ALESTORM 'Back Through Time' w/ Voyager and Darker Half - Sydney

There is nothing quite as effective than the promise of mead and wenches to bring out a curious assortment of pirates from the underbelly of the Sydney metal scene. There is something about a band like Alestorm that triggers the need to trade the standard black band shirt and wallet chain, for an elaborate costume - comprised of frilly shirts and feathered caps. As bizarre as it was watching a room full of stumbling adults adorned with such items and wielding plastic swords around frantically, it was a very accurate indication of what one could expect from the entertainment to follow.

Local lads Darker Half were chosen to open the show, which was a very wise pick for a crowd warmer for the night’s festivities. These guys always provide an up-tempo and high octane set, which over the years has won them a very solid fan base that were evidently present at the show singing along with each track.

An unfortunate aspect of the band’s set were the sound issues that they were having onstage, which were quite apparent with the frustration you could see upon their faces, however, eventually finding their stride mid set.

They definitely drew the short straw when it came to their live sound on this occurrence, but they showed just how professional they are by persevering and putting on a great show. And you could tell, as once they finished, the crowd was calling out for more from down on the Manning Bar floor - which was already drenched with fermented beverages.

Next up were Western Australian melodic metallers Voyager, who scored the national support slot for this Alestorm tour. The five-piece burst onto the stage brimming with excitement as a reworked version of 'Land of the Lies' introduced their arrival. Within seconds of kicking into the aforementioned track, Voyager commandeered the audience with a grasp that would have you believe that they were actually the headlining band of the night.

Vocalist and keyboardist Danny Estrin surprised the members of the crowd, who were already familiar with their live setting, by swapping his trademark Korg keyboard tower for a Ferrari red Roland keytar [awesome! – Ed], which he used to seamlessly shred through solo after solo even while sporting a bottle of wine in the other hand.

Some of the band’s stage antics were impressive to say the least! From the synchronised head banging during 'Lost', to the three way shred-fest between Danny and guitarists Simone Dow and Scott Kay, to the wailing high pitch screams of bassist Alex Canion during 'Pulse 04'.

A mention must also go out to the band's drummer, Mark Boeijen, who kept up a solid performance through the whole set.

One of the most impressive moments of their set was the medley that the band has become renowned for during their live shows - a mix of cover tracks with a central jam theme which interludes between each song. Each time I’ve witnessed Voyager live, they’ve played this medley, covering different songs each time.

Tonight’s version touched on John Farnham’s 'You’re the Voice', Michael Jackson’s 'Black or White', Rage Against the Machine’s 'Killing in the Name', as well as other more hilarious numbers like the Beverley Hills Cop theme and 'I’m A Scatman'. Voyager never cease to astound me with their superb musicianship, they are a world class band who consistently puts on an amazingly tight and enjoyable performance.

And now we come to the headliners of the night, Scottish pirate metallers Alestorm, who were hitting Australian stages for the second time in under a year. At first I was skeptical of another tour so soon after their first, but once I saw the crowd numbers at the venue, I immediately forgot all doubts - as this rapidly growing band had managed to almost double their previous numbers.

With the vast amounts of pirates and wenches clad for the occasion, Alestorm came on stage to a welcoming environment which fueled their energetic performance throughout the evening. Kicking into the title track from their upcoming third album, Back Through Time, the crowd became a ravenous frenzy, engulfing every moment.

An immediate eye grabber was vocalist Christopher Bowes, whose witty crowd interactions and skillful performance on his multi-coloured keytar commanded the crowd's attention. Each keytar solo had everyone shouting for more, and they were granted their wish through many of the band's more upbeat numbers, such as 'The Huntmaster' and 'Captain Morgan's Revenge'. 

If there was ever a gig to have a few drinks and sing-a-long to songs at, this was the one, with almost every punter in the venue with drink in hand and song at heart. The choruses of 'Nancy the Tavern Wench' and 'Heavy Metal Pirates' have never sounded so massive and loud, with the audience singing parts louder than the band. Christopher's on stage banter and song introductions were always a laugh, with some being as simple as "this next song is about drinking rum, it's called...RUM!” 

Toward the end of the set, the chants for the track 'Keelhauled' were becoming more apparent. When the band finally kicked into the song, declaring it as the final track for the night, I thought the front rails were going to collapse as the audience went insane! The sing-a-long for that was definitely the most enthusiastic of the night, with people dancing jigs, swigging beers and head banging furiously.

With two visits in the last year and a rapidly growing fan base, one must ask not if Alestorm will return, but when. It’s one party I'm sure many are looking forward to again.

Set list: 

• Back Through Time 
• Over The Seas 
• Wenches & Mead 
• Leviathan 
• Nancy The Tavern Wench 
• Black Sails at Midnight 
• Shipwrecked 
• No Quarter 
• That Famous Ol' Spiced 
• Rum 
• Wolves of the Sea 
• The Huntmaster 
• The Quest 
• Heavy Metal Pirates 
• Captain Morgan's Revenge 
• Keelhauled 

Encore: 

• Set Sail And Conquer