Ahoy there Scumbags and Wenches, I be presenting thee the sunken treasure that is the Essential Guide to Pirate Metal. Worry not, I shall reluctantly be using contemporary English to write this guide. Taking a Russian-doll approach to metal classification (a sub-genre within a sub-genre), Pirate Metal is a sub-segment within the folk metal world.
Where It All Began
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 occurred on their third album Under Jolly Roger when, and you don’t need a high IQ to figure out this one, they took on the aforementioned pirate theme.
Taking the power/speed metal underpinning, with a heavy helping of melody, this album set forth the future for pirate themed heavy metal. However, the genre has evolved from beyond the power metal beginnings and modern pirate metal bands incorporate a much heavier folk influence.
Pirate Metal Essential Features
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 drunken pirates sat around a table, mead in hand and scurvy in their blood. An accordion immediately springs to mind. Maybe a violin – or at least an ‘old world’ version of such, a fiddle perhaps. You simply wouldn’t get the authentic experience without this.
Now the post 18th century wizardry known as MIDI allows us to simulate digitally the sound of instruments. So plenty of bands will instead use keyboards or keytars to get the necessary sound. Some however like to keep it old school. And props to them be giveth.
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 Arrr to get any respec’.
Our treasures buried deep and hidden away. Stowed underground for another day. Rum on every island, our best idea yet. No matter where we sail, the party is set.
Classic pirate metal lyrics courtesy of Lagerstein‘s Dig, Bury, Drink
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 swashbuckling adventures we know from Treasure Island and Pirates of the Caribbean.
We have great tales of famous pirates of old. Plundering and pillaging their way through the seven seas. Doing nothing but drinking, fighting and singing. The way the world is going these days maybe we will be back to these times sooner than we think!
Essential Pirate Metal Bands
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.
Alestorm
The biggest pirate metal band today. Very much bucking the trend of pirate metal bands dwelling in the undergrowth of the metal world. Alestorm have bulldozed their way to the forefront in the kingdom of metal. Headline tours and main stages at festivals. The genius of Chris Bowes knows no limits. Giant ducks at the ready!
Rumahoy
Your unfriendly neighbourhood balaclava wearing sea folk. Captain Yarrface and his mighty crew sail in from the distant land of Argentina. Whereas other bands may be happy to sit down for a jolly old drink and party, Rumahoy will happily smash your face in and take your plunder. Welcome to the sea!
Swashbuckle
New Jersey seafarers Swashbuckle have not released a new album in quite a while. But they have certainly left a mark in the pirate metal world. Admiral Nobeard and his gang have toured with plenty of the biggest names in pirate metal, and folk metal in general.
Lagerstein
Pirate music piracy from the land down under. Captain Gregarrr and the Lagerstein crew bring their enthusiastic brand of heavy metal and beer bongs wherever they go. From a small venue in Birmingham in the UK came one of my favourite ever gigs seeing these crazy Aussie fellows. Energy, passion and a whole heap of rum!
Storm Seeker
How did I miss the hurdy-gurdy when talking pirate metal instruments earlier? Only the greatest instrument ever made no less. Storm Seeker even incorporate a nyckelharpa for Blackbeard‘s sake. Unless you are from Sweden you probably just pulled the same dafuq face I did. Google it.
The Dread Crew of Oddwood
Take the brand of pirate metal as previously described. Then remove electricity like ye days of olde and you get The Dread Crew of Oddwood. Mostly acoustic based but with a heavy metal influence. Who says pirate metal can’t go old school!
So are you deep down the pirate metal rabbit hole now? You better be, or Davy Jones will take your soul….
For a review of metal in 2020 see the best metal albums and best metal songs.
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