ALBUM: 25/7 // ARTIST: Lagerstein
Come set sail (and pack a shoe for a shoey) with one of the most intensely charismatic releases of 2019 as Brissie purveyors of pirate metal Lagerstein gear up to unveil their brand new album 25/7.
It seems like only yesterday we were chatting with Mother Junkst from beloved metal buccaneers Lagerstein as the group sailed the seven seas during their 'Endless Rum' tour. Fast forward a month since then and not only have Lagerstein just jumped wrapped up some insanely large showings at some of the most iconic heavy festivals overseas, but the lads also now sit hovering ready to drop their brand new album 25/7 this Friday August 23rd.
Wielding their own unique brew of intrinsic tradition and modern panache, Lagerstein came together out of a mutual love of all things nautical, musical and good old fashioned good times. But while their onstage antics and affinity for a brew or two may belie a group bolstered on gimmicks, the true reality of Lagerstein is one of dedication, devilish talent and down-right diligence to their craft, as most astutely revealed on their latest album outing.
Proceedings kick off in majestic style, as opening track 'Midnight Moonshine' starts the party with soaring melodics, rumbling rhythmics and dramatic shifts as the Lagerstein gents set the scene for the rollicking booze-soaked sea shanties to follow. Second track 'Dig, Bury, Drink' continues the party, with the group's lead single chucking a jaunty folk-tinged net over some cranking distortion and mighty vocals from fearless leader Captain Gregarggh.
DIG, BURY, DRINK (LAGERSTEIN)
Continuing the adventure, 'The Wild West' unfurls a cinematic metal gem that jumps up the riffs and vigour and sets the Lagerstein lads in a Western-meets-the-high-seas epic that swashes and buckles to dramatic conclusions. The group's other lead single 'Shoey Song' bolts out next, gifting a boisterous, high-octane adventure that strips to more traditional sonic roots while detailing one of Lagerstein's most treasured traditions: the humble shoey.
SHOEY SONG (LAGERSTEIN)
In case you missed the memo, the Lagerstein lads like rum, and 'Drink of the Pirates' offers the ultimate love-letter to their revered amber liquor of choice. But while the track fits neatly into the irreverent Lagerstein M.O, 'Drink of the Pirates' in reality brings a heap of sharp and snappy writing to the table, complete with fiery guitars, thunderous blasts and a criminally catchy chorus. But wait! How can a pirate band truly exist without embracing some influences from their seafaring travels? Well 'Pina Colada Paradise' does just that, busting out some steel drums, offbeat rhythms and creamy guest vocals in a surprisingly chill reggae dream from team Lagerstein.
The remaining tracks on '25/7' frolick between burgeoning rockers ('Wench My Thirst', 'Aqua Bong'), theatrical epics ('Off the Map') and blasting party shanties ('Party Parrot', '25 Hours'), before a brief moment of respite with the ambient interlude 'A New Day'. But just when you think you've journeyed the ultimate pirate party voyage and lived to tell the tale, Lagerstein bust out the cover we never knew we needed (but now cannot live without) with a monumental adaptation of Men At Work's 'Down Under' - a fitting closure full of national pride, plundering references and technical brandishing that is executed with sensational glee.
DOWN UNDER (LAGERSTEIN)
For an album packed with sea shanties, shoeys and slick diversity, Lagerstein's '25/7' is ultimately one of confidence and control. Sure, it's a helluva good time and will get you craving a rum and a head bang; but it's undeniable that Lagerstein are one of the hardest working bands kicking around the heavy scene right now, both at home and abroad, and their new album digs deep into the technical and creative might that keeps these lovable larrikins so constantly in demand. Come for the party, stay for the tunes - '25/7' is without a doubt a musical treasure that'll keep you coming back for more.
LAGERSTEIN'S BRAND NEW ALBUM '25/7' WILL OFFICIALLY SET SAIL THIS FRIDAY 23rd AUGUST, WITH THE GENTS RETURNING BACK HOME FOR SOME EPIC SHOWS THIS NOVEMBER. FOR ALBUM PRE-ORDER INFO HEAD HERE, AND FOR ALL OTHER LAGERSTEIN INFO HEAD HERE.
BY TIANA SPETER