Alestorm.html



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, 2008¹,

Biography

Originally starting out as a two piece band Gavin Harper and Christopher Bowes, Battleheart recorded an independent EP in Mel'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.

Dani Evans briefly switched instrument to rhythm guitar with Jason Heeny replacing him on bass, but within a few months Heeny was out and Evans returned to his previous role.

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 after being signed by Napalm Records (though the announcements came in reverse order). Their 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".

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 touring, and was temporarily replaced by German Alex Tabisz. Wilson returned to the band in late August, rejoining Alestorm in time for a show at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow on August 29th.

In September 2008, Bowes announced on Bloodstock's official forums that guitarist Gavin Harper had departed from 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 Gavin's replacement.

Line-up

Current members

• Christopher Bowes - Vocals and Keyboards
• Tim Shaw - Guitars²
• Dani Evans - Bass
• Ian Wilson - Drums

Former Members

• James Foote - Guitars
• Gavin Harper - Guitars
• Jason Heeny - Bass
• Doug Swierczek - Drums
• Alex Tabisz - Drums
• Micha Wagner - Session Drums on Captain Morgan's Revenge

Discography

Albums

• Captain Morgan's Revenge (2008)

EPs/Demos/Singles

• Battleheart (EP) (2006)
• Terror on the High Seas (EP) (2006)
• Heavy Metal Pirates (Single) (2008)
• Leviathan (EP) (2008)

Compilations

• With Us or Against Us (2007, free album sent with Napalm Records merchandise)
• Battle Metal V (2007, released with Metal Hammer)
• Battle Metal VI (2008, released with Metal Hammer)
• With Us or Againts Us X [2008, free album sent with Napalm Records merchandise)

References

External links

• Alestorm on MySpace
• Alestorm at Napalm Records
• Official Alestorm page