Feeding in new genres or ideas, whatever the artist and no matter how disastrous it may be, is usually admirable. Not always, of course. But whenever a group, particularly one where they work in a genre of few differences, changes it up, it should be appreciated. Alter Bridge try this on a self-titled album that follows a few hints of change. They’ve grown with the genre rather than against it, and that means they’re now reliable hands who can flirt with a few new instrumental flourishes. A little heavier here, a moody progressive rock tone appears occasionally on this self-titled release. Those little changes on Alter Bridge are welcome, because the fundamentals of their writing, the vocal strength of frontman Myles Kennedy, it remains the same. All you can ask, then, is a band with this growing longevity hit the right notes. Alter Bridge is a name many will know in passing, a band whose hit song has a higher notoriety than the band. It happens, though Alter Bridge proves they’re bigger than any one track with this impressive, self-titled album.
This self-titled piece is often quite surprising. Opener Silent Divide filters in all those progressive rock and sub-genre experiments nicely, rising and falling with the broad strokes of alternative metal as a steady foundation. Instrumental riffs which feel both complementary to the song and clinical in their delivery – specifically the mid-song guitar solo – are signs of real, honest, life. The same cannot be said for some of the band’s peers. It’ll never not be a gamble when engaging with these bands, because who knows what sluggish turnaround the alternative metal genre will offer next. Instrumentally, Alter Bridge walks a very fine line of impressive fret work and showy material. Crucially, though, is the benefit it gives to the song. Wailing guitar solos which back the credible meaning and honest writing the band brings to the table on their eighth studio album. Solid instrumental work like that closes out Silent Divide and opens Rue the Day, a song where the story is built around the exceptional guitar material.
A lot of Alter Bridge is solid alternative metal stock. Trust in Me has a fade out at the end which won’t inspire much of a thrill, but follow-up Disregarded has a rougher turn that’ll certainly appeal to those wanting a heavier sound. In finding a balance between accessible alternative metal and the tease of much harsher, punchier sound, the band risks alienating either crowd. But the balance is fantastic, and it may be a source of real interest to those who want an easier way into these genre stylings. It’s a solid entry point, and as a result there’s a little lost in the way of nuance or true riskiness. Even those genre stylings tire after a while, and with an hour of material at hand, Alter Bridge just about keeps things rolling along nicely.
Crucial to this rolling along feel is the band never flatlines. It never hits a point where the music blurs together, and if it does, it’s an intentional overlap of notes and a soft nod to melodic structure. Alter Bridge is a solid piece of work with few highlights. Hang by a Thread is a neat idea, the lyrical strength certainly bolstering the song that little bit more. Instrumentally sound work on the follow-up, too Scales Are Falling marks another light piece for the lyrics but strong guitar riffs. It’s a back-and-forth that works for Alter Bridge. They don’t quite balance the two on one song bar the opening track, but there’s plenty to enjoy and nod along to. It’s not quite the point of their work, but there’s a lightness to this self-titled release that may give it a wider appeal, and thus get more ears on the band’s better works. Like that one hit they’re still trying to overcome.
