Alter Bridge - The Last Hero (2016)

Artwork: Daniel Tremonti
Photo Credits: Carlos Amoedo

Bron: www.alterbridge.com

Alter Bridge Is Not Done Yet

Alter Bridge is often called one of the busiest bands in the business. Due to lead singer Myles Kennedy fronting Slash & feat. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators on the side, and guitarist Mark Tremonti being busy with his own project Tremonti, it has been a while since we've heard some new music by Alter Bridge after "Fortress" (2013). Now, three years later, when the days have started to become darker, they return with a brand new album: The Last Hero. And man, have they returned!

Kicking off the album with first single "Show Me A Leader", the boys from Alter Bridge show immediately that this time it is real. The immense energy of the first few tracks set up the record brilliantly, but you can't help but feel as if something has crept into the music what seemed a little lost on Fortress. The record is a very emotional one, filled with beautiful lyrics about how the world and society has been treated lately. Myles Kennedy sounds better than ever. He has the remarkable ability to shift into even a higher gear when you thought he was at his top, and he does just that on The Last Hero. There is more emotion, more power, and somehow more credibility. His voice shines best in songs like "The Other Side", "Cradle To The Grave", and "The Last Hero".

In general, this album is a lot darker than its predecessor. However, what is an Alter Bridge album without some beautiful, uplifting songs. Fourth track "My Champion" is one of those, the major feel of the song puts a smile on your face from note one, and though the lyrics may seem a little cheesy at first, you start to feel them more and more every spin. Alter Bridge has always been a band with credible and honest lyrics, sometimes to the point of brutality, as in "Poison In Your Veins"; everything that could've been / has only failed to be / cause you wasted all your precious time / you were too afraid to dream.

Alter Bridge fans have been waiting on a new 'epic' since 2007's "Blackbird", with its title track becoming one of the most loved songs the band has ever produced. With ABIII's "Words Darker Than Their Wings", and the title track from "Fortress", the band released songs that were definitely more epic than average, but they didn't reach the heights of "Blackbird". However, this record they have more tricks up their sleeves. And these tricks are called "This Side of Fate" and "The Last Hero", two 6+ minute songs with an immensely epic feel. With "This Side of Fate" Alter Bridge brings something entirely fresh to the table. They have added more flavors to the sound that they have become known for, adding elements that sound very influenced by the legendary Queen, or more recently Muse. This all comes together in one amazingly written and performed song, an absolute highlight of the album and one that is exemplary for the entire album.

Alter Bridge is back, with renewed energy, and they sound bigger than ever. The combination of the old and new on this record mean only one thing: Alter Bridge are definitely not done with us yet!

Top Songs:

- The Other Side

- Cradle To The Grave

- This Side of Fate

- The Last Hero

Best lyric:

Tyrants overtaking intoxicate with lies
There is no escaping, not this time
The simple man receiving, defending every crime
Somehow still believing they are right
So hypnotized

("The Last Hero")

Musicians:

Myles Kennedy - Vocals, Guitar

Mark Tremonti - Guitar, Backing Vocals

Brian Marshall - Bass

Scott Phillips - Drums

Producer:

Michael "Elvis" Baskette

Recorded @:

Studio Barbosa, Orlando, FL

Released:

7 October 2016

Reviewed by:

Thijs Grootveld

Rating:

9/10