Roadrunner Records

I recall seeing these guys live on their first tour in their home town of Orlando, Florida and was captivated then by the power and presence of Alter Bridge, only hoping this was not a flash in the pan, one album wonder. Well here we are at album number three and man what a band they’ve become. Their last outing ‘Blackbird’ was certainly a darker affair and AB III keeps the same heavy atmosphere with the occasional shimmer of light to break things up. Considering that there are three quarters of Creed present in Alter Bridge the two bands could not be more different, thanks to their not so secret weapon in the shape of vocalist, Myles Kennedy. It is no wonder this guy has been snapped up by Slash for his touring band and was also rumoured to have been approached by Jimmy Page for the Led Zeppelin job, his voice simply soars majestically with power and pitch perfect precision.

‘Slip To The Void’ is our first taste of the album and certainly builds in atmosphere for what’s in store as it explodes into Mark Tremonti riff power. Quickly followed by ‘Isolation’ the avalanche of riffs and melodies engulfs you like a wall of soaring sound.

What is apparent from a few spins is the many influences present, listen hard and you can pick out some Journey, Metallica and even a shade of U2 all mixed into the pot to form the Alter Bridge sound.

‘Still Remains’ has the killer bridge and chorus complemented by yet another raucous riff and the power ballad ‘All Hope Is Gone’ is more power than ballad.

Alter Bridge have certainly grown better with age with this latest opus hopefully catapulting them to even greater success while Myles‘ time with other musicians has certainly reinvigorated him.

Every single track on this album has a monumental chorus along with a few obligatory lighters-in-the-air moments; it amazes me how they manage to sustain such power, passion and consistency for fourteen tracks.

Bringing this chapter to a close ‘Words Darker Than Their Wings’ is another fine example of their craftsmanship, the ultimate mix of classic rock and modern day influences.

Alter Bridge have once again delivered a colossal album of gigantic proportions; all I ask for in an album is for it to make me smile and press the repeat button… AB III has certainly accomplished that on both counts.

 
5/5

Track Listing:-