Calico Jack – ‘Isla de la Muerte’ (2023)
Rating: 7/10
Release: 30 June 2023
Label: Rockshots Records
Naturally, when an opus calls itself “pirated metal”, we are quickly compared to Alestorm and then quickly criticized for poor quality plagiarism.
It is therefore up to us to listen to at least a piece or two before criticizing the said group. It is clear that very often imitations are a resounding failure.
The Australians from Lagerstein, the Swedes from Ye Banished Privateers, the Americans from Swashbuckle, the Scots and even our little Frenchies from Toter Fisch went there on their little buccaneering expedition.
“Isla de la muerte” is solid and combative. Anyone can find what they are looking for there. The six musicians have cleverly found the balance between the extreme side and the melody (provided by the violin) which results in bringing different “textures”.
The folk parts are magnified by a rhythm that often draws on thrash and heavy music. The lyrics evoke adventures that Jack Sparrow and his congeners could have known in a whirlwind that brings you back to a journey through time of piracy.
The singer has an abarsive and gruff voice which also contributes to bring this aggressive side to the nine titles which it is necessary to underline peak at 64 minutes. With CALICO JACK, quantity doesn’t harm quality, that’s for sure…
Raise the sails and raise a toast, here is a great album to drink adulterated rum!
Tracklist
- Broadside Attack 07:24
- Isla de la Muerte 10:32
- Bad Fortune 05:02
- Antigua 06:25
- Three Cheers to the Shanty Man 04:30
- Marauder 04:37
- Queen Anne’s Revenge 06:08
- Haul Away Joe 03:31
- Sandokan 15:47