Review Summary: Arrrrre you ready, matie?
Pirate metal is good or terrible. That is a fact, and shiver me timbers, Red Rum are unafraid to sail the seas. It is previously charted territory, and Red Rum bring enough rum along to have some fun. Sound familiar? That’s because Book of Legends is Alestorm copied. As previously, enjoy (or not) a charismatic and loud singer/pirate-y talker, cheesy horns, gang vocals, and hook filled, poppy tracks. It’s a pirate metal musical but not really, and the fun involves cheesy, over-the-top sea shanties. They’re jolly good tunes to shake your booty to. The album indeed has an authentic sea smell, therefore brainwashing you to don a pirate hat, and subsequently consider peg legs as fashionable (get your saw ready). It is as addictive as rum but also as overbearing in larger doses. Yet, there is lovely guitar work to be had if one can be objective for a second. Let’s be real, you’ll be too busy plunging a vixen’s booty hole to the music to notice.
Alas, despite much glee, these are troubled waters says I. The lead singer may not be as goofy as Alestorm’s singer, but he’s not as serious as he could be. As per usual, there is great effort in sounding like a pirate, but less in sustainable slaps. It’s all catchy tunes and showy bravado practically sounding from the musical Come From Away. The problem with that? Well, it should be obvious. It’s not very metal, matie. This would’ve been better off as not metal, actually. A couple generic, chunky sections from the guitar keep things electric but that’s all folks. A musical wouldn’t be so far off the charted map. Nonetheless, despite everything against it, Book of Legends is incredible fun. The production is not great, the music is cliche, and the experience is booty clapping. If the first track doesn’t immediately grab you, then this vibe ain’t for you. So avast you scurvy scum, grab your sword and your beer, and come join the crew. Insanely catchy tunes await yee!
