I’ve listened to Alter Bridge’s new self-titled album a few times now, and the more I sit with it, the more I appreciate what the band has done here. Alter Bridge has never been about chasing trends or trying to sound like anyone else. They know who they are, and this album sounds like a band that is confident, steady, and still hungry.
The album opens with “Silent Divide,” the first single released, and it’s a great way to start things off. It’s catchy and heavy, and Myles Kennedy’s vocal range really stands out here. “Rue the Day” follows with low-tuned, prowling riffs that feel dark and powerful. “Power Down,” released as a promotional single, keeps the energy high with a fast pace and lyrics that are easy to latch onto.
“Trust in Me” is a highlight for me, mainly because Mark Tremonti handles most of the vocals. The riffs are strong, and it’s one of those songs you can sing along to almost right away. “Disregarded” brings some fantastic drum work from Flip, mixed with heavy guitar parts, while “Tested and Able” might be one of the heaviest songs on the album, riff-wise. These two songs are two of my favorites on the album, for sure.
“What Lies Within” is a solid track that fits well in the middle of the record, and “Hang by a Thread” is a welcome change of pace. It’s a slower, melodic ballad, and it’s refreshing to hear something more emotional in the middle of such a heavy track list. I was really hoping that they would put out some slower songs on this record. That was one of the things I loved about their debut album over 20 years ago. They aren’t afraid to get vulnerable and sing with emotion. “Scales Are Falling” starts with a mysterious intro and feels familiar yet different for Alter Bridge, keeping things interesting.
“Playing Aces” is another strong entry with a great guitar solo, and while “What Are You Waiting For” doesn’t immediately stand out to me, it is still solid and fits the album well. The record closes with “Slave to Master,” a long, jam-style song that takes the listener on a ride. It may not reach the legendary status of “Blackbird,” but it’s easily one of the band’s best long-form songs and a lot of fun to get lost in.
While some individual songs may not stand out as much as tracks from past albums, the album as a whole is incredibly strong and probably one of my favorites in their discography. Alter Bridge continues to prove why they are one of the most consistent and reliable bands in the genre — and that’s no small thing. I really like this album a lot and am excited to see which songs they play from it on their next tour. For any Alter Bridge fan, this album is a must!
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