Origin: Switzerland
Formed: 2014
Genre: Folk Metal
Status: Name changed (became Calarook in 2019)
Label: Independent
Themes: Pirates
Calico was the first incarnation of what would later become Calarook, one of Switzerland’s most energetic pirate‑themed folk‑metal bands. Active from 2014 to 2019 in Winterthur, ZĂĽrich, Calico laid the foundation for the group’s identity: a blend of melodic folk instrumentation, seafaring humor, and metal riffing inspired by tales of piracy and nautical mischief. Their music during this period was rawer and more exploratory, but the core elements—violin‑driven melodies, upbeat rhythms, and a theatrical pirate spirit—were already firmly in place.
The band’s sole release under the Calico name, the self‑titled EP Calico (2017), captured their early sound with a mix of folk‑metal energy and playful storytelling. The EP showcased the interplay between violin and guitars, supported by driving percussion and charismatic vocals. Though modest in production, it demonstrated the band’s potential and helped them build a local following.
By 2019, the group decided to evolve both musically and conceptually, adopting the new name Calarook to mark a fresh chapter. This transition brought a clearer artistic direction, heavier arrangements, and a more polished approach to pirate‑themed metal. Several members continued into the new era, ensuring continuity while allowing the band to expand creatively.
Calico remains an important part of the band’s history—a formative stage where their identity took shape and their signature blend of folk instrumentation and pirate bravado first emerged.
Yves Locher – Drums (–2019)
Nico Wiget – Guitars (–2019)
Lukas Mischler – Violin (–2019)
Philipp Wyssen – Vocals (–2019)
Past members
Janine Wild – Violin (2015–2017)
Fabian Sean Ott – Bass (2016–2019)
Calico – EP, 2017