Stage AE was ablaze with anticipation as fans gathered for a night of pirate shenanigans with Alestorm as part of their Tour of the Dead Marauder. The Scottish pirate metal sensation is known far and wide for their raucous performances and infectious energy. With a career spanning over a decade, Alestorm has cemented their place in the hearts of metal enthusiasts worldwide, blending elements of folk, power metal, and of course, pirate imagery to create a unique and exhilarating musical experience.

Kicking off the night was Glyph, a rising power metal band that burst onto the scene just last year at the Mad With Power fest. Despite their newcomer status, Glyph wasted no time in captivating the audience with their electrifying stage presence and blistering guitar solos. With their debut album, “Honor. Power. Glory,” released just days after their Pittsburgh show, everyone was treated to some of the upcoming tracks, with topics ranging from slaying dragons to the journey to find the drink of the gods, Volaråd. This show marked only their sixth ever performance, yet they commanded the stage with pure power. This is just the beginning for Glyph; the intergalactic band has an incredibly bright future ahead of them.

Following Glyph’s electrifying set, the stage was graced by the enchanting melodies of Elvenking. Hailing from Italy, Elvenking is renowned for their unique blend of folk, power, and melodic metal, weaving tales of fantasy and folklore through their music. Their performance was a mesmerizing journey through realms of myth and legend, captivating fans with their ethereal soundscapes and virtuosic musicianship.

As the anticipation reached a fever pitch, the moment arrived. With the stage filled with ducks, Alestorm stormed the stage and launched into their set with unbridled energy, unleashing a torrent of infectious melodies and anthemic choruses. With each song, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of headbanging and fist-pumping, swept away by the irresistible combination of heavy riffs and folk-inspired melodies. Frontman Christopher Bowes commanded the stage with his charismatic presence, leading the audience in sing-alongs and call-and-response chants that echoed throughout the venue.

Alestorm treated fans to a swashbuckling adventure through tales of plunder and pillage on the high seas. All of the traditional Alestorm songs were included in the set, including fan favourite “P.A.R.T.Y.,” the obligatory, self-titled “Alestorm,” and obviously “Fucked With an Anchor” to close out the night. Sprinkled throughout were some incredible surprises. Midway through “Wenches and Mead,” Bowes switched from the standard version to the “For Dogs” version, barking out the lyrics. Literally.

The set also included two tracks from Alestorm’s newly released EP, Voyage of the Dead Marauder. “Uzbekistan” has a fantastipirate adventure vibe, an abundance of harsh vocals, and an infectiously catchy chorus that got everyone singing along by the end. It’s the perfect addition to the set and fits perfectly with the likes of “The Sunk’n Norwegian.” The second new track, “Voyage of the Dead Marauder,” features a guest singer on the album, the incredibly talented Patty Gurdy. Filling in the guest position on the tour is Barbara Blackthorne, singer in the symphonic metal band Empress. Her smooth yet powerful vocals perfectly balance Bowes’ gruff, piraty vocals, leading to an Alestorm experience like no other. Blackthorn also rejoined the band during the encore for “Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship.” These new tracks added so such depth to the show.

The band’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing their unparalleled musicianship and unwavering dedication to their craft. From the blistering guitar solos of Máté Bodor to the thunderous beats of Peter Alcorn, the harsh vocals and crazy keys of Elliot Vernon to the thicc bassline of Gareth Murdock, each member of Alestorm brought their A-game, leaving no doubt as to why they reign supreme in the realm of pirate metal.

As the final notes of their encore faded into the night, the audience was left exhilarated and satisfied, knowing they had borne witness to a truly unforgettable performance. With the echoes of Alestorm’s epic melodies still ringing in their ears, fans departed into the night, eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to set sail on another musical voyage with their favourite pirate crew.

March 26th, 2024