The themes about pirates and piracy into Metal were created and became popular through the work of RUNNING WILD since “Under Jolly Roger”, and influenced many musicians. But many took the theme to use on other Metal genres to expand possibilities, and even to take the concept to limits never dreamed of before. On the past 10 years, the number of acts using piracy as a source of inspiration grew a lot (maybe a consequence of the commercial success of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films’ series), and one more that comes is YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS, hailing from Sweden with “‘Til the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead”.

In reality, the band uses a form of Folk Rock based on traditional format of Irish and Scandinavian Folk Music, with influences of Sea Shanty (a form of Work Music sang on sea vessels in the past), and it’s an ample and more touching form of music. It balances more funny and high-spirited parts with deeper and melancholic moments (as heard clearly on “Waves Away”), and it’s really amazing. Obviously for those addicted on weight and speed, maybe the band could offer nothing; but for those that cares nothing about labels, but just want to enjoy a very good time, “‘Til the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead” will be a pure delight. The production was done under a heavy work, because imagine to work with 18 musicians at the same time isn’t something easy. But the final result is really excellent, with everything being clear and defined, and nothing is lost in their music, thanks to a wise choice for the instrumental tunes.

There are 12 excellent songs on “‘Til the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead”, and it’s almost impossible to choose a set of ‘the best ones’, because all of them are the best ones! Starting with “The Cranker”, “Waves Away” (what lovely tender and introspective ambiences), “A Final Toast for Oliver Cromwell”, “Raise Your Glass” (if you want some fun, hear to this one), “A Hardworking Crew”, “As the Tree Falls”, “Whydah Galley”, “Chained Below”, “Ships Lost at Sea”, “Here's to the Royal Navy”, “Mates Together” and “Sailmaker’s Song” shows balance between all the Folk elements of their music without problems. It’s a case of ‘hear-and-like’, unless you’re out of happiness.

YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS is a name that all those into Folk music tendencies must pay attention to, as “‘Til the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead” is a release that deserves a space in your private collection.