Alter Bridge
Fortress

If there is a band that in 2013, in such a poor music industry context, can stir up such a level of hype at the approach of a new music release, it is definitely Alter Bridge. The reasons are of various nature; in recent years, aside from the release of the controversial ABIII, they have released a much-appreciated live album (Live At Wembley), constantly gained critical acclaim with two tours around the world, and especially started a series of solo projects. It is only natural to expect a lot from a band that, album after album, gives more and more the conviction of knowing what they're doing, of knowing how to play good music, with a style profoundly changed over the years. The sounds of "One Day Remains," debut album of a band still heavily influenced by the then-recently disbanded Creed, are long gone.

Over the years, the group has moved on to writing songs with harder and less immediate sounds, a tangible sign of Tremonti's influence, who last year released an interesting solo album, "All I Was," clearly inspired by metal. Upon reaching the fourth release, Alter Bridge has made a step forward in evolution and in the search for new sounds, taking cues from their recent experiences. There is no doubt that among the most evident influences of this album is Tremonti's first solo effort, as some riffs are practically the same. However, it would be reductive to consider "Fortress" an album of leftovers from "All I Was." This album is much more. The first thing that stands out is that this album is the result of a lot of work. Every aspect of the album has been designed and studied in every single detail, starting with one of the most beautiful covers of recent years. According to Tremonti himself, it had been years since the group had so much time to devote to creating an album. The CD opens with "Cry Of Achilles," which is one of the most successful songs of their entire discography. After an acoustic intro (which brings to mind "Anastasia" by Slash) the song explodes into a journey sustained by Myles’ riffs and voice, with an immediate but not at all trivial chorus. Also notable are the two guitar solos that enrich a song that will become an absolute must in future concerts. After the first 6 and a half minutes, you already have the feeling that this work will bring satisfaction. Like, for example, "Bleed It Dry." A song that starts with a heavy and perhaps unusual riff but in the middle of the song transforms into something else. The song slows down, and Tremonti launches into a solo that recalls those of David Gilmour (albeit with all the obvious differences), creating this truly peculiar tempo change. Another song that will delight fans is "Calm The Fire." It is impossible not to recognize the influence of Muse, especially in the initial part. "Lover" is a song created from Kennedy's pen. Very similar to works with the "Mayfield Four," the song has the structure of a ballad without however the banality of a tearjerker chorus. Also decidedly successful are "Farther Than The Sun" and "Waters Rising," the latter featuring vocals from Tremonti.

The album closes beautifully with "All Ends Well," the only song that retraces calmer and less heavy sounds, with an applaud-worthy Myles. The title track is very similar to the opening song, with nods to Black Sabbath (midway through the song there is a rhythm "acceleration" typical of Iommi and co.'s works). Particular mention should be made of the Marshall-Phillips duo, which especially in this album, creates a solid and decisive rhythm section. Alter Bridge confirm they are a rising band, avoiding falling into the danger of déjà-vu, a problem nowadays of many musical realities. Because the Alter Bridge style is well marked, but it certainly isn't lacking in variety and at times even manages to positively surprise. "Fortress" seriously candidates itself to be one of the best hard rock albums of the year. A 2013 that, after rediscovering several more or less historic bands, welcomes with pleasure this new work from the Orlando band, making it clear that if this genre is played and written well, it can still provide satisfaction.