PROS:
- Great Pirate Metal.
- Great use of traditional folk instruments such as hurdy-gurdy, nyckelharpa, cello, recorder.
- Loads of great upbeat and fun songs, like "Row Row Row" (not the old kids' song), "Guns Don't Cry," and "Naval Hitchhike," along with some heavier songs, like "One More Day" and "Shoot This Ship Down," and also the triumphant "Sextant."
- Includes guest appearances of Teufel from Tanzwut, Seeb from Orden Ogan, and Mr. Hurley from Die Pulveraffen.
CONS:
- They live in Germany, so it's hard to see them live over here.
- A few of their songs do feature German verses, but they don't ruin the songs.
THOUGHTS:
I've been a fan of Storm Seeker since their song "The Longing" showed up in my Youtube feed. I had expected symphonic metal similar to Epica or Nightwish; what I got was a folky piratey style of metal. I wasn't disappointed.
Since then, I've been following this band. I've bought their EP Pirate Scum and their other album, Beneath in the Cold; I bought this one digitally as soon as it was released in the States.
I love their particular style of Pirate Metal; it's sort of like Alestorm, but not as insane. Their incorporation of acoustic instruments such as hurdy-gurdy, cello, nyckelharpa, recorder, and accordion really stands out as well, along with their occasional use of female vocals delivered by Fabi and Sandra (Fabi actually takes lead on "One More Day").
There are loads of great songs on this album. My personal favorite is "Sextant," a very triumphant sounding song about knowing one's direction and course, and going forward despite all challenges. "How to Be a Pirate" is a blast. "Guns Don't Cry," "Deathwatch Beetle Party," "Row Row Row" (not the old kid's song), and "Naval Hitchhike" are all very silly but still rock. "One More Day" is a rather somber song about a pirate trapped on a reef by deadly sharks. And more!
So if you're looking for some great Pirate Metal, with a bit of a folky edge, I highly recommend Storm Seeker.
