Legends speak of a Scottish Pirate Metal Band, intent on more than just booty and plunder. It was on that fateful Sunday night that the Jolly Roger flew proudly in Melbourne. Black sails were raised over 170 Russell as a merry band of miscreants and ne’er-do-wells set upon the landlubbers in the venue, however, instead of high seas robbery Alestorm put on a show to remember.
Luckily the surf life savers where already on the scene, as Troldhaugen took to the stage decked out in the yellow uniforms and warded off potential shark attacks with their brand of high intensity and zany antics. The band’s momentum and energy was contagious, though the vocalist lacked the clarity of the other two bands. Their music was playful yet heavy; with powerful guitar riffs and percussion work that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Their wackiness resulted in a loving metal rendition of Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda, with accompanying twerking.
The next band to walk the gangplank and take to the stage was Lagerstein. This seven man band of ruffians and renegades are pirates to the core, with bandannas and costumes, but more importantly, rum. Alcohol flowed freely from beerbongs, bottles and even boots as Lagerstein’s swashbuckling stage presence created an enthralling party atmosphere for all to enjoy. Led by the fearsome Cptn. Gregaaarrr, the band played delightfully cheesy songs with their own scallywag spin on it, such as The Lonely Island’s I’m on a Boat. They put on an excellent show, while downing as much alcohol as they could.
Pirate hats adorned the heads of diehard fans, while others went all the way with their own costumes. The anticipation for Alestorm was so intense, that a mosh started before the band even appeared on stage. Alestorm began their set with Walk the Plank and the crowd burst into motion immediately, with nary a Yo-ho-ho. People walked the plank to crowd surf the treacherous seas, while fists were pumping and heads thrashing as everyone sang along to classics like Wenches and Mead and Captain Morgan’s Revenge.
Photo by Peter Zaluzny / Peter Z Media at 170 RussellChristopher Bowes’ enthusiasm and on stage presence, punctuated with the band’s unique style of piratical power metal with folk influences had the venue bustling and moshing away. The banter between the crew and the crowd was one of the highlights of the evening. The captive audience were chanting “Skol” anytime the band took a sip, while Bowes attempted to tell the convicts down under that his drink was meant to be sipped and enjoyed.
Alestorm brought their unique sound to the shores of Melbourne, plundering as much liquor on the way as possible. If that’s the price one has to pay for such an epic experience, then it is certainly worth it.