Sea shanties have been making waves in the mainstream. To get some wind in your sails, check out “Keelhauled” by Alestorm.

Alestorm’s blend of pirate metal is like listening to a mashup of sea shanties and metal music. “Keelhauled” is no different. The song thrives on a fast-paced blend of drums, guitars, and a keytar. The aggressive tempo of the song pairs with a violin melody and hoarse vocals.

Formed in Perth, Scotland, in 2004 under the name Battleheart, Alestorm is a Scottish metal band that fans have dubbed “pirate metal.” To date, Alestorm has put out six studio albums. ‘Keelhauled’ was included in their second studio album “Black Sails At Midnight,” released on May 27, 2009.

The song tells a story of a traitor among the crew, who is sent to be keelhauled. Keelhauling is a torture in which the subject is tied up and thrown overboard to be dragged under the ship’s keel, intentionally resulting in a major cut or lost limb. What makes it awesome is how the song commits to its identity and stands as an amazing sea shanty played in a metal style.

I recommend it because the pirate metal sound is so distinctly cool. Songs of these nature also are great because the stories of the sea they tell are greatly intriguing. 

Go ahead and set sail with a hearty drink and a “Yo-ho-ho” listening to this head-banger of a track.