Alter Bridge did off course arise from the
ashes left behind when multi-million selling alternative metal act
Creed split up. Their debut album 'One Day Remains' was musically
superior to everything Creed ever recorded, but it didn't do much
for Alter Bridge sales wise. Now they are back with the important second
album entitled: 'Blackbird'. And with this album they just add
another layer to the strong foundation build with their debut
album; they add new dimensions and aspects to their sound and style.
Alter Bridge has taken a huge step forward
with this album, not that 'One Day Remains' wasn't great in its own
terms, but 'Blackbird' is just so much better in every respect. And
this should be the record that puts Alter
Bridge on the big map, and make everybody forget about Creed.
Mark Tremonti has worked stronger together with Myles Kennedy on
this album and all of the songs as well as the sound benefits
greatly from their cooperation. The album comes across as a more
mature, complete and coherent effort. The sound has taken a nice
turn towards more heavier and fuller sounds, and I really like this
move and applauds them for taking a risk and follow their roots and
beliefs.
Myles Kennedy has been fully integrated in the
sound and they have grown together as a band, have matured and are
just a tighter unit. 'Blackbird' is a more adventures rock album
with an even more ominous edge, the lines are drawn sharper and
everything has been worked out to perfection.
Mark Tremonti excels as a songwriter and guitarist
on this album, and he delivers a sovereign impression as rhythm and
lead guitarist, and he has found his perfect contrast
in Myles Kennedy as second guitarist. Myles has found his own style
as a vocalist and fits the music like two peas in a pod. The rhythm
section of Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips has never
sounded tighter, and I am very impressed with the drumming on this
album, which is ultra precise and sharp.
'Blackbird' is an hour of great music, where songs
like "Brand New Start", "Rise Today" and "Wayward One" among many
great songs shine very bright, but the album reaches its absolute
climax with the title track, which has rock classic written all over
it.
'Blackbird' is for me one of the best rock albums
of 2007 and an album with the capacity to become a timeless and
classic rock album.
Awesome
