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Band Timeline
2004
Formation and Early Days as Battleheart
Alestorm was originally formed in 2004 in Perth, Scotland under the name Battleheart. Founded by Christopher Bowes and Gavin Harper as a studio project, they initially aimed to create a standard power metal band. The project's direction shifted dramatically after the song “Heavy Metal Pirates” gained popularity, leading them to embrace a pirate-themed folk metal sound. By 2006, they began performing live with additional members, developing their unique pirate metal style which later became their signature.
2007
Signing with Napalm Records and Name Change to Alestorm
Following the release of two well-received demos in 2006, Battleheart caught the attention of Napalm Records. In late 2007, they signed a record deal and changed their name to Alestorm to better reflect their new pirate theme. This marked a critical turning point in their career, allowing them to professionally record and release their debut album with proper label support and undergo lineup reconfigurations for live performances and recordings.
2008
Debut Album ‘Captain Morgan's Revenge’ and Early Touring
Alestorm released their debut album, Captain Morgan's Revenge, on January 25, 2008, featuring session drummer Migo Wagner. The album established their pirate metal identity and included the hit single "Heavy Metal Pirates." That year, they appeared at the UK’s Bloodstock Festival, increasing their exposure alongside major metal acts. The early part of their career was marked by multiple lineup changes, particularly in the drummer and guitarist positions, reflecting the band's evolving configuration during their initial rise.
2009
Second Album ‘Black Sails at Midnight’ and Growing Popularity
In May 2009, Alestorm released their second studio album, Black Sails at Midnight, which charted at #60 in Germany. The album solidified their presence in the metal community with its catchy melodies and pirate themes. After some touring activity and a drummer change, the band continued to build a loyal fanbase with their energetic live shows and distinct genre blend that mixed folk and power metal influences.
2011
Third Album ‘Back Through Time’ and World Tour
Back Through Time, Alestorm's third studio album, was released on June 3, 2011. The album marked the debut of drummer Peter Alcorn, who became a permanent member. The band launched a world tour beginning in Australia and New Zealand to promote the record. This album achieved higher commercial success, reaching #42 on the German Albums Chart. Keyboardist Elliot Vernon joined later that year, adding keyboards and harsh vocals for a richer, more dynamic sound.
2014
Fourth Album ‘Sunset on the Golden Age’ and Key Lineup Update
Alestorm released Sunset on the Golden Age on August 1, 2014. This album was notable as the first featuring keyboardist Elliot Vernon as a permanent member and the final record with guitarist Dani Evans. It demonstrated the band’s matured songwriting and production quality, continuing to blend festive pirate themes with folk and power metal flair. The album received positive reception and charted well in rock music circles.
2017
Fifth Album ‘No Grave But the Sea’ and New Guitarist
Their fifth album, No Grave But the Sea, was released on May 26, 2017, introducing guitarist Máté Bodor following Dani Evans’ departure in 2015. This album maintained the band's signature style while showing slight musical evolution and expanded instrumentation. The record continued to bolster Alestorm's reputation as the leading pirate metal band, with energetic compositions and spirited lyrical content celebrating pirate lore.
2020
Sixth Album ‘Curse of the Crystal Coconut’ and Pandemic Challenges
Released on May 29, 2020, Curse of the Crystal Coconut was recorded in Thailand and continued the pirate metal tradition while incorporating elements of power metal, folk metal, and hard rock. The album’s singles featured catchy choruses and experimental styles, including rap-metal fusion in "Tortuga." Despite promotion, the band faced major setbacks as their summer tour dates were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the album was well received, and the band engaged fans with inventive music videos and a deluxe edition release.
2022
Seventh Album ‘Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum’ and Continued Success
On June 24, 2022, Alestorm released their seventh studio album, Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum. The title references Iron Maiden's classic album, signaling the band’s ties to traditional heavy metal influences blended with their pirate theme. Produced by longtime collaborator Lasse Lammert, the album incorporated guest musicians and combined pirate metal with symphonic and folk elements. The album spawned multiple singles and received mixed to positive reviews for its blend of humor, musical skill, and genre experimentation.
2025
Eighth Album ‘The Thunderfist Chronicles’ Announced
Alestorm announced the release of their eighth studio album, The Thunderfist Chronicles, scheduled for June 20, 2025. This upcoming record is highly anticipated by fans and aims to continue the band’s legacy of combining pirate-themed storytelling with diverse metal influences. As leaders in the pirate metal subgenre, Alestorm’s ongoing work demonstrates their commitment to their unique identity and creative evolution over more than two decades.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Christopher Bowes
2007
Keyboard
Lead vocals
Gareth Murdock
2008
Bass guitar
Elliot Vernon
2011
Keyboard
Peter Alcorn
2010
Membranophone
Máté Bodor
2015
Guitar family
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Ian Wilson
2007
2008
Dani Evans
2007
2008
Bass guitar
Ian Wilson
2008
2010
Dani Evans
2008
2015
Guitar family
Tim Shaw
2008
2008
Alexander Tabisz
2008
2008
Gavin Harper
2007
2008
Story of Alestorm
Alestorm, the Scottish pirate metal powerhouse, formed in Perth in 2004, have carved a unique niche in the heavy metal scene. Their sound is instantly recognizable: a potent blend of heavy metal riffs and hilariously bawdy lyrics all centered around a swashbuckling pirate theme. This has earned them a dedicated following and widespread critical acclaim as a leading act in the subgenre.
The current crew consists of vocalist/keytarist Christopher Bowes, bassist Gareth Murdock, drummer Peter Alcorn, keyboardist/harsh vocalist Elliot Vernon, and guitarist Máté "Bobo" Bodor.
Since signing with Napalm Records in 2007, Alestorm have consistently plundered the charts with a string of successful albums: Captain Morgan`s Revenge (2008), Black Sails at Midnight (2009), Back Through Time (2011), Sunset on the Golden Age (2014), No Grave But the Sea (2017), Curse of the Crystal Coconut (2020), and Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum (2022). Their consistently high-energy performances and infectious brand of pirate metal have cemented their status as a must-see live act and a cornerstone of the genre.
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