Album Review (Sunset on the Golden Age - Alestorm)

Album Review (Sunset on the Golden Age - Alestorm)

 Sunset in the Golden Age is the long awaited fourth studio album from Scottish "pirate metal" band Alestorm. Formerly known as Battleheart, Alestorm have been exploring their own brand of metal since 2004. We at DotDownTheFront released a Band Review for Alestorm back in July so check that out here for more info. Sunset on the Golden Age was released through Napalm Records on the first of August.

Notable Tracks 

 Walk the Plank - Walk the Plank opens the record with the recognisable sound of Alestorm, noble trumpets and awesome guitars. Walk the Plank see Bowes mix clean vocals with growls similar to those featured on previous track Death Throes of the Terror Squid. Alongside this, Walk the Plank also feature more 8 bit backing which has been visually prominent in stage shows but not so much in the music. A positive evolution. 

 Drink - Drink is the first single released from the album and immediately after Walk the Plank. Drink starts with a surprisingly heavy riff but soon descends into the style Alestorm are known for, catchy lyrics and funky riffs. I can see this track becoming a fan favourite fast because of it's lyrics and fast changes from fun to heavy.

 1741 (The Battle of Cartagena) - 1741 opens up with an 8-bit intro that really adds to the personality of the whole album. 1741 stands at 7:18 (only the second longest track on the album) so has plenty of time for long epic solos which add some nostalgia to the album. The song is based on the story of the battle of Catagena where an outnumbered Spain defended modern day Colombia from the British Navy.

 Hangover - Hangover is a metal cover of 2012's song by RnB singer Taio Cruz and the second single from the album. Although from a different genre, Hangover's theme fits in well on the album. Alestorm manage to add some noble tunes in the back adding their on stamp on the song. I can see this also becoming a live favourite which may look weird to a veteran RnB fan.

 Sunset on the Golden Age - Sunset on the Golden Age is the final track on the record and stands at an epic 11:26. SOTGA makes way for plenty of adventure suitable riffs and chants. As the title track, SOTGA sums up the message of the album and makes for a good close to an epic album.

 To conclude, Sunset on the Golden Age is a great album and has very little flaws, a definite pick up for anyone that is curious about the band. I feel that Alestorm have limited themselves on the title of the album but i felt the same about Back Through Time. The increased use of 8-bit style sounds are a welcome addition and add to the bands evolution and overall persona. Alestorm have announced that they will be touring in October to watch this space for a live review

 To wrap up, here is Alestorm's music video for their single Drink (linked here for mobile users)