Some bands take themselves rather lightly. Some bands take themselves very seriously. Then there are others who make fun music, with serious effort but still take themselves lightly. In the spring of 2009, I was still emerging from the new-found love I had for folk metal, when I stumbled upon Pirate Metal. Quickly enough, Alestorm was as authentic as it could get. So I wore my eye-patch, gathered me mateys and embarked on an adventure over the seas.
Its been quite many years since then, and when I learned that Alestorm was coming into town, this was an opportunity I did not want to miss. It was October 27th and the venue was slightly less familiar and ever so intimate. Located in middle of a pond, the Gas Monkey Bar & Grill was a perfect location for a night of metal and pirates on the amazing Super Smashed Turbo Tour 2016.
The evening began with Fenris, who brought their brand of folk-metal and captured the essence of what the night was going to be. I was not familiar with their songs so I could not get familiar with their set, they put on a good show and I was content. Next up, came Aether Realm, which was a very interesting blend between folk metal and black metal. They had strong songs, very promising stage presence and good light-hearted banter. They also had a cameo from Alestorm’s singer Christopher Bowes, dressed up as a pizza.
The next band to come on stage was, quite unique. Necrogoblikon is this tasty, weird (in all the right ways) mishmash of black-metal, punk, disco and comedic metal that is ridiculously good and reminds me a whole lot of Trollfest. The whole band is very tight in performance and the guitarist Alex Alereza shreds like a monster. You know what, scratch that – the whole band is so good, it’s not even funny. They have a band mascot named Jhon Goblikon who dresses like a Goblin and pounces around and gets everyone pumped up. I instantly fell in love with their song “We Need a Gimmick”. You readers out there, need to check this band out!
A few minutes passed, and there I was, staring at a giant rubber duck, literally. They played Queen on the PA and everyone wrapped their arms around one-another and sang those songs. The lights darkened and Alestrom took the stage. They opened their set with the amazing “Keelhauled” and everyone entered into a frenzy. Follow that was another classic called “Over The Seas”. Their songs have a very narrative quality, and with Christopher Bowes’ emotive singing, you’re instantly transformed on a ship. I went into a dance on “Shipwrecked” and found myself singing to/with the crowd on “Nancy The Tavern Wench” .Everything erupted when they played “Hangover” which, in my humble opinion, a better version than the original. Taio Cruz , take notes man.
They closed the set with “Rum” and I had known that the night ended on a ridiculously high note. I like catchy melodies, and themed gimmicky musical acts, so this was right up my alleyway. Having said that, I know how much effort the band puts in its music, image, persona, lyrical content, concept and stage show. They execute their craft exquisitely well and still have a light-hearted stage show, creating a mood of fun and merry. Need I say more? Avast, ye landlubbers, it’s time to embark on the voyage!