Blackbird
Alter Bridge
Released – 2007 by Universal Republic
Track list
1. Ties That Bind
2. Come to life
3. Brand New Start
4. Buried Alive
5. Coming Home
6. Before Tomorrow Comes
7. Rise Today
8. Blackbird
9. One By One
10. Watch Over You
11. Break Me Down
12. White Knuckles
13. Wayward One
14. We Don’t Care At All (Bonus Track) |
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I avoided Alter Bridge for years because of the Creed factor but after hearing some of the new album I went out and picked it up as well as their first ‘One Day Remains’. If I’d have got to ‘Blackbird’ sooner I would have certainly included it in my top albums of 2007. This is exactly the giant leap Alter Bridge needed to take as they deliver a huge melodic hard rock metal album to finally bury the past.
‘Blackbird’ is metallic, heavy and powerful, full of stinging guitar solos, good song writing and another slick production that reminds me of Motley Crue’s self titled effort. Its modern mainstream rock but done with its feet firmly planted in the heavy metal deep end throwing out some great melodious vocals on top of a crushing wall of sound, all while incorporating some great technical playing from the bands heavy hitters, Scott Phillips (drums) and Mark Tremonti (guitar).
Of course there are a few slower ballads, the title track ‘Blackbird’ at almost 8 mins long and ‘Brand New Start’ being the pick of those, but it’s the ear bleeding ball busters that will have you head banging away with fury. Opening track ‘Ties That Bind’ sets the tone and bursts out of the gate impressively. ‘Come to life’ ‘Buried Alive’ ‘Coming Home’ ‘One By One’ and ‘White Knuckles’ all rumble on in sheer heavy delight with BLS style guitar squeals, Mick Mars flavoured solos and a riff or two that sound as though Tony Iommi had written them.
‘Buried Alive’ is an instant favourite and should’ve had greater chart success with its commercial feel through the chorus while ‘One By One’ and ‘White Knuckles’ should please more than a few masochistic metal heads out there. Myles Kennedy is far more impressive on this album than ‘One Day Remains’ and Mark Tremonti plays as if his life depends on it. But it should be noted Kennedy also plays guitars and contributes some impressive riffing and solos of his own.
Everything just seems to come together on ‘Blackbird’ with the band putting in a great performance. But Alter Bridge can go even further from here and hopefully they continue down this path because they’re only just scratching the surface albeit with amazing results. Don’t dismiss these guys as being those dudes from Creed or as a modern alt rock group. Have a listen to ‘Blackbird’ and you’ll see they are a legitimate hard rock band with a lot to slap you around. A band to watch.
Visit: www.alterbridge.com – www.myspace.com/alterbridge
