Alestorm is a folk/power metal band from Perth, Scotland. Their music is characterized by a pirate theme, and they have been comically dubbed as a "Pirate metal" band at a popular heavy metal related website.

The band formed under the name Battleheart in 2004. After releasing two EPs, they were signed by Napalm Records in 2007 and renamed themselves Alestorm. Their debut album was released on January 25, 2008.

Originally starting out as a two-member band consisting of Gavin Harper and Christopher Bowes, Battleheart recorded an independent EP in early 2006. The band was completed with the addition of bassist Dani Evans and drummer Doug Swierczek. Battleheart played their first live show only five days after the members had met for the first time.

A second EP was recorded the same year, with Evans now featuring in the recording line-up, although the drums were again programmed. Later in the year, the song "Set Sail And Conquer" from the EP was featured on Metal Hammer's "Battle Metal V" CD with other such bands as Týr, Firewind, HammerFall and Blind Guardian.

In early 2007, drummer Doug Swierczek left the band and was replaced by Ian Wilson. After being signed by Napalm Records, the band changed their name to Alestorm. The name change was due to similarities with Battlelore, who were also signed to the label. Their debut album, Captain Morgan's Revenge, was released in early 2008. The song "Captain Morgan's Revenge" was also featured on Metal Hammer's "Battle Metal VI."

In April 2008, the single "Heavy Metal Pirates" was released as a digital download. Ian Wilson left Alestorm temporarily in June of that year because he was unable to commit fully to the band. He was temporarily replaced by German Alex Tabisz, before rejoining the band in late August, in time for a show at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow on August 29.

In September 2008, Bowes announced on Bloodstock's official forums that guitarist Gavin Harper had left the band. Tim Shaw was announced as Harper's replacement but, after a brief period of touring, left the band. Dani Evans switched instruments from bass to guitar, and Gareth Murdock of Waylander joined as the replacement bassist.

In March 2010, Ian Wilson announced he had left the band due to wanting to do other things. He was replaced with a new drummer named Peter Alcorn.



Source : www.wikipedia.org