Alter Bridge
AB III

If the first album was the revelation and the second the confirmation, the third is the consecration.

In their third studio work, after "One Day Remains" (2004) and "Blackbird" (2007), my (our?) heroes show how one can grow, mature, progress, change direction... and at the same time be consistent with themselves, with their musical vision.

Those who love music should (at least) appreciate Alter Bridge; recognize in Miles Kennedy the only living man comparable (in timbre and vocal abilities) to the unparalleled Jeff Buckley, delight in the riffs and solos of Mark Tremonti. This duo (aided by the excellent Scott Philips and Brian Marshall) has marked the rock music of the decade, gaining acclaim worldwide. But... to be able to feel such sentiments, evidently, one must have a rather open perception of music and life: refrain from being anchored to the past, self-proclaimed genre experts, and denigrators of modernity.

"AB III", officially released on October 12, 2010, is therefore the long-awaited return of the American band and in the opinion of the one speaking to you, a complete work: a fresco of genres and sensations to discover, savor... listen after listen. Bright ("Fallout"), dark and nostalgic ("All Hope is Gone", "Coeur D'Alene" and "Life Must Go On"); metallic ("Isolation"); at times too sweet ("Ghost of Days Gone By" and "Breathe Again"), but still effective.

66 minutes of ideas expressed with awareness, a desire to experiment, passion, and love for their "work".

The right reward after an eager wait.

Favorite track: the long "Show Me a Sign", a natural continuation of that contemporary art gem called "Blackbird". But in the substantial tracklist, there are many points of interest: from the unpredictable intro of "Slip to the Void" to the powerful riff of "Still Remains"; passing through the enchanting melody of "Wonderful Life", the long solo of "Make it Right", the immediacy of "I Know it Hurts", and reaching the final surprise of "Words Darker Than Their Wings".

Given and explored the premises, it's all too easy for me to wish you a good listen.

Tracklist

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

They will be in Italy in December, for four dates. (Rome, Milan, Padua, Nonantola)

I already have the ticket in my pocket.