The black flag stays flying high. Albums come and go, but Alestorm remains as popular as ever, showing no signs of slowing down, and the arrival of ‘The Thunderfist Chronicles’ is eagerly awaited, because a good dose of folk metal is always welcome in these gloomy times. The album is constructed like an epic, with a first part in several acts and a second part in the form of a grand finale.

‘Hyperion Omniriff’ and ‘Goblins Ahoy’ alternate between folk and heavy. The folk melodies are catchy with a captivating storytelling quality. When the tempo picks up, it hits hard with a huge rhythm and a ferocious growl verging on death metal. “Killed To Death By Piracy”, “Banana”, “The Storm” and “Mountains Of The Deep” bring the folk metal idea to the fore. The tone is danceable and festive with a prominent keyboard. The choruses and backing vocals are catchy with an irresistible sense of melody. Equally festive, with its brass section, “Frozen Piss 2” is an anthem magnified by Patty Gurdy's splendid voice.

With this first act, Alestorm has hit hard. But an adventure wouldn't be complete without a grand finale: “Mega-Supreme Treasure of the Eternal Thunderfist”, a track lasting over 17 minutes. Christopher lets loose and offers an anthology of what his band is all about. There's an epic side, an irresistible danceable folk facet, a powerful tone that blows you away and a cinematic side magnified by Russel Allen and Patty. The latter transports you beautifully, while Allen impresses with his warm and powerful tone. This whirlwind track is the perfect conclusion to a pirate adventure.

‘The Thunderfist Chronicles’ is a superb vintage. Alestorm show a certain maturity, the madness is there but controlled, leaving aside the overly childish aspects that could have worn thin. The result is an excellent folk metal album, undoubtedly the best the band has released.