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The earliest example of pirate metal most likely appeared when Australian heavy metal band Black Jack released their 1979 and 1983 demos, and their later 1985 vinyl EP, 'Five Pieces O' Eight'. Their pirate themes, lyrics, stage shows and imagery were a precursor to later, more mainstream pirate metal. Black Jack's stage show featured costumes ...
- Where It All Began
- Pirate Metal Essential Features
- Essential Pirate Metal Bands
There are likely numerous cases of pirate themes used throughout the world of music, but the notable case of this hitting notoriety within the world of heavy metal was back in 1987. German band Running Wild had already released their first 2 albums Gates to Purgatory and Branded and Exiled which heavily focussing on satanic themes. However a change...
Instruments
You generally have the classic metal band essentials – a vocalist, guitarist(s), bass and drums. Plenty of palm muted chugging and headbanging rhythms associated with heavy metal. Mostly more in common with modern drop tuned riffing than traditional heavy metal styles. But how do you get the sea shanty’s a-brewing you ask? Well, you need the sound of ye old instruments of a bygone age. Before the witches of the nether realms gave us the forbidden gift of electricity. Picture a gang of filthy...
Required Apparel
Plenty of metal (and rock) bands these days all look exactly the same. It can be hard often to tell them apart. It is impossible to ignore this in the world of pirate metal. Very much part of the aesthetic, it can be as subtle or lurid as you care to imagine. The aforementioned Jolly Roger hanging from the stage. Waistcoats and canvas shirts. A feather in your cap. Basically your typical sailor look but with a tear your face off edge.
Lyrical Content
There can be a subtle nuance to the apparel a band wears, but to truly be a pirate metal band you need to regale the glorious tales of old! Sailing the seven seas, pillaging for treasury, stealing all the rum, you get the idea. And you absolutely have to make liberal use of Arrrto get any respec’. You do however need a heavy imagination. Taking the ‘Hollywood’ approach to piracy. If you were to look into the real world of pirates of old, it’s rather boring. At least compared to the swashbuckl...
Pirate metal is still very much a small sub section of a sub section of heavy metal. As such there aren’t too many big bands therein. But the size of the band does not necessarily translate to quality. There are for certain some high quality bands within.
Sep 19, 2019 · Metal’s pirate fascination began with Running Wild’s 1987 album Under Jolly Roger. While the high seas have been their guiding light for three decades, Running Wild used these themes mostly as a way to differentiate themselves from every other speed metal band coming out of Germany.
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- Alestorm. The most popular of the pirate metal genre, Alestorm has achieved accolades and reached sales no other band on this list has. The Scottish group's fourth album Sunset on the Golden Age even reached No. 1 on the UK Rock Chart - a huge accomplishment for such a niche genre.
- Swashbuckle. By far the heaviest band on this list, Swashbuckle's pirate-themed thrash metal is equal parts fun as it is punishing. The New Jersey natives are signed to legendary Nuclear Blast Records and are known for their incredibly fun live performances.
- The Dread Crew Of Oddwood. The Dread Crew of Oddwood is an all-acoustic band who call their music "Heavy Mahogany." Probably the closest to what a pirate would actually listen to, the group garnered buzz after performing at various renaissance faires around the country.
- Lagerstein. Lagerstein live up to their name and take the partying lifestyle of a pirate to the extreme. With songs like "Raise Your Steins," "Drink the Rum," "Fountain of Rum," and an album titled All For Rum & Rum For All you get what this pirate/folk metal band is all about - binge drinking.
Oct 10, 2023 · – Explained! October 10, 2023 by Brooke Dean. Pirate metal is more than just a subgenre of heavy metal; it’s a theatrical experience that brings the tales of the high seas to life. This unique style is deeply rooted in pirate mythology, often evident in both the music and the live performances.
- Brooke Dean
Apr 6, 2023 · Short answer: Pirate metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates themes from maritime history and pirate folklore, often featuring elements such as sea shanties, accordion melodies, and lyrics about piracy. Bands in this genre include Alestorm, Swashbuckle, and Running Wild.
Sep 19, 2019 · The band began as a standard power metal band, but following the success of their song Heavy Metal Pirates they were convinced to permanently adopt a pirate theme as well as folk metal elements into their music. And a decade later, Alestorm are still here, ruling the seven seas and continuing their "epic quest to drink your beer, steal your rum."
