Calico Jack fuse sea shanties and pirate metal in "Jack Speak Shanties", out July 18th via Rockshots. For fans of Alestorm, Korpiklaani, Equilibrium.

With 'Jack Speak Shanties', Italian pirate metal act Calico Jack set sail once again with a bold and imaginative release that explores new sonic territories while staying true to their folk-infused heavy metal roots. Out July 18th, 2025 via Rockshots Records, the EP pays tribute to traditional sea shanties--revived and reworked through a fierce blend of classic metal, Scandinavian folk and nautical storytelling.

Founded in Milan in 2011 by brothers Toto (guitar) and Caps (drums), Calico Jack built their identity on a powerful mix of '80s heavy metal attitude, folk melodies and pirate-themed lyrics. Over the years, their energetic live shows and original sound have earned them a loyal following, both in Italy and across Europe.

After their debut EP 'Panic in the Harbour' (2013), a first full-length in 2019 and the acclaimed 'Isla de la Muerte' (2023), 'Jack Speak Shanties' marks a thematic shift. Leaving behind tropical raids, the band embraces the cold northern seas, diving into the tradition of sailor chants--songs meant to ease life at sea, long embedded in the band's DNA.

Each of the five tracks reinterprets a classic shanty in a different metal style. The first single, 'Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate' fuses Korpiklaani-style humppa with a 19th-century naval chant made famous in 'Master and Commander'. Other highlights include the melancholic yet fast-paced 'The 24th of February', the emotional farewell of 'Spanish Ladies', the anthemic 'Wellerman' and the doom-tinged closer 'Leave Her, Johnny.'

Produced at Elnor Studios (Labyrinth, Elvenking), the EP delivers crisp, dynamic sound while preserving the spirit of the originals. Calico Jack's résumé includes Hörnerfest (DE), and shows with Folkstone, Mago de Oz, Storm Seeker, Elvenking, and more.

'Jack Speak Shanties' is not just a tribute--it's a roaring metal voyage through maritime history.

Track Listing

• Wellerman
• Don't Forget your Old Shipmate
• Off to Sea Once More
• The 24th of February
• Spanish Ladies

Additional Details

Label: Rockshots Records

Genre: Metal

Run Time: 22:05 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 08/08/25

UPC: 8051128622966