ALBUM REVIEW: Curse of the Crystal Coconut – Alestorm

Three years on from No Grave But the Sea, swashbucklers ALESTORM have returned and produced their sixth studio record Curse of the Crystal Coconut. The pirate metallers have increased in their popularity with each album and each year, and their live shows have been one of the key factors behind their success as well as the catchy nautical themed songs produced on their previous records.

Opening proceedings for the new record is Treasure Chest Party Quest, which certainly has more traditional metal elements in the opening moments, but it doesn’t take too long for the keys to enter, though perhaps not quite as prominent as the band’s earlier work. In terms of the track itself, it sums up what the band are about, though the pirate ties are used very loosely as vocalist Chris Bowes tells the story of how the band have sold themselves out. It’s fun, energetic and you can’t help but smile as you listen to it, and is a solid way to begin the new record.

The band released three singles prior to the album itself; after looking at the first one previously, the second track is another of the aforementioned singles – Fannybaws. This one sways more towards the traditional ALESTORM sound which fans have been accustomed to, as it tells the tale of one of the greatest pirates who ever lived, apparently. There are also subtle throwbacks to some of the band’s older tracks, and again the way it has been written you can’t help but sing along to the chorus with a huge grin.

As two of the singles have been covered, we might as well take a look at the third one Tortuga. The track builds up quite slow to begin with and again has that all too familiar pirate sound in the opening seconds. However if you’re expecting things to stay like that then you will be sorely mistaken. The overall sounds has more of a rap sound to it, in terms of the instruments and the vocals themselves which also include a cameo of RUMAHOY‘s Captain Yarrface. It is certainly a showcase of ALESTORM going against the grain, but remains catchy and draws you in.

It is hard to pick out highlights from the record as each one has its own unique selling point, whether it be the name itself or the way they have been written – three fine examples being Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship and Wooden Leg Part 2 (The Woodening), which follows on from the first part which featured back on the band’s fourth album Sunset on the Golden Age, and also Pirate Metal Drinking Crew. There is one track that does stand out though for all the right reasons, Pirate’s Scorn. Like some of the previously mentioned tracks, it starts off with more of a metal sound before the rest of the elements come together. It’s a steady tempo, enough to get you headbanging while singing along with the band.

As an album Curse of the Crystal Coconut continues in the same vein as ALESTORM‘s previous work. Some of the tracks are a bit more modernised and go in a different direction, but the vast majority sticks to its roots which fans will be happy with.

There was a worry that ALESTORM had gone completely against everything they have produced in the past when the singles were released, but those fears are quashed the more you listen to Curse of the Crystal Coconut. The lyrics may be silly and some of the songs are a bit out there, but that is what ALESTORM are about – having fun and enjoying the music.

Rating: 8/10

Curse Of The Crystal Coconut is out now via Napalm Records.

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