ALESTORM - Back Through Time CD Review

ARTIST: Alestorm
TITLE: Back Through Time
YEAR: 2011
LABEL: Napalm Records
REVIEWED BY: Caroline Restiaux

If there really was a band to sail the seven seas and make music out of it, it would be Alestorm. The band is well known for its "True Scottish Pirate Metal" sound which is a killer combination of power and folk metal. 'Back Through Time' is their 3rd album that coincidentally comes to us within a month of the new Pirates of the Caribbean release at the box office.

There is nothing new here when it comes to the music. There's double bass drums, riffage galore, accordions on keyboard, violins and lots of fun. The opening/title track sets the pace for the rest of the songs and brings the thunder and storms throughout. You'll find that their anthems are still catchy as hell. Some Cd's tend to die out a bit towards the end but not here! The second last song 'Barrett's Privateers' is a cover of the late Canadian folk musician Stan Rogers. The last song is the longest one on the album which runs at just under 8 minutes. And, how awesome is it that they have a tune on the album appropriately titled 'Rum'.

One thing that has always stood out for me when I think of Alestorm (aside from their music of course) is their amazing cover art. The attention to detail is flawless and the artist is able to truly catch the essence of the bands work.

Some of their crazy antics may not be metal for some but you just can't not listen to the band when you are with a bunch of friends. They lift you into good spirits no matter how low you may feel. This CD is most recommended for those who like Running Wild, Korpiklaani and Turisas. Now go grab your drinks and sing along, if not you'll be asked to walk the plank!

TRACKLISTING:

01. Back Through Time
02. Shipwrecked
03. The Sunk'n Norwegian
04. Midget Saw
05. Buckfast Powersmash
06. Scrapping The Barrel
07. Rum
08. Swashbuckled
09. Rumpelkombo
10. Barrett's Privateers
11. Death Throes Of The Terrorsquid