ALBUM REVIEW: Hostis Humani Generis – Ye Banished Privateers

Three years on from their last record First Night Back In Port, YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS have returned with their fourth studio record Hostis Humani Generis. The Swedish group continue the trend from their previous work with their authentic pirate folk style, making them one of the more unique bands currently in the rock and metal scene.

Kicking things off for the new album is No Prey, No Pay. From the opening seconds you’re whisked away to the Caribbean, the waves crashing against the shore before the band all join in one stage at a time, while the vocals add even more to the pirate feel. The tune is catchy, and from a musical perspective the track really highlights all aspects of the band in the best light.

Following on from the opener is Hush Now My Child. There are two distinct differences which are noticeable in the opening seconds – the first is that the tempo is a fair bit quicker compared to the opener, which leads onto the second difference which is the vocal style is much more jovial – while No Prey, No Pay showcased the gritty style of the band, this track follows a more conventional sea shanty style, and the lyrics are much easier to sing along to, especially during the chorus.

As mentioned earlier, YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS are one of the more unique bands currently active in the metal world, and one trait that makes the band unique is the number of different vocalists they have, which showcases their talents to the full. The first three tracks from the new album all have different lead vocalists, and each one has their own style. Blame the Brits is the first we hear female vocals in prominence, which is a blend of the jovial style of Hush Now My Child, as well as the grittier version heard in the opening song.

One thing that makes the pirate style of music so fascinating is the many different ways that songs can be written – and there are so many different songs in this one album which will cater for everyone. Due to the different styles of each track it is hard to pick a highlight as it is completely down to each individual and what caters to their taste; however one track that stands out is Rowing with One Hand. The build up is gradual, and the overall sound gives the impression of being in a crowded tavern, the tempo increasing throughout and building up to an epic sing along chorus.

Overall, Hostis Humani Generis is a brilliant showcase of what music would have been like back in the golden age of piracy, and YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS have done a brilliant job to bring that style back into the modern day. There has been a rise of pirate bands over the last decade or so, but YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS are one of the only ones who have kept the authenticity of true pirate music, and Hostis Humani Generis is arguably their finest example of this to date.

Rating: 8/10

Hostis Humani Generis is out now via Napalm Records.

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