ALTER BRIDGE
Pawns & Kings
Napalm Records
www.alterbridge.com
The Backstory
Pawns & Kings is the seventh album by ALTER BRIDGE. Led by guitarist Mark Tremonti (CREED) and vocalist Myles Kennedy (SLASH & THE CONSPIRITORS), and anchored by bassist Brian Marshall (CREED) and drummer Scott Phillips (CREED), ALTER BRIDGE have sold millions of albums, won numerous accolades, and toured the world many times over since their 2004 inception. ALTER BRIDGE turns to Michael “Elvis” Baskette once again to produce their latest Pawns & Kings.
The Album
ALTER BRIDGE declares “This Is War” on the opening track. The war they are referring to is the one within ourselves. The one we wage against our self-doubt and anxieties. The track delivers powerful drums and riffage, pierced by vocalist Myles Kennedy’s signature vocals. Kennedy wants you to realize your potential on the uplifting and heavy track “Dead Among The Living”.
A machine gun riff kicks off “Silver Tongue”. This is the tale of a villain so smooth he gets others to do his dirty deeds. The verses of “Sin After Sin” are dark and ominous, while the chorus kicks you in the teeth with melody and enthusiasm.
Guitarist Mark Tremonti steps up to the microphone on “Stay”. This mid-tempo rocker is an inspiring track about seizing your moment and becoming the best you that you can be, and shutting out the negativity. “Holiday” conveys the message that we all need a break from the rigors of life every once and a while.
“Fable of The Silent Son” is a textured 8+ minute track full of mixed tempos and emotions. It’s a message from father to son, mentor to pupil, mother to daughter, etc. that you should learn from my mistakes. “Last Man Standing” is about selling your soul for what you seek, but what good is it when you are all alone in the end.
ALTER BRIDGE wallops the listener with the album’s title track Pawns & Kings to round out the album. Kennedy and the gang give it their all as they build to the album’s fiery conclusion. The song is about rising up and becoming greater than you ever thought you could be.
The Verdict
There are great life lessons to be learned on Pawns & Kings, and they are delivered in the heaviest and most melodic way possible.
4.6 Out Of 5.0
