Nothing says pirate metal quite like 1980s revival, Yukoslavian party-bro aesthetic. The lead single of Alestorm’s new album Curse of the Crystal Coconut was released April 2 in advance of the album. “Treasure Chest Party Quest” features the usual lyrically catchy, party anthem sound and is almost indistinguishable from their other works. Sure, it’s okay, but there is no reason to play this one over some of their older songs — except, perhaps, the music video.
While the video falls in line with the general “out there,” alcohol-fueled visual extravaganzas of their other music videos, it scrapes the grimey aesthetic off the band and pulls them into the semi-modern day. Featuring cars, money, and what is presumably strippers in neon lighting, bright orange and geometric tracksuit-clad band members get drunk “and make loads of money / Cos nothing else matters to me.”
While the video might not hit the right note visually with many fans, Alestorm is far from rewriting themselves in the modern era. On May 29 Alestorm will release both the normal album and a deluxe version featuring 16th-century interpretations of all the songs. Enjoy the neon-lit nonsense, because Alestorm won’t be leaving any time soon.
