Avatar — “Night Never Ending,” from the album Feathers & Flesh (2016).
new music
Review: Alter Bridge’s The Last Hero
Band: Alter Bridge
Album: The Last Hero
Genre: Rock
Release Date: October 7, 2016
Standout Tracks: “Show Me a Leader,” “My Champion,” “Cradle to the Grave,” “You Will Be Remembered,” “Twilight,” and “The Last Hero”
I don’t know the best way to describe Alter Bridge’s The Last Hero. Several words come to mind — magnificent, flawless, great — but I don’t believe any of them quite cover it.
Chills erupt the instant “Show Me a Leader” begins. Musically, the track is exceptional, and lyrically, it is powerful and relevant and doesn’t pander to either side, a feat that is very difficult. Vocalist/guitarist Myles Kennedy’s brilliant songwriting is showcased from the get-go.
“Show Me a Leader” is followed by two heavier tracks filled with social commentary, “Writing on the Wall” and “The Other Side.” Touching on an edgier, darker vibe, these two songs should satisfy even the pickiest of metalheads.
With the rapidity that only Alter Bridge can manage, the album then takes a complete one-eighty, and we are given “My Champion.” I would categorize this as a more basic rock song musically, except for that guitar solo. However, the words are some of the most beautiful I have ever heard. Myles is the king of encouragement, of writing lyrics that make you both laugh and cry. “My Champion” is my favorite, by far.
After this breather, the album plunges back into the harder side of things, with the darkly melodic “Cradle to the Grave” and “This Side of Fate.” These precede “You Will Be Remembered,” the only thing resembling a ballad on The Last Hero. Beautifully written, this is definitely another highlight for me.
The album concludes with the title track, “The Last Hero,” a fitting close to such an amazing album.
From the first second until the final note, The Last Hero is fabulous. Filled with tasty guitar licks and complex solos, carried by masterful bass and drums, and topped with Myles Kennedy’s million dollar voice, this album is a 66:13 rollercoaster ride, speaking of social frustration and hopelessness, but also of personal triumph and self-belief. As soon as it is over, you want to jump on again.
I don’t have a rating system, but The Last Hero gets 5/5 stars. After a three year wait, this Alter Bridge fan is 100% satisfied.
Album of the Week: Alter Bridge’s The Last Hero
The Last Hero is magnificent from start to finish! I will be posting a review next week, of both the new album and the Alter Bridge show I’m attending Wednesday 🙂 Don’t forget to pick up your copy; The Last Hero hits stores on October 7th.
October 2016 Rock Releases
I recently saw a list of all the rock albums being released in October and there are a lot! So I thought I’d list them here, just to put them all in one place for my followers. 🙂
Oct. 7th
- Alter Bridge: The Last Hero
- Candiria: While They Were Sleeping
- The Devil Wears Prada: Transit Blues
- Fit for a King: Deathgrip
- Green Day: Revolution Radio
- Meshuggah: The Violent Sleep of Reason
- NOFX: First Ditch Effort
- Saxon: Let Me Feel Your Power
- Sonata Arctica: The Ninth Hour
- Sum 41: 13th Hour
Oct. 14th
- Darkthrone: Arctic Thunder
- The Dillinger Escape Plan: Dissociation
- Red Fang: Only Ghosts
- Seeker: Loss
- Sonic Syndicate: Confessions
Oct. 21st
- Amaranths: Maximalism
- Destrage: A Means to No End
- I Prevail: Lifelines
- Korn: The Serenity of Suffering
- Obituary: Ten Thousand Ways to Die
- The Pretty Reckless: Who You Selling For?
- T.O.M.B.: Fury Nocturnus
- Wovenwar: Honor is Dead
Oct. 28th
- Anaal Nathrakh: The Whole of the Law
- Crowbar: The Serpent Only Lies
- Dope: Blood Money, Part 1
- Fair Warning: Pimp Your Past
- Helmet: Dead to the World
- Memphis May Fire: This Light I Hold
- Serpentine Dominion: Serpentine Dominion
- Dee Snider: We Are the Ones
- Testament: The Brotherhood of the Snake
- Ulcerate: Shrines of Paralysis
- Whores: Gold
New Music Monday: Alter Bridge & Shallow Side
Alter Bridge gave their fans a huge surprise this morning. Their first single from The Last Hero, “Show Me a Leader,” aired on Sirius XM Octane during Grant Random’s show.
Stream it here. The Last Hero is due out on 10/7. “Show Me a Leader” will be available for purchase tomorrow.
In local music news, Shallow Side has finally posted the official video for “Rebel”. The song is the debut single from their first full-length album One, set to be released later this year.
New Music From Marilyn Manson!…In 2017
Marilyn Manson has announced that his new record, Say 10, will be released on February 14th of 2017.
Also, in case you haven’t heard, Manson was given the 2016 Icon Award at the APMAs last night.
More News: Cold is Back!
So I saw this on Instagram. Apparently, Cold is going into the studio next month to begin work on a new album. Also, Terry Balsamo, formerly of Evanescence, is back in the band.
This makes me happy! I loved Cold, and I am very excited that they are coming back!
Happy Birthday + News
Today, we were given two great talents! Happy birthday to Ringo Starr and Brian Haner, Junior (aka Synyster Gates).
And now for the news: Alter Bridge had their listening party for the upcoming album last night. The title is The Last Hero, and it will be released in October. ❤
Weekly Focus: Rob Zombie, Day Seven
Rob Zombie — “Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a UFO,” from the album The Electric Warlock and Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser (2016).
