Album review: Alter Bridge – Alter Bridge

Any long-term assessment of Alter Bridge leaves them looking like one of this century’s most unflappably awe-inspiring rock acts. This year marks 22 years since they released their One Day Remains debut, and while the band members – particularly frontman Myles Kennedy and guitarist Mark Tremonti – have frequently taken time out to pursue other projects, every time they’ve reunited it has been with renewed conviction and closely realised firepower. Never has that been truer than right now. Confidently self-titled, Alter Bridge the album is as honed with power, emotion and top-level writing as anything this bravura outfit has released.

Opener Silent Divide bullies its way into your head via Mark's rollercoaster of a guitar sound. You can feel everything from Jerry Cantrell to Ozzy legend Randy Rhoads within that ironclad grip. Myles, meanwhile, is one of the few vocalists in rock who can elevate a song by himself, the upper reaches of his range replete not just with enviable accuracy but, crucially, pointed emotion.

Rue The Day and What Lies Within are further wins for this seasoned partnership, while on the no less beguiling Tested And Able – from Pantera power to enveloping melody – the collaboration is almost reversed, with Mark singing the verses. In vivid contrast, the semi-acoustic Hang By A Thread is a clear nod to 2007 classic Watch Over You, only this time the protagonist has put their thoughts in order, is over the worst.

If you had to pick a best track from an album without any weak entries, that accolade might go to Scales Are Falling. It’s partly the killer chorus, but quite by accident it’s one of those songs that’s come along at the right time, capturing the spirit of grim realisation many of us are feeling as leaders try to push us down ever darker paths. As relevant after all these years as they are musically brilliant, Alter Bridge’s return continues to make most mainstream acts look amateur.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Soundgarden, Metallica, Alice In Chains

Alter Bridge is out now via Napalm