Even seven albums in, there is still a small part of the mind that needs reminding that US hard rockers Alter Bridge have not just burst on to the scene. Having been arena headliners wherever they go, it still feels like that the band have even further heights to reach, certainly outside of their native country.
Even eighteen years after their debut, it still feels like it is simply a matter of time until those heights are reached.
With a sense of refinement overall, it certainly feels like this is the intent on latest album Pawns And Kings (Napalm Records).
Whilst the sound of Alter Bridge hasn’t hugely deviated across their career, there is notable contrast between some of the more explorative nature of earlier albums such as Blackbird and Fortress, compared to 2019’s comparatively compact Walk The Sky, coupled with guitarist Mark Tremonti’s namesake band clearly becoming his more overtly Metal output, even if that metallic streak is somewhat present. Pawns And Kings follows in its predecessor’s footsteps in its shorter, more radio friendly song durations and structures for the most part.
Thankfully it also maintains that earnest sensibility the band have showcased their entire career.
Essentially, Pawns And Kings is not going to deliver many surprises to those familiar with the band, but with that expectation comes the assurance that at times, Alter Bridge are quite simply sublime. The likes of album opener ‘This Is War’, ‘Dead Among The Living’ and ‘Holiday’ are hook-laden, mid-paced numbers with towering choruses which lend themselves to huge stages.
Guitarist Tremonti takes lead vocals on the poignant ‘Stay’ which is the closest to the obligatory ballad that the band have offered on previous albums which have often been their most strikingly emotional moments, and whilst it may not have that resonance of the likes of ‘Wonderful Life’, it does offer a sincerity and hopefulness that the band are maestros at conveying.
The band’s ultimate weapon still remains the unmistakable vocals of Myles Kennedy, which remain ever emotive and powerful, able to carry both the anthemic aspects and the more delicate aspects, shown firmly in the album’s long player ‘Fable Of The Silent Son’ with its stripped back, fragile openings through to its build and gradually increasing pace.
It is quite easy to overlook how long Alter Bridge have been around for, and perhaps it is also taken that whilst they have not evolved their sound hugely in that time, they excel at what they do and have delivered some spectacular moments. Pawns And Kings continues on that trend, meaning you will know what to expect going in. Alter Bridge are arena regulars for a reason, and that reason is how immediate their songs are whilst coupled with an honesty and heart which is conveyed throughout.
Buy the album here: https://lnk.to/PawnsAndKings
7 / 10
CHRIS TIPPELL