Swashbuckle was formed in early 2005 when bassist Patrick Henry and guitarist Justin Greczyn met each other at a Red Lobster and realized their mutual love for thrash metal and pirates.

[4] The band members then took up the stage names of Admiral Nobeard (Henry), Commodore Redrum (Greczyn), Captain Crashride (Soganic), and Rowin' Joe Po (Potash).

They completed the European Paganfest tour alongside Korpiklaani, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Unleashed, Alestorm, and Ex Deo in September 2009.

They appeared on the Monsters of Death tour in November and December 2009 alongside Vader, Decrepit Birth, Warbringer, The Amenta, and Augury.

The band also took part in the 70000 Tons of Metal Festival along with other well known acts such as Amon Amarth, Exodus, Fear Factory, Sabaton, Sodom, Nevermore, Testament, Obituary, Death Angel and Ensiferum.