Maximum Metal Rating Legend

One of metal's newest and most exhilarating of debauched acts, that being Alestorm, return with their much-anticipated second LP called Black Sails At Midnight. With the crew staying intact for the most part, they continue their heading begun on 2008's, Captain Morgan's Revenge.

What a booze-addled quest this is, as the band refuses the slightest deviation from the course set on the debut; here delivering ten more songs of corrupt subversions amidst hunts for hidden treasure. "That Famous Ol' Spiced" is another rollicking, up-tempo bar hymn, "Keelhualed" relishes in speedy, accordion-toned traditional Scottish melodies whilst telling its tale of a mutinous traitor, and "To the End of Our Days", stolidly drifts along during which time the entire bunch of sailors churl out a huge and loping chorus admitting no regrets despite impending loss of life. Elsewhere, an instrumental called "No Quarter" allows time for refills; the title track rips along with blistering cannon fire, and "Pirate Song", with its waltzing waves quickly washing ashore, revels in all things an old and retired buccaneer has experienced in his life. Two songs also make a repeat appearance from the recently issued EP earlier this year (those being "Leviathan" and "Wolves of the Sea") and the disc is rounded out be "Chronicles of Vengeance" and exciting opener, "The Quest".

Finding themselves anchored in Napalm Records marina (a label that lately is quickly building an exceptional roster of bands!), Alestorm have released a finely produced effort, readying the sails for another trip around the globe come tour-time. There isn't much else to say about Black Sails At Midnight; except that if you've enjoyed any of Alestorm's previous output, it's a guarantee you'll enjoy these ten barnacled bar-tunes.