ALTER BRIDGE - AB III

Album: AB III
Artist: Alter Bridge
Label: Roadrunner Records

Alter Bridge, the American rock band hailing from Florida might always be shadowed by the fact that three of the four members of the line up are part of Creed, but there is one notable difference between the two, and that's AB III. While previous albums 'One Day Remains' and 'Blackbird' were noticibly heavily Creed-influenced, AB III separates itself from that to make it truly have its own prominent quality.

Starting off the album is the beautifully crafted 'Slip To The Void' with a soft yet enticingly chilling feel to the intro and vocals, until it erupts full force after a minute and a half. Frontman Myles Kennedy really shows off his vocal talent with this hard rock album, with his soothing voice which is certainly distinct and won't let you forget it in a while. Alter Bridge will keep you hooked with their incredibly infectious melodies that'll be drumming through your head all day long. 'Still Remains' is another stand out track with Tremonti's unique show of talent with his guitar, and not a bad backing vocalist either.

There are a lot of ballads in this album, but that doesn't mean to say they are at all depressing or boring, but instead helps to define what the band truly are, which is: truly charismatic. Alter Bridge know how to reel you in through-and-through, captivating the audience into a frenzy of the senses. One thing noticed is their are very few guitar solo's in this album, however this is no criticism of their work; instead the tracks match guitar rhythms with vocals in a pleasingly harmonious blend throughout. AB III is track listed perfectly, separating the stronger songs from one another to make an even flow of undulating waves in intensity from start to finish. "I Know It Hurts" is the type of track that you could stick on to bring your mood up. It's not the depressive type, despite what the title might make you think, instead it's an up-tempo song that'll keep away the negativity. Continuing on through the album, the mood rises and falls with each track, but you're always picked up again towards the finale of each track.

AB III has a very refreshing sound to make it one of the best made albums of the year thus far. Alter Bridge are definitely on the rise, and one to watch out for. If you're unfamiliar with their previous work, I would highly recommend picking up a copy of AB III to familiarise yourself with. The album isn't quite as metal as previous albums such as Blackbird, but the evolution of the band's sound, for me, makes this album surpass it's predecessor. Not one to be ignored, you won't be disappointed with this one.

Track Listing:

1. Slip To The Void
2. Isolation
3. Ghost Of Days Gone By
4. All Hope Is Gone
5. Still Remains
6. Make It Right
7. Wonderful Life
8. I Know It Hurts
9. Show Me A Sign
10. Fallout
11. Breathe Again
12. Coeur D'Alene
13. Life Must Go On
14. Words Darker Than Their Wings