Saturday, August 9, 2014

Alestorm - Sunset On The Golden Age (2014)

During the start of the 21st century, the movie series Pirates of The Caribbean brought the pirate trend up and going. And around the same time, two metal bands merged into one called Battleheart, a band that based it music around the pirate culture. Coincidence? Probably, but I could not care less about it. Anyway, Battleheart later changed name to Alestorm and released its debut album, "Captain Morgan's Revenge" in 2008, and so, an exciting foray began with bringing the finest of metal music as the goal.

"Sunset On The Golden Age" is album number 4 by the band and just as always, it is filled with heavy music about pirates and pirate related stuff. In this album, we learn how to walk the plank, the difficulties that comes with having one (and two) wooden leg and how to hunt for both ships and mead. So if you have listened to at least one of the 3 earlier Alestorm albums, then you probably know what to expect from "Sunset On The Golden Age".

But even if this album is much alike its predecessors, it is still a lot of fun to listen to this album. The track "Drink" is a perfect song for a party before going out to the town to ravage and songs like "Wooden Leg!" and "Mead From Hell" will give you a good chuckle. However, the most impressing thing with "Sunset On The Golden Age" is that Alestorm is trying to evolve themselves in the song writing with writing more serious songs. Both "Magnetic North" and "1741 (The Battle of Cartagena)" are more mature songs that builds up a story. Two songs that really spices up the album in a positive way.

The title track is also interesting, since it is the longest song the band has ever released. With a length of 11 minutes and 26 seconds, "Sunset On The Golden Age" closes the album in a epic fashion. I am a sucker for long songs when they are well made, and unfortunately, this song is not. There is nothing really wrong with the song, it just feels like the band could have made it shorter and there by more efficient. Like the ending is totally unnecessary and could have been shortened without any problem. Good first try though on making a 10+ minute song.

Alestorm has also been known for doing interesting covers, like "Wolves of The Sea" and "In The Navy". This time, they take on a recent dance club hit made by Taio Cruz called "Hangover". I understand why they chose to cover this song, but I think it is a little too similar to the original. But still, it works and fits the band pretty nicely.

In the end, it is no denying that Alestorm has once again looted their way towards success. "Sunset On The Golden Age" is both the most diverse and even album in the band's career, which ultimately makes it their best album so far. My concern is still how far the band can go with the pirate theme without constantly repeating themselves, but since they haven't done that just yet, I will just mind my own business for now. So open up the rum and enjoy this musical booty that is called "Sunset On The Golden Age".

Songs worthy of recognition: Mead From Hell, 1741 (The Battle of Cartagena), Wooden Leg!

Rating: 8/10 Hangovers

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