After a few listens, I am really digging the new Alter Bridge record. The first single, Rise Today, gave me a bad first impression.. quite bland. The rest of the album is rockin' though. Lead vocalist Myles Kennedy displays an impressive range, and guitarist Mark Tremonti shreds effectively. This is a departure from their first album, One Day Remains, which felt like a Creed afterthought blended with a bit of harder rock. With Myles Kennedy much more involved in the writing process on the new album, it seems Alter Bridge has established their own creative vision.

This new vision is evident in the title track, Blackbird, the strongest cut on the record. I will venture to call it epic. Clocking in at almost eight minutes, it feels about half that time.

Alter Bridge - Blackbird

Highlights

• Blackbird
• Ties That Bind
• Brand New Start
• Watch Over You