Alestorm

Alestorm are a power/folk metal band from Perth, Scotland, formed under the name Battleheart in 2004. Their music is characterised by a pirate theme, for which reason they describe their style as "True Scottish Pirate Metal". After releasing two EPs, they were signed by Napalm Records in 2007 and renamed themselves to Alestorm. Their debut album was released on January 25, 2008 Originally starting out as a two piece band Gavin Harper and Christopher Bowes, Battleheart recorded an independent EP in Gavin's home studio in early 2006. The band was soon rounded out after some early rotation by bassist Dani Evans and drummer Doug Swierczek. Battleheart played their first live show only five days after the members had all met together for the first time. A second EP was recorded the same year, with Evans now featuring in the recording line-up (the drums were again programmed). Later in the year, the song "Set Sail And Conquer" from the EP was featured on Metal Hammer's "Battle Metal V" cd with other such bands as Týr, Firewind, Hammerfall and Blind Guardian. In early 2007, drummer Doug Swierczek departed from the band and was replaced by the band's friend Ian Wilson of the band Catharist. Later in the year the band changed their name to Alestorm and were signed by Napalm Records. A debut album, "Captain Morgan's Revenge" was released in early 2008. The song "Captain Morgan's Revenge" was also featured on "Metal Hammer's Battle Metal VI". Ian Wilson left Alestorm following the release of the debut album due to scheduling conflicts. He was replaced by Alex Tabisz, but by August that year had rejoined the band. The following month founding member Gavin Harper departed after relocating to Finland. After a brief period of touring with Tim Shaw as his replacement, Dani Evans switched instruments from bass to guitar. In April 2008 the single Heavy Metal Pirates was released as a digital download. Ian Wilson left Alestorm in June of that year as he was unable to commit fully to the band, and he was temporarily replaced by German Alex Tabisz. However, Wilson rejoined the band in late August, in time for a show at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow on August 29. In September 2008, Bowes announced on Bloodstock's official forums that guitarist Gavin Harper had left the band due to "[Harper] no longer having the enthusiasm for Alestorm that he once had". Additionally, Gavin posted on Alestorm's Myspace referring to his departure. Tim Shaw was announced as Harper's replacement, but after a brief period of touring left the band. Dani Evans has since switched instruments from bass to guitar, and Gareth Murdock of Waylander has joined as the replacement bassist. In late February 2009, after a second European support tour, the band embarked on the Pagan Knight's tour across North America with Týr and Suidakra. From April to May 2009, Alestorm, Týr, Heidevolk, and Adorned Brood took part in another European tour, titled "Black Sails Over Europe". A tour CD was released by Napalm Records, containing new tracks from both Alestorm and Týr's new albums, along with four songs taken from both of Heidevolk's albums. Only 1,000 of these CDs were produced. A second album, Black Sails at Midnight, was released in May 27, 2009. As with their first album, all the drums tracks were recorded by session drummer Migo Wagner but touring drummer Ian Wilson added some additional percussion. The special edition of the album came with a live dvd of the band's performance at the 2008 Wacken Festival. A music video was shot for the song "Keelhauled". Alestorm are set to play two additional tours this year; Paganfest in Europe and Heathenfest in the United States. Paganfest runs till early October and Heathenfest ends in late November.