Review ALTER BRIDGE “Alter Bridge”

Alter Bridge has typically released their new album in October, following a pattern of about three years. While the latter is still ongoing, the new album is ready to be shipped to the record stores in January. The band’s eighth album features twelve songs that embody the core principles of the Alter Bridge sound.

Entitled simply “Alter Bridge,” the album starts with a song called “Silent Divide.” The song was also the lead single and showcases Alter Bridge’s heavier side. Driven by Mark Tremonti’s signature guitar sound and Myles Kennedy’s impressive vocals, the song provides a dark and heavy opening. These characteristics are also reflected in “What Lies Within,” the second song the band revealed. Superb vocal lines combined with heavy riffing and a pounding rhythm make “What Lies Within” a roaring moment on the album, and “Playing Aces” is more than just another song. “Playing Aces,” though, is a throbbing tune that addresses the mindset of risking it all regardless of how many times you’ve stumbled in life. “Playing Aces” showcases an energetic band, and the first three songs are great previews of the entire album.

“Rue the Day” is a somber song with a harmonious chorus and a memorable hook before “Power Down” takes the lead. It bursts with energy, and Termonti’s brilliant riffing shines brightly. “Power Down” is considered to be one of the heaviest moments of Alter Bridge, as it is characterized by the energy that is brought out in the song.

“Trust in Me” is another notable song. It carries a basic level of melancholy and roars out of the speakers at a slow pace. Compared to the up-tempo “Power Down,” “Trust in Me” is the doom-laden counterpart that exemplifies Alter Bridge’s versatility.

Eerie and multifaceted, the somber “Disregarded” gives way to the heavily pounding beat of “Tested and Able.” The mainstream side of Alter Bridge is exemplified by a song in which Myles Kennedy’s vocals take center stage.

Alter Bridge’s new album is convincing, with many twists, such as the rocking half-ballad “Hang by a Thread,” which hands things over to the sinister beginning of “Scales Are Falling.” The latter is a gloomy tune, and it takes a while for the song to blossom.

“Alter Bridge” spreads a dark mood from start to finish. While great melodies add a ray of sunshine to the darkness, songs like the epic closer, “Slave to Master,” represent the album’s greatness. The last track is a summary of what the album and band stand for. Myles Kennedy’s voice is front and center, of a song that begins calmly. Slowly but surely, the tune grows in intensity, leading to a superb chorus that maintains a strong melodic quality without compromising heaviness. The peaceful middle section provides an opportunity to take a deep breath and enjoy the vast soundscapes and Mark Tremonti’s impressive solo.

“Alter Bridge” is an album with a well-selected title that sums up more than two decades of Alter Bridge’s work. The band, known for consistently producing excellent music, has released one of their most versatile and emotionally charged albums to date. This longplayer is a next pivotal release of a band that is known for consistently surprising listeners with albums that outshine their predecessors.