Alestorm: Epic pirate metal

Written by Robyn Morrison

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By Steven Jenkins

Ahoy there me hearty HEAVY readers. A storm is approaching our shores this November and you can expect epic pirate metal anthems, drunken antics and the greatest band to ever sail the seven seas. Alestorm are returning to Australia to still our women and drink our beer, but don’t worry because you’ll be entertained and singing for more.

Bassist for the truest Scottish pirate metal band around, Gareth Murdock spoke to us about how much they’re looking forward to returning to the country.

“I wish it was happening right now to be honest. We’re very excited, we have this special connection with Australia and its fans, we definitely can’t wait to be there once again and it’s going to be so much fun as always.”

“We’re mainly looking forward to playing songs from the new album to you all. It’s going to be pretty great to be able to play some new stuff in terms of having not played it yet to our Australian fans. Hopefully they really go off and the fans react to them and get excited because I know we’re excited to play them.”

In January of 2013, Alestorm filmed their first ever live DVD here ‘Live at The End of the World.’ Gareth explained what it was that made the band decide to choose Australia as the destination to film their live shenanigans.

“I think it was just because we’d been a band for 3 or 4 years at that stage and the first time we ever toured Australia it just blew our minds at how responsive the people were to us. You go to the other side of the world and you get an amazing response like we did. So when it came down to it and we asked ourselves where we wanted to film the live DVD, we thought maybe we should film it in Europe. But in the end we thought – Nah f*ck it we’ll go to Australia – and it actually worked out quite well.”

It’s clear to see that Alestorm love us. But are the fans here as enthusiastic and responsive towards this crazy brand of pirate themed metal? Whilst not appealing to everyone, there’s no denying it’s a fun experience.

“Yes absolutely, if not more so. I think that’s why our shows go down so well and everyone kind of just gets us. Everybody that comes to our shows gets our stupid humour and they also know where we’re at as a band. Every time we go there we feel at home straight away.”

Joining them for this run of shows will be none other than Lagerstein from Brisbane and Troldhaugen from Wollongong. This will no doubt be an alcohol-fueled party full of madness and mayhem and Gareth tells us what we can expect and how this trio eventuated into Piratefest.

“We’re completely familiar with both bands, we chose them ourselves for this tour. We’ve actually done a couple of tours in Europe with Lagerstein and a tour last year with Troldhaugen. We know the guys really well and we all get along great. We’ve re-named it Friendfest. It’s no longer Piratefest it’s now Friendfest.”

“I think even those who have seen us live before should expect something different this time anyway. It’s been nearly three years since the DVD and we haven’t played in Australia since. We’ve released a new album since then which is pretty cool; we also have a new guitarist. We’re happier as a band than we’ve ever been before, and to come back to Australia in that sense means people will see a more exciting live show from us.”

Whether they play to a small venue of rum guzzling swashbucklers or to a sea of people at an outdoor festival, Alestorm are humble and enthusiastic no matter how big the crowd is. Here in Australia, we welcome them with open arms with a beer in each hand.

“Sometimes you can play a smaller show and you know everyone in that room is there to see you, people are singing along and it’s a lot more intimate. But you also can’t beat the party atmosphere of a festival either. I quite like the shows in Australia because they’re somewhere between the two. They’re not small shows but they’re also not huge like an outdoor festival, so I think it’s like a perfect setting for us.”

Don’t miss out on these shows and be sure to pack an extra liver because Alestorm are coming to party and they’ll be setting sail very soon for what is sure to be something to remember… Or not, depending on how many beers you drink from a shoe.

“We want everyone to come down and enjoy the shows with us; we’ll have travelled half way around the world so that we can have a party with our fans. I think people will be surprised at how far we’ve come since our last shows and we want as many friends as possible to experience FRIENDFEST (Rest In Peace Piratefest, we hardly knew ye) with us.”

Tour Dates

20 November – Valhalla, Wellington 18+, w/ Fallen Order

21 November – Whammy Bar, Auckland 18+, w/Stormforge

24 November – Amplifier Bar, Perth 18+, w/Troldhaugen

26 November – Max Watts, Brisbane 18+, w/Troldhaugen

27 November – Fowler’s, Adelaide All Ages, w/Troldhaugen***

28 November – Manning Bar, Sydney 18+, w/Troldhaugen

29 November – 170 Russell, Melbourne 18+, w/Troldhaugen

***Lagerstein not performing

Tickets On Sale Now From

WELLINGTON – www.undertheradar.co.nz / Slow Boat Records / RPM

AUCKLAND – www.undertheradar.co.nz / Real Groovy

MELBOURNE – www.170russell.com