] 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".[47][48] On 28 May 2021, the band released their second live album, "Live in Tilburg".[49]

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.[50] 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.[51] On 5 September 2021, Bowes and the rest of the band released statements, admitting the leaked chat was true and apologizing for the remarks.[52]

On 16 January 2022, the band announced that they entered the studio to record their seventh studio album, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum.[53] 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".[54] On 13 March 2022, the band announced that their seventh studio album will be released on 24 June 2022.[55] On 6 April 2022, the band released the lead single, "Magellan's Expedition".[56] On 4 May 2022, the band released the second single, "P.A.R.T.Y.".[57] On 1 June 2022, the band released the third single, "The Battle of Cape Fear River.[58] On 22 June 2022, the band released the fourth single, "Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum".[59]

Alestorm on Wacken Open Air 2023

In June 2022, the band was criticised by several sources [60][61] 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 [62] accusing the band of downplaying the seriousness of the situation and white-washing Israeli crimes.

Voyage of the Dead Marauder EP and The Thunderfist Chronicles (2023–present)

[edit]

On 17 September 2023, the band announced an upcoming EP titled "Voyage of the Dead Marauder", set to be released in 2024.[63] On 14 November 2023, the band announced the release date for the EP, setting the release for 22 March 2024.[64][65] On 14 February 2024, the band released a new song, "Voyage of the Dead Marauder", the lead single from the EP.[66] The EP featured two cover versions.[1] On 21 March 2024, the band released a new song, "Uzbekistan", the second single from the EP.[67]

On 4 March 2025, the band announced their eighth studio album, The Thunderfist Chronicles, which was later released on 20 June 2025.[68] On 23 April 2025, the band released the album's first single, "Frozen Piss 2".[69] On 20 May 2025, the album's second single, "Killed to Death by Piracy", was released.[70] On 18 June 2025, the album's third single, "The Storm", was released.[71]

Musical style

[edit]
Alestorm – Keelhauled
A clip from Keelhauled illustrates Alestorm's style of play.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Alestorm is generally classified as pirate metal, folk metal, power metal and heavy metal.[note 1] Alestorm has also included elements of pop,[82] rap metal,[82] nu metal,[83] progressive metal,[84] thrash metal,[85] symphonic metal,[84] death metal,[84] symphonic black metal,[84] metalcore,[84] black metal,[85] extreme metal,[86] and Finnish folk music[73] in their music.

The band refer to themselves as "True Scottish Pirate Metal"[2][87] and are identifiable by the pirate-themed lyrics in their songs.[3][74] Alestorm's music utilizes the upbeat epic style of Scottish folk metal and power metal.[74] 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][74][36][88] Alestorm's lyrical themes focus on pirates themes including sailing, pillaging, and drinking.[74]

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[85] and Mathias Lillmåns.

Band members

[edit]
  • Alestorm at Luppolo In Rock 2024
  • Christopher Bowes
    Christopher Bowes
  • Gareth Murdock
    Gareth Murdock
  • Peter Alcorn
    Peter Alcorn
  • Elliot Vernon
    Elliot Vernon
  • Máté Bodor
    Máté Bodor

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Alestorm discography

Studio albums

Tours

[edit]
  • March 2008 – UK Tour supporting Turisas and Norther[90]
  • October 2008 – "Ragnarok Aaskereia" European tour with Tyr, Hollenthon, Svartsot and Gwydion
  • February – March 2009 – "Pagan Knights" North American tour with Týr and Suidakra[91]
  • April – May 2009 – "Black Sails Over Europe" European tour supported by Tyr, Heidevolk and Adorned Brood[92]
  • September 2009 – "Paganfest" European tour with Korpiklaani, Moonsorrow, Unleashed, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Einherjer, Ex Deo and Swashbuckle[93]
  • November 2009 – "Heathenfest" North American tour Eluveitie, Belphegor, Vreid, and Kivimetsan Druidi[94]
  • December 2009 - UK tour with Eden's Curse and The Rotted.[95]
  • February – March 2010 – "Paganfest" European tour with Finntroll, Eluveitie, Dornenreich, Varg and Arkona[96]
  • June 2010 – "Plunder Down Under" Australian Tour supported by Claim the Throne[97]
  • August – December 2010 – "World War Tour" European Tour supporting Sabaton[98]
  • May 2011 – "Back Through Time" Australian Tour supported by Voyager[99]
  • August 2011 – "Pandemonium Over North America" North American tour supporting Kamelot[100]
  • September – October 2011 – "Heidenfest" European tour with Turisas, Wintersun, Finntroll, Arkona, and Trollfest[101]
  • February 2012 – "Useless Drunken Bastards" UK Tour supported by Claim the Throne and Darkest Era[102]
  • April 2012 – "Paganfest" North American tour with Turisas and Arkona[103]
  • September 2012 – "The Power Within" UK tour supporting DragonForce with the Defiled[104]
  • October 2012 – "The North American Enigma" North American tour with Epica and Insomnium
  • January 2013 – "Live at the End of the World" Australia and New Zealand tour[105]
  • November – December 2013 – North American tour supported by Trollfest and Gypsyhawk[106]
  • September 2014 – "Storming Across Europe" European Tour supported by Brainstorm, Crimson Shadows and Troldhaugen
  • October 2014 – "Piratefest" UK tour supported by Lagerstein, Red Rum, and Rainbowdragoneyes[107]
  • January 2015 – "Piratefest" North American tour supported by Swashbuckle and the Dread Crew of Oddwood[108]
  • November 2015 – "Piratefest" Australia and New Zealand tour supported by Lagerstein and Troldhaugen[109]
  • February – March 2016 – "Heroes on Tour" Europe and UK co-headlining tour with Sabaton[110]
  • October 2016 – "Super Smashed Turbo Tour" North American tour supported by Nekrogoblikon and Æther Realm[111]
  • June – August 2017 – Vans Warped Tour North American tour[112]
  • September – October 2017 – "No Grave But the Sea" headline European tour supported by Æther Realm and Troldhaugen[113]
  • February 2018 – "Piratefest 2018" UK and Ireland tour supported by Rumahoy and the Dread Crew of Oddwood[114]
  • August 2018 - Bloodstock Open Air Festival Saturday main stage[115]
  • September 2018 - North American Tour supported by Gloryhammer[116]
  • November - December 2018 - "Skälstorm European Tour" supported by Skálmöld[117]
  • February 2019 - Australian Tour supported by Rumahoy[113]
  • November 2021 - UK and Ireland Tour supported by Gloryhammer and Bootyard Bandits[118]
  • June 2022 - Download Festival Sunday Main Stage
  • November - December 2023 - Europe tour [119]
  • February - March 2024 - Sausage, Bean and Cheesin’ around the UK Tour. Supported by Korpiklaani and Heidevolk
  • March - April 2024 - Tour of the Dead Marauder USA and Canada with Elvenking and Glyph
  • February - March 2025 - Australian Tour with Nekrogoblikon[120]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alestorm

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alestorm is a Scottish heavy metal band renowned for their pirate-themed songs, which they characterize as "True Scottish ," blending riffs with elements and humorous lyrics focused on seafaring exploits, rum, and treasure hunts. Formed in , in 2004 under the name Battleheart by Christopher Bowes, the project evolved into a full band and adopted the Alestorm moniker in 2007 ahead of signing with . The band's debut album, , released in 2008, established their signature style and propelled them into the international metal scene through relentless touring and festival appearances. Subsequent releases, including No Grave But the Sea (2017), (2020), and their eighth studio album The Thunderfist Chronicles in June 2025, have solidified their reputation for high-energy, theatrical live shows that emphasize audience participation and thematic revelry. Alestorm's enduring appeal lies in their unpretentious commitment to escapist fun within the metal genre, amassing a dedicated global fanbase without reliance on mainstream accolades.

History

Formation and early releases (2004–2007)

Battleheart, the precursor to Alestorm, was formed in 2004 in , as a studio project by Christopher Bowes on keyboards and lead vocals alongside Gavin Harper on guitars. The endeavor centered on folk/ infused with themes of , adventure, and drinking, initially without intentions of live performances. In 2006, Battleheart self-released two demos: the first, simply titled Battleheart, followed later that year by Terror on the High Seas on December 24. These recordings, produced independently, included tracks such as early versions of songs that would be re-recorded for future Alestorm albums, and they attracted attention from Scotland's underground metal scene despite the band's self-described rudimentary quality. After a lull in activity, Battleheart submitted their demos to in late 2007, securing a record deal that prompted an official name change to Alestorm on August 8, 2007. This shift concluded the formative phase, enabling the band to expand beyond studio efforts and prepare for their debut full-length release.

Breakthrough and genre establishment (2008–2011)

Following their signing to in 2007, Alestorm achieved breakthrough with the release of their debut studio album, , on January 25, 2008. The album introduced the band's pirate-themed heavy metal sound, characterized by bombastic choruses, keyboard-driven melodies, and lyrics centered on seafaring adventures and rum-soaked escapades, which resonated within the folk and communities. This release, reworking material from their Battleheart era, marked Alestorm's emergence as a distinct act, with tracks like "" and "The Hunt for Wapiti" showcasing their humorous, theatrical style. In April 2008, Alestorm issued the single "Heavy Metal Pirates," further promoting their debut and pirate motif. The band performed at major festivals, including Bloodstock Open Air, expanding their live presence and fanbase in the European metal scene. These efforts solidified lineup changes, with bassist Dani Evans shifting to guitar and Gareth Murdock joining on bass, stabilizing the core ensemble for subsequent releases. The 2009 follow-up, Black Sails at Midnight, released on May 29, reinforced Alestorm's formula with expanded production and guest appearances, including from Gamma Ray's Kai Hansen, enhancing their crossover appeal. By this period, Alestorm's self-proclaimed "True Scottish Pirate Metal" identity began defining the pirate metal subgenre, blending heavy metal aggression with folk elements and maritime lore, positioning them as pioneers in a niche previously explored sporadically by acts like Running Wild. Their emphasis on fun, over-the-top themes distinguished them from more serious folk metal contemporaries. Culminating the era, arrived on June 3, 2011, introducing drummer Peter Alcorn and featuring time-travel narratives tied to pirate antics, which broadened their thematic scope while maintaining genre hallmarks. Extensive touring, including European headline dates, cemented Alestorm's reputation for energetic live shows with pirate and audience participation, establishing pirate metal's viability as a performative style. This phase saw the band transition from underground curiosity to a recognized force in heavy metal, credited by contemporaries as revitalizing interest in themed metal subgenres.

Maturation and experimentation (2012–2019)

In the years following the 2011 release of Back Through Time, Alestorm maintained an active touring schedule while developing material for their next studio album, reflecting a period of refinement in production and thematic consistency. Their fourth full-length, Sunset on the Golden Age, emerged on August 1, 2014, via Napalm Records, introducing slightly more varied song lengths and structures compared to prior efforts, such as the extended epic "Magnetic North." The record incorporated guest contributions from members of bands like Nile and Gloryhammer, enhancing its orchestral and aggressive elements, while vocalist Christopher Bowes experimented with growled vocals on select tracks like "Surf Squiddy Warfare," diverging modestly from the group's standard clean-sung pirate anthems. Lineup stability was disrupted in April 2015 when longtime guitarist retired, prompting the recruitment of Hungarian musician Máté Bodor, formerly of , who brought a power metal-infused guitar style to subsequent recordings and performances. This transition coincided with intensified global touring, including European headline runs and festival appearances that solidified the band's live reputation for high-energy, theatrical sets emphasizing their pirate motif through props and audience interaction. The band's fifth album, No Grave But the Sea, arrived on May 26, 2017, through Napalm Records, building on prior advancements with heightened rhythmic drive and aggressive contrasts, including heavier rhythm guitar mixes that shifted emphasis toward power metal dynamics over folk elements. Tracks like the title song and "Bar ünd Imbiss" demonstrated polished production and subtle evolutions in aggression, attributed to the new guitar lineup and refined songcraft, though the core humorous pirate themes remained unaltered. From 2017 to 2019, Alestorm sustained momentum via extensive tours across North America, Europe, and Australia, often co-headlining with acts like Sabaton and performing at major events such as Wacken Open Air, while preparing material that would inform their later releases.

Contemporary era and ongoing activity (2020–present)

In 2020, Alestorm released their sixth studio album, , on May 29 through , featuring eleven tracks produced by Lasse Lammert and incorporating guest appearances from musicians such as Nemo from Alestorm's associated band . The album maintained the band's signature pirate-themed sound, with singles like "Fannybaws" and "Big Ship Little Ship / Bassline Junkie" preceding its launch. The band's seventh studio album, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum, followed on , 2022, also via and produced by Lammert, emphasizing swashbuckling riffs and shanty elements across its tracklist. No lineup changes occurred during this period, with the core members—Christopher Bowes on vocals and , Gareth Murdock on bass and backing vocals, Peter Alcorn on drums, and supporting instrumentalists—remaining consistent. Alestorm's eighth album, The Thunderfist Chronicles, was issued on June 20, 2025, by , delivering eight new tracks including "Hyperion Omniriff" and "Killed to Death by Piracy," recorded in late 2024 and continuing the group's high-energy formula. Supporting this release, the band launched extensive touring, including a U.S. headlining run in September and October 2025 with and , followed by the Thunderfisting Tour across in 2025 and planned Latin American dates in March 2026. As of late 2025, Alestorm sustains regular festival appearances and international shows, underscoring their ongoing commitment to live performances amid a stable membership.

Musical style and themes

Core elements and influences

Alestorm's core musical style blends power metal's upbeat, epic structures with folk metal's orchestral flourishes, creating anthemic tracks suited for high-energy live performances. prominently features keytars and keyboards for solos and atmospheric layers, alongside real folk elements like accordions, fiddles, , and brass to mimic sea shanties and nautical vibes. Songs range from fast thrash-influenced riffs and shredding guitar work to slower ballads with choruses, prioritizing melodic hooks over complexity. This foundation supports a party-oriented sound, with pop-like catchiness enhancing accessibility without diluting metal aggression. The band's influences stem primarily from the mid-2000s Finnish folk metal wave, including , , and , which informed their integration of traditional instruments into heavy riffs for an over-the-top, forest-evoking energy. Symphonic and atmospheric metal acts like shaped their bombastic arrangements and thematic grandeur, as noted by frontman Christopher Bowes and drummer. Scottish folk traditions and '80s shredding add regional flavor and technical flair, while thrash breakdowns provide dynamic shifts. Alestorm explicitly rejects comparisons to Running Wild as influences, stating their pirate motifs arose independently from a more melodic, folky style distinct from old-school German heavy metal. Bowes has emphasized, "We do the metal thing first, pirate second," underscoring genre priorities over thematic overlap.

Lyrical content and humor

Alestorm's lyrics center on exaggerated depictions of pirate life, including rum-soaked brawls, shipboard escapades, hunts, and clashes with naval foes, often framed as boisterous anthems for communal revelry. Tracks like "" (2008) exemplify this through narratives of cursed captains and vengeful spirits intertwined with heavy drinking, blending bombast with whimsical seafaring lore to evoke a sense of chaotic adventure. Later works incorporate increasingly bizarre elements, such as underwater apiculture in "Breezing the Dragon's Neck" or fictional invasions by robotic pirates, expanding beyond strict historical into fantastical while retaining core motifs of and excess. Humor permeates the band's songwriting as a deliberate stylistic choice, manifesting in crude puns, self-deprecating jabs at critics, and over-the-top designed for live sing-alongs and viral . Frontman Christopher Bowes has characterized this as "middle school-level humor" featuring profanity-laden titles like "Fucked with an Anchor" and "Shit Boat (No Fans)," which prioritize entertainment value over , akin to a "dreadful" children's album reimagined for adult audiences. The approach evolved from earlier, relatively earnest pirate tales—rooted in Bowes' initial demos under the Battleheart moniker—to sillier, more parodic content, reflecting a shift toward "polished and refined " that acknowledges the genre's inherent ridiculousness. Bowes emphasized this intent in stating, "We just like making party songs, and that’s what people want to hear from us," underscoring a commitment to unpretentious fun amid technical proficiency. This comedic lens extends to meta-commentary, as in "Scraping the Barrel" (2011), which lampoons detractors of their formulaic style through a jaunty structure, reinforcing Alestorm's self-aware embrace of as escapist, lighthearted spectacle rather than solemn historiography. The band's refusal to temper humor for broader credibility—evident in animated videos and stage props like inflatable ducks—has cultivated a niche following drawn to the unapologetic blend of folk-metal hooks and irreverent .

Band members

Current lineup

The current lineup of Alestorm, as of October 2025, comprises five core members who have contributed to the band's recordings and live performances since the mid-2010s.
  • Christopher Bowes: Lead vocals, keyboards (joined 2004). Bowes founded the band and remains its primary songwriter and frontman, handling duties on stage.
  • Gareth Murdock: Bass, backing vocals (joined 2009). Murdock provides the rhythmic foundation and occasional lead vocals in live settings.
  • Peter Alcorn: Drums (joined 2010). Alcorn delivers the band's high-energy percussion, supporting their grooves and blast beats.
  • Vernon: Keyboards, harsh vocals (joined 2012). Vernon adds atmospheric synth layers and growled backing vocals, enhancing the pirate-themed orchestration.
  • Máté Bodor: Guitars, backing vocals (joined 2015). Bodor handles lead and , contributing to the band's heavy metal riffs and solos.
This stable configuration supported the release of the band's eighth studio album, The Thunderfist Chronicles, on June 20, 2025, via , with no reported changes amid their ongoing tour schedule.

Former members and changes

Alestorm has experienced multiple personnel changes, particularly in its and guitar roles, reflecting the challenges of maintaining stability in an early-stage metal band. Formed in 2004 as Battleheart with Christopher Bowes on vocals and keyboards alongside multi-instrumentalist Gavin Harper on guitars and drums, the lineup expanded by 2006 to include bassist and drummer Doug Swierczek for initial live performances and demos. Following the 2007 name change to Alestorm and signing with , Ian Wilson replaced Swierczek on drums, while Evans shifted focus amid Harper's departure in 2008, which prompted to join on bass and Evans to take over guitar duties. Further adjustments occurred in the percussion role, with Alex Tabisz briefly handling drums in 2008 before Ian Wilson's continued tenure until March 2010, when he left and was succeeded by Peter Alcorn. Elliot Vernon joined as a permanent member around 2013, augmenting Bowes' work for the Sunset on the Golden Age. The most notable recent change came in April 2015, when longtime guitarist departed on professional grounds, stating the decision was mutual and amicable; he was replaced by Máté Bodor for the subsequent No Grave But the Sea in 2017. These shifts stabilized by the mid-2010s, with Bowes as the sole remaining founder.
Former MemberInstrument(s)Tenure
Gavin HarperGuitars, drums, percussion, backing vocals2004–2008
Doug SwierczekDrums2006
Bass (2006–2008), guitars, backing vocals (2008–2015)2006–2015
Ian WilsonDrums2007–2010
Alex TabiszDrums2008

Timeline of personnel

Alestorm originated as the project Battleheart in 2004, founded by Christopher Bowes on vocals and alongside Gavin Harper on guitars. In 2006, the band expanded for live performances with the addition of bassist and drummer Doug Swierczek. The name change to Alestorm occurred in 2007, coinciding with drummer Ian Wilson replacing Swierczek. Wilson departed in June 2008 due to touring commitments, briefly replaced by Tabisz before rejoining in August 2008; he exited again in March 2010, citing burnout from the schedule. Harper left in September 2008, prompting Evans to switch from bass to guitar, with Murdock joining on bass in 2009. Peter Alcorn assumed drums in 2010 following Wilson's final departure. Elliot Vernon joined in October 2011 as keyboardist and harsh vocalist, enhancing live arrangements of extended tracks. Evans departed in April 2015, after which Hungarian guitarist Máté Bodor was recruited later that year. This lineup—Bowes, Murdock, Alcorn, Vernon, and Bodor—has remained stable since 2015, supporting releases like No Grave But the Sea (2017) and The Thunderfist Chronicles (2025).
PeriodKey Personnel Changes and Lineup
2004–2006Formation as Battleheart: Bowes (vocals/), Harper (guitars). Studio project.
2006–2007Live lineup added: Evans (bass), Swierczek (drums). Name change to Alestorm in 2007; Wilson replaces Swierczek on drums.
2008–2009Wilson brief exit/rejoin (2008); Harper departs (Sep 2008); Evans to guitar; Murdock joins bass (2009).
2010–2011Alcorn replaces Wilson on drums (Mar 2010); Vernon joins keyboards/harsh vocals (Oct 2011).
2015–presentEvans departs (Apr 2015); Bodor joins guitar (2015). Current: Bowes, Bodor, Murdock, Alcorn, Vernon.

Discography

Studio albums

Alestorm has released eight studio albums, all issued by Napalm Records.
TitleRelease dateLabel
Captain Morgan's RevengeJanuary 25, 2008Napalm Records
Black Sails at MidnightMay 27, 2009Napalm Records
Back Through TimeJune 2, 2011Napalm Records
Sunset on the Golden AgeApril 1, 2014Napalm Records
No Grave But the SeaMay 26, 2017Napalm Records
Curse of the Crystal CoconutMay 29, 2020Napalm Records
Seventh Rum of a Seventh RumJune 24, 2022Napalm Records
The Thunderfist ChroniclesJune 20, 2025Napalm Records

Extended plays and live releases

Alestorm has released four extended plays, beginning with their early output under the label and continuing into the 2020s with standalone digital and physical releases focused on thematic expansions of their style. The band's debut EP, , was issued on October 30, 2008, featuring four tracks including the title song and "Wolves of the Sea," recorded at Studio in , . Produced by the band alongside studio engineers, it served as a bridge between their initial and subsequent full-length efforts, emphasizing folk-infused heavy metal with nautical motifs. In the 2020s, Alestorm issued The Treasure Chest EP in 2023, compiling re-recorded or bonus material tied to their anniversary celebrations, followed by Voyage of the Dead Marauder on September 20, 2024, a three-track EP exploring zombie-pirate themes with contributions from guest musicians. These later EPs were released digitally via and , maintaining the band's signature humorous, shanty-driven sound while experimenting with extended storytelling formats.
Extended PlayRelease DateLabelTracks
LeviathanOctober 30, 20084
The Treasure Chest EP2023 / Self-releasedVaries (compilation)
Voyage of the Dead MarauderSeptember 20, 20243
Alestorm's live releases consist of two full-length albums capturing their high-energy performances at key venues. Live at the End of the World, released on November 18, 2013, documents a show with tracks spanning their early catalog, such as "The Quest" and "Shipwrecked," emphasizing crowd interaction and orchestration. Their second live album, Live in Tilburg, emerged on May 28, 2021, recorded during a 2019 performance at the 013 venue in the ; it includes staples like "Keelhauled" and "Fucked with an Anchor," available in audio, DVD, and bundle formats to showcase the band's evolving stage production with and thematic props. These releases highlight Alestorm's reputation for raucous, audience-participatory concerts, with production handled in-house to preserve raw energy over polished studio aesthetics.
Live AlbumRelease DateRecordedFormat Options
Live at the End of the WorldNovember 18, 20132013 tourDigital / CD
Live in May 28, 20212019 at 013, CD / DVD / Vinyl

Tours and live performances

Headlining tours

Alestorm has conducted multiple headlining tours across and , often in support of new album releases, featuring support acts from the power and scenes. These tours emphasize the band's high-energy live , incorporating theatrical elements like pirate costumes and interactive crowd engagement. The Super Smashed Turbo Tour in fall 2016 marked a significant North American headlining run, starting October 2 in , and spanning approximately 30 dates through late November, with and as supporting acts. The tour promoted tracks from prior releases while building anticipation for their upcoming album, drawing crowds to venues with sets focused on pirate-themed anthems and humor-infused stage banter. Following the May 2017 release of No Grave But the Sea, Alestorm launched an extensive headlining campaign, including a European leg announced for October 2017 covering , , , , , and the . This tour aggregated over 180 performances worldwide through 2019, showcasing album staples like the title track alongside fan favorites. In September 2018, Alestorm returned to for another headlining outing, joined by , reinforcing their status in the continent's metal circuit with sold-out shows emphasizing their signature blend of folk and . Subsequent tours, such as the 2024 North American leg, continued this pattern, maintaining consistent venue attendance and setlist variety drawn from their .

Festival appearances and collaborations

Alestorm has established a strong presence at major European heavy metal festivals, leveraging their theatrical pirate-themed performances to engage large audiences. The band debuted at in 2008, marking an early milestone in their career following the from Battleheart. They returned to the festival in 2013 on the Party Stage, delivering a full set that emphasized their party metal ethos with songs from . Further appearances occurred in 2018 and 2023, featuring staples like "Keelhauled", "Alestorm", and "Hangover", with the 2023 set capturing their continued popularity among metal festival-goers. At in the , Alestorm performed in 2008 and made a notable return in 2018 on the Stage after a decade's absence. The 2018 set included tracks such as "Mexico", "The Sunk'n Norwegian", and "Nancy the Tavern Wench", highlighting their enduring appeal in the UK metal scene. Additional festival highlights encompass in , Tuska Open Air in in June 2024, and multiple Paganfest iterations across Europe. These appearances have solidified Alestorm's reputation for high-energy live shows at events like Alcatraz Metal Festival and Nummirock, often closing out stages with crowd-participation anthems. In terms of collaborations, Alestorm has incorporated guest artists into select recordings, such as featuring performer on the 2024 EP track "Voyage of the Dead Marauder", blending folk elements with their sound. Live festival sets have occasionally overlapped with similar acts on multi-band bills, though dedicated joint performances remain rare, with the band's focus primarily on standalone headline or support slots.

Reception and impact

Critical assessments

Alestorm's music has received polarized evaluations from metal critics, often divided between those who commend its unpretentious entertainment value and those who decry its reliance on novelty and repetition. Reviewers praising the band highlight the infectious catchiness of tracks like "" and "Rage of the Pentahook" on No Grave but the Sea (2017), describing the album as a "near-perfect" fusion of folk and elements with joyful sequencing and enhanced production that elevates the pirate-themed anthems beyond mere gimmickry. Similarly, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum (2022) has been lauded for its epic intros, diverse cultural choruses (such as Hungarian in "Magyarország"), and uplifting energy in songs like "The Battle of ," positioning Alestorm as masters of fun, riff-driven despite occasional formulaic similarities. has noted the band's enduring appeal through thrash-infused power metal and folk melodies, as on Captain Morgan's Revenge (2008), where the unabashed revelry sustains listener engagement across multiple releases. Critics skeptical of Alestorm's approach frequently criticize the band's persistence with juvenile humor and limited songwriting evolution, viewing the pirate motif as a crutch that yields after successive albums. A Louder of Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum dismissed it as "grimly lazy" with "witless" hornpipes like "Wooden Leg (Part III)" and "P.A.R.T.Y.," arguing the content lacks originality and borders on . The Toilet Ov Hell characterized Curse of the Crystal Coconut (2020) as stale "frat boy" fare, with tracks like "Tortuga" blending irritating rap-metal clichés and outdated gags into an unwelcome devoid of genuine amusement, rating it 0/5 after extensive exposure to the genre. has observed that while Alestorm's lyrical focus on and debauchery theoretically lacks longevity, the formula's variations remain few, as evidenced by the band's lineup changes outpacing musical innovation on No Grave but the Sea. Despite these divides, assessments often converge on Alestorm's competence as a live act and its niche success in power and circles, where the thematic consistency—rooted in sea shanties, keyboard-heavy orchestration, and Christopher Bowes' raspy vocals—delivers reliable party metal without pretensions of profundity. Louder's coverage of acknowledged moments skirting poor taste but affirmed the band's ability to maintain momentum through Bowes' leadership, rating it 3.5/5 for its unapologetic silliness. Metal Injection praised the same album as one of Alestorm's strongest, citing "pirate riffs" and surprises that reinforce their status as anthem providers rather than innovators. This duality reflects broader metal press tendencies to value Alestorm's escapist appeal over artistic depth, with higher marks from genre enthusiasts (e.g., 4.5/5 from Angry Metal Guy) contrasting harsher scores from outlets favoring seriousness (e.g., 0.5/5 from Louder).

Commercial performance and fanbase

Alestorm's albums have consistently charted within the heavy metal genre, reflecting steady commercial traction on independent label . Their 2017 release No Grave But the Sea debuted at number one on the US Heatseekers Albums chart, number 34 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 14 on the German Albums Chart, marking their strongest performance to date. Subsequent efforts like Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum (2022) have sustained this momentum through combined sales and streaming certifications, though exact unit sales figures are not publicly detailed by the label. The band's repeated re-signings with , including in 2016 and 2022, affirm ongoing profitability in a . Streaming metrics highlight Alestorm's digital footprint, with over 727,000 monthly listeners on and aggregate streams exceeding 898 million across platforms. Standout tracks such as "" have surpassed 63 million streams, while "Keelhauled" has reached 46 million, driven by viral appeal in metal and folk circles. On , their official channel has accumulated nearly 70 million views, bolstered by music videos and live footage that resonate with online audiences. The fanbase centers on enthusiasts of pirate-themed heavy metal, characterized by high engagement at live events where Alestorm routinely sells out venues holding over 2,000 patrons. This loyalty has fueled international growth, evidenced by top-10 chart entries across multiple territories and sustained festival demand, though detailed demographics—likely skewed toward males in and —are not systematically tracked in public data. Online communities and social metrics, including 444,000 followers and 718,000 on , indicate organic expansion without reliance on mainstream crossover.

Controversies

Allegations of misconduct and public backlash

In August 2021, screenshots from a private group chat dated August 2017, involving frontman Christopher Bowes and members of the band , were leaked online, revealing exchanges containing racist slurs directed at non-white individuals and misogynistic comments about female fans, including discussions of sexual encounters and derogatory stereotypes. The authenticity of the chats was confirmed by Bowes and in subsequent statements. Bowes issued a public apology on September 3, 2021, describing the remarks as "stupid, offensive, and immature" behavior from his early 20s, attributing it to excessive alcohol consumption and a lack of , while asserting personal growth and changes in his conduct since then. separately condemned and , stating the chat did not reflect their values and that offending members had been addressed internally. The leak prompted backlash within the metal community, including calls for boycotts of Alestorm and from some fans and musicians; for instance, the band publicly denounced Bowes as a "sexist and racist asshole" and urged avoidance of his projects. Reports emerged of Alestorm fans being banned from the band's for criticizing the incident. In June 2022, Alestorm faced additional criticism after responding to a Palestinian activist's urging cancellation of their scheduled performance, citing solidarity with Gaza amid the Israel-Palestine conflict; the band's reply, "We are big fans of metal. Come and drink rum with us in ," was accused of trivializing the request and ignoring geopolitical sensitivities. The show proceeded as planned, with no reported cancellations or further official response from the band.

Responses to political pressures

In response to the 2021 leak of a private 2017 group chat containing misogynistic and racist remarks by members including Alestorm frontman Christopher Bowes, Bowes issued a public apology on September 3, 2021, acknowledging the comments as "inexcusable" and pledging personal growth without excusing the behavior. Despite calls from some fans and online commentators for boycotts or cancellations—framed by critics as accountability and by defenders as overreach akin to —Alestorm and retained their record deals with and proceeded with scheduled tours and releases, including Alestorm's 2022 album Voyage of the Dead Marauder. No alterations to band membership or lyrical content ensued, with the incident largely fading from mainstream metal discourse by mid-2022 as performances continued unabated. Facing activist pressure in June 2022 to cancel a scheduled performance in , , amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Alestorm replied dismissively to a Palestinian fan's plea—citing occupation-related travel barriers—stating in essence that the individual should "come and drink rum" rather than politicize the event. The band proceeded with the show on June 12, 2022, as planned, rejecting boycott demands aligned with broader Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaigns and maintaining their apolitical stance on international gigs. This response drew criticism from pro-Palestinian advocates but garnered support from fans valuing the band's focus on entertainment over geopolitical engagement, with no subsequent tour disruptions reported. Throughout these episodes, Alestorm has consistently prioritized their thematic consistency—centered on humorous pirate motifs and party-oriented metal—over concessions to external ideological demands, as evidenced by uninterrupted album cycles and festival bookings post-incidents. Bowes has not issued further public statements on political matters, reinforcing the band's detachment from activist currents in heavy metal subcultures.

References

  1. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Alestorm/116989
  2. https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/alestorm
  3. https://www.marathonmusicworks.com/tm-attraction/alestorm/
  4. https://napalmrecords.com/english/alestorm
  5. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/alestorm-1bd7b980.html
  6. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Battleheart/64128
  7. https://blabbermouth.net/news/alestorm-first-ever-demo-recording-early-video-footage-unearthed
  8. https://www.metal-rules.com/2025/03/30/under-jolly-roger-a-very-brief-and-incomplete-history-of-pirate-metal/
  9. https://archive.org/details/Battleheart-Battleheart-2006
  10. https://www.allmusic.com/album/captain-morgans-revenge-mw0000582439
  11. https://www.discogs.com/master/138678-Alestorm-Captain-Morgans-Revenge
  12. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Alestorm/Black_Sails_at_Midnight/425250
  13. http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/interviews/interview_alestorm.htm
  14. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Alestorm/Back_Through_Time/302666
  15. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/alestorm
  16. https://metalinsider.net/interviews/interview-alestorms-christopher-bowes-on-the-greatest-song-of-all-time
  17. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Alestorm/Sunset_on_the_Golden_Age/408143
  18. https://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Alestorm/Sunset_on_the_Golden_Age/408143/
  19. https://blabbermouth.net/news/alestorm-to-release-sunset-on-the-golden-age-in-august
  20. http://whoissamlewis.blogspot.com/2014/08/alestorms-sunset-on-golden-age-album.html
  21. https://skullfracturingmetal.blogspot.com/2014/07/alestorm-sunset-on-golden-age.html
  22. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/alestorm-mate-bodor-touring
  23. https://loudwire.com/alestorm-new-album-no-grave-but-the-sea/
  24. https://deadrhetoric.com/reviews/alestorm-no-grave-but-the-sea-napalm/
  25. https://alestorm.bandcamp.com/album/curse-of-the-crystal-coconut
  26. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Alestorm/Curse_of_the_Crystal_Coconut/830308
  27. https://napalmrecords.com/english/alesstorm-seventh-rum-of-a-seventh-rum-cd.html
  28. https://label.napalmrecords.com/alestorm
  29. https://blabbermouth.net/news/alestorm-announces-new-album-the-thunderfist-chronicles
  30. https://www.alestorm.net/
  31. https://www.loudersound.com/features/how-alestorm-quietly-became-one-of-the-biggest-metal-bands-in-the-uk
  32. https://www.teethofthedivine.com/featured/interview-with-alestorm/
  33. https://deadrhetoric.com/features/alestorm-the-art-of-fun/
  34. https://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Alestorm/Captain_Morgan%27s_Revenge/183835/
  35. https://www.inlander.com/music/q-a-scotlands-alestorm-sails-the-sonic-seas-as-the-premier-pirate-metal-band/article_0501fb23-f72a-510a-b725-29738287dc86.html
  36. https://www.loudersound.com/features/alestorms-captain-morgans-revenge-the-story-behind-the-song
  37. https://www.metalobsession.net/2014/08/22/its-complete-nonsense-but-good-nonsense-an-interview-with-christopher-bowes/
  38. https://www.teethofthedivine.com/reviews/alestorm-back-through-time/
  39. https://metalstorm.net/bands/band.php?band_id=2786
  40. https://www.bnrmetal.com/v5/band/band/Ales
  41. https://www.last.fm/music/Alestorm/%2Bwiki
  42. https://www.metaltalk.net/2015160.php
  43. https://blabbermouth.net/news/alestorm-parts-ways-with-drummer
  44. https://www.metalcentre.com/2010/03/alestorm-drummer-leaves-the-band-7573/
  45. https://blabbermouth.net/news/alestorm-guitarist-quits
  46. https://irishmetalarchive.com/interview-alestorms-gareth-murdock/
  47. https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/interviews/interview-elliot-vernon-alestorm/
  48. http://themetalist.net/alestorm-enlist-new-guitarist/
  49. https://www.ibanez.com/eu/artists/detail/1271.html
  50. https://www.napalmrecords.com/alestorm
  51. https://alestorm.bandcamp.com/album/captain-morgans-revenge
  52. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Alestorm/Black_Sails_at_Midnight/230469
  53. https://alestorm.bandcamp.com/album/black-sails-at-midnight
  54. https://alestorm.bandcamp.com/album/the-thunderfist-chronicles
  55. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1050916-Alestorm
  56. https://alestorm.bandcamp.com/album/leviathan
  57. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Alestorm/Leviathan/213823
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/1796806-Alestorm-Leviathan
  59. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/3103-alestorm/
  60. https://alestorm.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-the-end-of-the-world
  61. https://www.discogs.com/master/632753-Alestorm-Live-At-The-End-Of-The-World
  62. https://www.amazon.com/Live-Tilburg-2LP-DVD/dp/B08XH2JLPQ
  63. https://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=124524
  64. https://www.piercingmetal.com/alestorm-announce-super-smashed-turbo-tour-for-fall-2016/
  65. https://empireextreme.com/alestorm-interview-w-elliot-vernon-mate-bodor/
  66. https://www.facebook.com/alestormband/posts/alestorm-announce-european-touroh-wow-hot-on-the-heels-of-our-multi-platinum-awa/10155435486538054/
  67. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/alestorm/events/tour/no-grave-but-the-sea
  68. http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=139725
  69. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/alestorm_set_sail_for_2024_north_american_tour
  70. https://www.songkick.com/artists/1056026-alestorm
  71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS-CtzmQHtc
  72. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/alestorm/2018/hauptstrasse-wacken-germany-1beb69cc.html
  73. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/alestorm/2023/hauptstrasse-wacken-germany-2ba414ce.html
  74. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/alestorm/2018/catton-hall-and-gardens-walton-on-trent-england-33e8b0bd.html
  75. https://concertful.com/tour/alestorm/past
  76. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/alestorm-1bd7b980.html
  77. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT7HqIP55tI
  78. https://www.angrymetalguy.com/alestorm-no-grave-but-the-sea-review/
  79. https://antichristmagazine.com/review-alestorm-seventh-rum-of-a-seventh-rum-napalm-records/
  80. https://blabbermouth.net/reviews/captain-morgan-s-revenge
  81. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/alestorms-seventh-rum-of-a-seventh-rum-all-the-joyless-enthusiasm-of-a-dog-licking-its-balls
  82. https://toiletovhell.com/fuck-me-i-had-to-review-alestorm/
  83. https://blabbermouth.net/reviews/no-grave-but-the-sea
  84. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/alestorm-curse-of-the-crystal-coconut-album-review
  85. https://metalinjection.net/reviews/album-review-alestorm-curse-of-the-crystal-coconut
  86. https://www.therockpit.net/2020/napalm-records-news-alestorm-hammerfall-black-mirrors/
  87. https://bravewords.com/news/alestorm-re-signs-with-napalm-records-in-rum/
  88. https://lambgoat.com/news/35477/alestorm-recording-new-album-re-sign-with-napalm-records/
  89. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OpqU68JpZlzvjAJj3B2Da
  90. https://songstats.com/artist/j190db7e/alestorm
  91. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/3OpqU68JpZlzvjAJj3B2Da_songs.html
  92. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCT9amsV69EwvjpTDLVqyewg
  93. https://app.chartmetric.com/artist/245611
  94. https://loudwire.com/gloryhammer-chris-bowes-response-statements-racism-misogyny-leaked-chat/
  95. https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/09/03/gloryhammer-respond-to-leaked-racist-and-sexist-group-chat/
  96. https://www.facebook.com/gamabomb/posts/we-posted-about-this-on-insta-but-its-worth-repeating-chris-bowes-from-alestorm-/402650897943603/
  97. https://www.reddit.com/r/Gloryhammer/comments/puszeb/got_banned_from_the_alestorm_facebook_page/
  98. https://loudwire.com/alestorm-offensive-reply-palestinian-activist-cancel-tel-aviv-show/
  99. 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/
  100. https://www.reddit.com/r/PowerMetal/comments/ph60gj/statement_from_christopher_bowes_regarding_the/
  101. https://loudwire.com/chris-bowes-bandmante-urges-statement-gloryhammer-leaked-chat-misogyny-racism/
  102. https://www.forbes.com/sites/quentinsinger/2020/05/12/alestorms-chris-bowes-isnt-keen-on-pandering-to-metal-or-pirate-enthusiasts/
  103. https://promethean.substack.com/p/misoginy-and-racism-the-gloryhammer-alestorm-drama
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.