Top 5 Pirate Metal Bands

Just a few... the top 5 worth sampling fer yer time. You can find discographies and samples of each over the internet. Pick one, pick a few, or pick all to add to yer musical collection.

5. Scuurvy
This is a new band, as many of the folk pirate bands are. They have that all too familiar raspy deep voice often associated with pirates in times of yore. At times accompanied with the lead vocals are deep, death metal grunts--which are quite enjoyable actually... Fast paced rhythem with sometimes slow/dark music. They talk about how it is like to be a pirate... Booze, pillagin' and all. It sounds like they want to be taken seriously...  although they are just beginning to get in the music scene, they do sound promising. Yah-Harr Matey!!!

4. Verbal Deception
This is a death-like metal band. They fall under that category even though their music is about pirate life. The lead vocals do not sound as if they were from some stereotypical pirate, however. The songs are blacker than the previous bands mentioned, and they do so with heavy, teeth crunching tones. Really good listening if you are a newbie when it comes to pirate metal. Not many have heard of this band, it seems. Loud and Gutteral. They also throw in some folk, if you don't mind that.

3. Alestorm
Alestorm is a pirate band from Scotland, whose members bring vibrance to the metal scene. They are very melodic and have rolling riffs and choruses that are sure to make you sing along. Fast paced mostly, but songs like Nancy the Tavern Wench are sure to calm you down and get you in a drinkin' mood. They retell songs of pirates and legend. They are really fun to listen to, mind you that they are pretend. The lead singer, often accompanied by robust chorus, also sings in a raspy stereotypical pirate voice. Check out there album, Black Sails At Midnight to get a good idea of what this band is about. They've been with bands like Heidevolk too...


2. Swashbuckle
Swashbuckle is a death thrash pirate metal band. Loud and piercing vocals that will engage you in some rough, headbangin' maritime music. You'll love these guys if you are into bands like Amon Amarth and Eluveitie. Pulsating rhythm and fast bouble bass kick are sure to have you amp, ready to draw and quarter any scoundrel that dare cross ye path!!! Don't pass up a chance to listen to these guys. Awesome metal band.

1. Running Wild
Claimed to be the first and the pioneer of "pirate metal", Running Wild has been around fer years. They are heavy, melodic, power pirate metal. They play loud and make sure you know that they are there. Not a band of grieving, heartbroken lame-o's. These guys live life and tell you all about it. They also make songs of pirate lore, history, satanic themes (not for the faint), and much more. They have been around fer more than 20 years, and in 2009 they broke up. Still, this band is worth listening to. If you like bands like Blind Guardian, Grave Digger, and Helloween, you will like this band too. Take some time to sample them, and you won't be disappointed. 


All of these bands are worth listening to. If this is yer first metal experience, don't pass them up. Get a taste of metal music so that you may expand yer horizon musically. Enjoy the music and raise the black flag high!