ALBUM REVIEW: “Alter Bridge” by Alter Bridge
It’s hard to believe that Alter Bridge have been around for 20 years now, and the guys show no signs of slowing down. Best known for their memorable riffs, infectious vocal melodies and duelling guitar attack, Alter Bridge are Myles Kennedy (vocals & guitar), Mark Tremonti (guitar & vocals), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums). They released their debut album “One Day Remains” in 2004 and their most recent, “Pawns and Kings” in 2022.
Now, they’re back with their 8th studio album, the self-titled “Alter Bridge”.
The new album has all the hallmarks of a great Alter Bridge album – those Tremonti power riffs and Kennedy's soaring tenor vocals which just suck you into the music. But there’s something different about this album. Self-titled albums are often debut’s so for album number 8….. maybe it shows a new direction, a new phase / lease of life ? Quite possibly, because this album is HEAVY !
It sets the heavy tone early on with opener Silent Divide which is epic, driven by that classic Tremonti’s signature guitar sound and those rich, lush Kennedy vocals.
Rue the Day, brings in a darker feel with it’s harmony packed chorus sections and some memorable hooks. That heavy edge is back in force for the appropriately entitled Power Down which is packed with power and emotion. It’s fast paced with some delicious guitar licks over which Kennedy’s vocals sore high, one that surely will be a favourite in the new live set.
Trust in Me opens with some thunderous riffs before settling into a more mellow pace, but packs some punch ! Disregarded hits hard with it’s opening, heavy and hard the guitars sounding like something from Mushroomhead. It has a darker also eerie edge to it. A real diversion from the usual Alter Bridge sound and well worth it !
That heavy edge continues with What Lies Within with its pounding rhythm section and Soaring vocals. The riffs are heavy and crisp, every element identifiable and coming together perfectly. A real showcase track, especially for Kennedy’s vocals.
Maybe my track of the album is Hang By A Thread. The tempo drops to a slow burn with this one, and it just drips in a deep and dark mood, tinged with a distinct country edge to it. It builds and intensifies, and the vocals rise and soar majestically.
That heavy intensity returns with Playing Aces, which blasts out at you from the speakers with its pulsing power and energy, a track that focuses on pushing on and trying despite how many times you’ve stubbled or lost your way in life. Check out the video for Playing Aces on YouTube below:
The album closes out with Slave to Master, a slow brooding melancholic introduction, with dark, brooding lyrics like “Ease your mind, and do not fear, the violence in their eyes. Hold on tight, the new machine, has left us out to dry”. Another brewer, that builds and grows and transitions into a powerhouse anthem.
The twin talents of Kennedy and Tremonte are once again at the fore, Kennedy’s vocal’s on fine form, especially impressive in the slower, darker tracks, and Tremonte’s trademark riffs. A band that delivers time and time again, and on “Alter Bridge” with its fine balance between hard and heavy power and dark brooding soul, they show once again, why they are so popular.
“Alter Bridge” is a fine album, with something for all metal fans, and worthy of a 9.0 from LiveWire Music
“Alter Bridge” Tracklist
01. Silent Divide
02. Rue The Day
03. Power Down
04. Trust In Me
05. Disregarded
06. Tested And Able
07. What Lies Within
08. Hang By A Thread
09. Scales Are Falling
10. Playing Aces
11. What Are You Waiting For
12. Slave To Master
To support the new album, Alter Bridge are hitting the road soon on a US and European headline tour. The 31-date tour of Europe will kick off on January 15 in Germany before it wraps on March 5 in Nottingham, UK. Joining the band on this leg of the tour will be Daughtry and Sevendust.
And on Saturday 27 June, the grounds of Cardiff Castle in Wales will be shaken to their foundations as Alter Bridge's inaugural Blackbird Festival bursts onto the scene with a killer lineup the global rock heavyweights will headline. Launching their own festival marks a key moment for the band - not just as a celebration of their legacy, but as a bold step into curating their own live experience, bringing together a handpicked lineup of artists and connecting with fans in a whole new way. The group will be joined by Skindred, Florence Black, Cardinal Black, and one additional band yet to be announced. Tickets for the festival are on sale now via blackbirdfest.com.
More information on all tickets and VIP packages for the upcoming tours can be found at www.alterbridge.com.
UK headline dates announced
Feb 25 - NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM - Utilita Arena
Feb 26 - MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - AO Arena
Feb 28 - DUBLIN, IRELAND - 3Arena
Mar 02 - GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM - OVO Hydro
Mar 04 - LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - The O2
Mar 05 - NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - Motorpoint Arena
Jun 27 - CARDIFF, WALES - Blackbird Festival @ Cardiff Castle
