LIVE REVIEW: Alestorm, Lutharo, Roses of Thieves, /FORM Space, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 04/12/2025
It’s no surprise by now that Alestorm put on some of the most fun shows in the industry. From onstage antics to a discography that genuinely cheers you up, it’s no wonder their shows sell out. Such was the case with the band’s most recent headlining visit to Romania, following their set at the Rockstadt Extreme Festival in Rasnov this past summer. We tagged along to their show in Cluj-Napoca to see what (if anything) has changed since they last played the halls of /FORM Space back in 2018.
Shortly after doors opened at 7PM, Roses of Thieves were the first to take to the stage. Hailing from neighbouring Hungary, the band employs an energetic style of metal full of Celtic influences. Their set started with Fend off the Dark and continued with Be the Captain, which immediately captured the interest of the audience.
Halfway through their performance, Roses of Thieves delivered an unexpected staple: a cover of Sabrina Salerno’s europop anthem Boys (Summertime Love), which promptly got everyone in the venue jumping. One aspect we would’ve loved to see included was the presence of violinist Tamás Bárdos, which would’ve easily complemented their live show. The interaction with the audience was pretty lacking, in our opinion, as the band barely said anything other than the usual “thank you” and a “let’s meet at the merch stand” before ending their set with Hymn of Hell. Other than that, they put on an overall pretty decent show. 8/10
After a short break to switch out equipment and whatnot, Lutharo were up next. Starting with Ruthless Bloodline, it was immediately apparent that the Canadian band were somewhat of an outlier within this touring roster thanks to their genre of choice. Not to say that they put on a bad performance, though! Right from the get go, the five piece played with unreal intensity, with touring vocalist Kayla Dixon especially bringing ferocity to the stage.
The biggest surprise, though, was when their guitarist (Victor Bucur) greeted the crowd in his native Romanian, instantly deepening the connection between the band and the audience. As their set went on with songs like Reaper’s Call and Wings of Agony, everyone in Lutharo continued to engage with the audience and keep the energy flowing, giving out picks, fist bumps, and prompting the crowd to get some pits going. Finally, with Born to Ride and closer Lost in a Soul done, it was time for the Canadian thrashers to take the bow and clear the stage. 8.5/10
Another break later, during which the usual giant duck gets inflated onstage, it was now time for Alestorm to hit the stage, starting strong with the usually rowdy Keelhauled then heading straight into Killed to Death by Piracy. It didn’t take long at all for those in attendance to start moshing, singing along to classics such as The Sunk’n Norwegian or Mexico. Then, newer tracks Frozen Piss 2 and Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship also connected with the crowd.
Why, you may ask? A “singing” parrot, and no, we’re not joking. One of the band’s crew members takes to the stage in a rainbow-coloured captain pirate’s coat and a parrot mask, miming along to the Japanese parts in the former track and Patty Gurdy’s vocals in the latter. Oh, and there was also a guy in a banana suit, crowd surfing during the aptly titled song, Banana. You can always count on these lads to bring the shenanigans.
Something similar happens later on in the show, during the now-classic cover of Hangover: another member of the band’s crew shows up to (actually) sing the ‘rap’ part of the song. Except, like Mr. Parrot before him, this other guy is wearing a yellow plaid kilt and a shark mask (and fin, too). Never change, lads.
As the main set draws to a close, it’s time for some more Alestorm staples, such as Nancy the Tavern Wench, Alestorm and Magnetic North. Then, with an invite to P.A.R.T.Y. and a good ol’ Shit Boat (No Fans), it’s time for the encore, which starts off with the one everyone has been waiting for all night: yes, Drink. Finally, the self-professed “worst Alestorm song ever”, Wooden Leg! and Fucked With an Anchor close out the show, with everyone gleefully throwing middle fingers left, right and center – y’know, the usual for a pirate metal show. After one last shout of Rumpelkombo, the band’s second-ever show at /FORM Space is now done.
Even if you don’t know any of their songs or have been following them since the start, one thing’s for sure. With tracks ranging from pirate epics to gleefully absurd, Alestorm always deliver a show that’s fun from start to finish. Cheers, lads, we’ll see you at the next one! 10/10
Written by Florin Petrut
