New Jersey's pirate thrash armada SWASHBUCKLE have revealed the cover artwork for their Nuclear Blast debut, Back To The Noose. Click image on the left to enlarge.

Says the band, "Aye, we pirates three commissioned the likes of the finest artisan we could scour amongst the blackhearts of digital designers for the artwork for Back To The Noose. Adam Vehige is his name, and kicking conceptual ass is his game. We brought this legend of graphical creation our Back To The Noose concept of Captain Crotchrot (our recurring decaying mascot miscreant) breaking free of the gallows to join an intense cannon warfare battle upon the ocean's blue. Adam accepted our payment of stolen gold shillings and doubloons (aye, blood money, and cursed it be) and rendered us some brutal cover art. If ye be seekin' nautical nonsense and high-seas hijinx, vicious splash-n-thrash attack and malicious moshing madness, ye will certainly be needin' no more persuasion than gazin' yar weary eyes upon our album art!"

Swashbuckle are one of the three winners of last year's Nuclear Blast MySpace bands contest. Back To The Noose is set to be released on July 31st.

The thrashing trio will also hit Europe hard at Legacy Fest, Metal Dayz Festival and Summer Nights Festival this May in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The band will also embark on Paganfest USA Part II on April 28th along with labelmates KORPIKLAANI and BLACKGUARD among others.

Go here to check out some songs and tour dates.