The Flashcards: Alestorm - Black Sails at Midnight (2009)

70+/100

Genre: Folk/power metal

In the same year as Unleash the Archers, Alestorm once again raised the Jolly Roger and set out on their second voyage. With Christopher Bowes at the helm as captain, bringing along his keyboards to supply folk elements like traditional Scottish bagpipes alongside his slightly raspy vocals, the band successfully ushered the term "pirate metal" into the modern era.

Even though I’ve already cherry-picked a few songs, "Keelhauled" remains the undisputed winner that never fails to get you dancing along, followed by the crowd-singing closer, "Wolves of the Sea." The others ultimately left less of an impression—such as "Leviathan" and the title track—though there is a fresh touch courtesy of the blast beats on "Chronicles of Vengeance."

Consequently, it looks like it’s time for an update to the favorite playlist.

Tracklist:

1. The Quest

2. Leviathan

3. That Famous Ol' Spiced

4. Keelhauled

5. To the End of Our Days

6. Black Sails at Midnight

7. No Quarter

8. Pirate Song

9. Chronicles of Vengeance

10. Wolves of the Sea (Pirates of the Sea cover)

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