RockBox - [Request] Battleheart - Discography (2006)

[Request] Battleheart - Discography (2006)

Band: Battleheart
Discography
Genre: Folk Metal, Power Metal
Year of Release: 2006
Country: United Kingdom, Scotland
Lyrical themes: Pirates, Adventure, Drinking
Formed in: 2004
Years Active: 2004-2007, 2007-present (as Alestorm)
Format: MP3 CBR 320kbps
Label: Independent

Biography
The band was founded in 2004 in Perth, Scotland as Battleheart, a studio project by Christopher Bowes and Gavin Harper. Originally intended as a standard power metal band, the success of song "Heavy Metal Pirates" convinced the band to permanently adopt a pirate theme and incorporate folk metal elements into their music. Gavin and Christopher recorded & released two independent demos in 2006, which were received well by the local metal community. The band began to perform live in 2006, with a lineup consisting of Bowes (vocals and keytar), Harper (guitars), Dani Evans (bass) and Doug Swierczek (drums). Doug Swierczek eventually left the band later that year and was replaced by Ian Wilson. After a period of inactivity, in late 2007 Battleheart sent their demos to Napalm Records, and the band was promptly offered a record deal.

On August 8, 2007, Battleheart officially changed their name to Alestorm and were signed to Napalm Records.

Dani Evans changed instrument to become the band's second guitarist in 2006 but took up his old position as a bass player after Jason Heeny left later the same year.

Most of the former members were not involved with the band for any great period of time. In 2004 Battleheart was briefly a six-piece with the line-up: Graham Motion (drums), Stuart Finnie (bass), Tom Mitchell (rhythm guitar), Gavin Harper (lead guitar), Christopher Bowes (keyboards), Robin Hellier (vocals).

Graham Motion died by drowning after falling from a bridge.

Battleheart (EP)
Review by Quintessence153 in Metal Archive:

Quote:

I have never heard anything quite like Battleheart. Though skeptical at first, I gave this EP a listen, and I was simply amazed at how well they pull off the seemingly cheesy concept of pirate metal.

When I was listening to some of the songs on this album, I noted a certain similarity to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" soundtrack. The music itself has a definite sea chanty element about it, though it still maintains all the characteristics of the heavy metal we all know and love.

The guitar and keyboard work on this album is quite impressive. Chris and Gavin know how to work off of each other's solos, and really compliment each other very well. Chris's vocals aren't always the best, being better on some tracks than others, but his off-moments don't sound too bad. There are also some instrumental tracks on the album, so the slight shorcoming in vocal work is easily forgiven. The drum beats always fit the music and never sound awkward, also providing an ocassional bridge between parts of a song.

My favorite song on this EP, without a doubt, is "Nancy the Tavern Wench." It had a very realistic atmosphere, really capturing our general perception of pirates and their lives in the taverns. I can't help but sing along to the chorus every time I hear it.

Overall, this was a very good debut from a very talented band with a lot of potential. I downloaded all of the tracks from the band's website for FREE, and I would recommend doing so to anyone interested.

Terror on the High Seas (EP)
Review by The_Blacksmith in Metal Archive:

Quote:

Battleheart strike again with their second release this year, Terror On The High Seas, which like it’s predecessor, was recorded in the guitarists very own home.

As with their previous EP this one starts out with am instrumental. I always enjoyed The Glorious Battle from the band’s self titled debut, but this one totally blows it away! It’s very orchestral sounds incredibly professional, projecting images of a large wooden pirate ship battling it’s way throughout treacherous seas and storms.

Set Sail And Conquer kicks in straight after with an upbeat tempo and catchy keyboard melody. On the first EP, the vocals where always the hardest part to like (Although I managed it) sounding very forced and amateurish…I was told by guitarist Gavin Harper they had been rushed due to the fact that they were having problems with the computer they were recording on, or something like that…Anyway, this time they are much better, sounding much more piratey before but they are still not for everyone. Imagine the Sea Captain from the Simpsons fronting a metal band. Unlike the first EP, they sound like they are supposed to sound like this.

The title track is one I had been looking forward to hear the recorded version of having seen it being performed with flying colours at the band’s first ever gig in Dundee. I had memories of a very fast pure headbangable piece of raw sea soaked steel and I had worries of whether of not it would work when it was recorded. Thankfully, it does. Terror On The High Seas is a speedy track that’ll have you head banging all day. It is jam packed with very catchy keyboard riffs and a nice guitar solo where Gavin Harper really shows his shredding abilities

Wenches and Mead is my personal favourite song of the EP. A properly drinking metal song with great accordion melodies and fantastically fun lyrics about, well, wenches and mead! You’ll find yourself thrusting your pint into the air and singing along to the chorus within seconds (“Heh! Heh! I want more wenches, Heh! Heh! More wenches and mead…) it doesn’t have quite the effect of Nancy The Tavern Wench, but it’s a damn good song!

As with their previous release, this is an immensely enjoyable EP that requires you have a beer or two to enjoy the whole experience.

YARR!!!

Albums
2006 - Battleheart (EP)
2006 - Terror On The High Seas (EP)

Members
Last known
Gavin Harper: Guitars (2004-2007)
See also: ex-Alestorm, ex-Dizeaze
Christopher Bowes: Vocals, Keyboards (2004-2007)
See also: Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Sabadu, Wizardthrone, ex-Bumilingus, ex-Fröstskög, ex-Perth, Asdfgfa, Christopher Bowes, Christopher Bowes and his Plate of Beans, Splen, ex-Der Krauts, ex-Gaylord Tennis, ex-Jimmy Fuckbob and the Shitting Pirates ok?, ex-Kalamari Mongoloid, ex-The Flamin' Guffs
Dani Evans: Bass (2006, 2006-2007), Guitars (2006)
See also: ex-Alestorm
Ian Wilson: Drums (2007)
See also: Catharist, Condolences, ex-Alestorm, ex-First to Fight, ex-The Bloodless

Past
James Foote: Guitars
See also: Catharist, ex-Questioned by Theory, ex-The Bloodless
Stuart Finnie: Bass (2004-?)
See also: Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair, ex-Splen
Graham Motion: Drums (2004-2005)
(R.I.P. 2006) See also: ex-Allergo, ex-Violent Response
Tom Mitchell: Guitars (2004-?)
Robin Hell: Vocals (2004)
Jason Heeny: Bass (2006)
Doug Swierczek: Drums (2006-2007)

Tracklist

2006 - Battleheart (EP)
01. The Glorious Battle
02. Heavy Metal Pirates
03. Over the Seas
04. No Quarter
05. Nancy the Tavern Wench
06. Journey Man (Korpiklaani cover)

Lineup
Gavin Harper Guitars
Christopher Bowes Vocals, Keyboards

2006 - Terror On The High Seas (EP)
01. The Curse of Captain Morgan
02. Set Sail and Conquer
03. Terror on the High Seas
04. Wenches and Mead

Lineup
Christopher Bowes Vocals, Keyboards
Gavin Harper Guitars
Dani Evans Bass
Miscellaneous staff
Gavin Harper Producer

* As requested by fellow friend "Nordeng" from Sweden *

If you liked this release, please consider supporting the band and donating to this site to help it grow! and last but not least, enjoy!

Power

Folk Metal, Power Metal

320 k

80.25 MB

12 files

05/01/2022

Seed(s): 1, Leecher(s): 0 = 1 Peer(s)

25/09/2025 17:26:45