ALTER BRIDGE: BlackBird (GRUNGE): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

At the beginning there was Creed, an American post-grunge band from Florida marked by a remarkable success overseas and by more than 40 million records sold worldwide However, the notorious states of depression of the singer Scott Stapp led the band, under Tremonti's guidance, to free itself from its services and put an end to the Creed adventure in 2004. The same year, rising from the ashes, Alter Bridge appeared, led by the former musicians of Creed and Myles Kennedy's vocals.

After the release in 2004 of 'One Day Remains', Alter Bridge's first album, it became clear that stylistic changes were not on the agenda. Obviously the recipe used by Tremonti during the Creed years - and largely profitable - was going to be released again to the delight of their fans. Three years later, what about their new baby "Blackbird"?

Well, as usual, this famous recipe, based on a dichotomy between heavy metal tracks and melodramatic melodies, is once again surfacing. As usual, the interpretation is flawless. Tremonti's mastery of feeling, his solos and shredding are not lacking, Scott Phillips' drums still pulsate with the same enthusiasm, while Kennedy takes on his role as a frontman with dignity, moving from the typical hoarseness of the genre to sweet and welcoming melodies.

As usual, Alter Bridge knows how to use the composition talent of its members. Occupying a ground privileging a powerful and technical metal, the titles, like the most representative in this field "White Knuckles", take up all the space they are given and open onto almost ragged choruses so obvious is their effectiveness. Softening the corners, some movements take the side of emotion, and in a very beautiful way: "Brand New Start", the most epic and grandiose "Blackbird" or the light and folk "Watching Over You" decorate the album with a relative sweetness.

However, as usual, the quality of the songs is disparate and some remain anecdotal. For example, "Rise Today" or "Break Me Down" do not trigger the same euphoria as most of their colleagues, even though they are based on the same patterns.

So, what's new at Alter Bridge? A change of Label? Not enough to make their music evolve. Some will say that the Alter Bridge sound has become heavier, but this is only verified on a minority of tracks... For the fifth time, Tremonti and his henchmen offers us some hits but are not moving the band beyond the already traced paths. However, even if the music remains clearly formatted, it remains attractive and even allows for repeated listening. - Official website

ALTER BRIDGE

BLACKBIRD

UNIVERSAL

GRUNGE