Alter Bridge – Pawns & Kings
7/10
I think that the one word I would use to describe Alter Bridge is dependable. I will not pull any punches, “Blackbird” is my favorite album so far from this band. And I hold that up to compare releases after.
I know, I try to judge every album as individual as I possibly can. But I am a mere human. “Pawns & Kings” is a good album. It does not however include 10 unforgettable songs, it is not career-defining, and it is simply but, not so many new apples falling from the same tree.
What one has to say is that the music this group creates always hold a high standard, lyrics, composition, deliverance and producing of the finished product is always good.
We get ourselves a 10-track meal delivered where you do not get that surprised. It sounds like Alter Bridge. The riffs can somewhat lean towards the more progressive side of rock music at times. Myles Kennedy delivers as he always does. Good lyrics and good harmonies in the belting of the same. I like that Mark Tremonti has been given more vocal duties. The two combine beautifully on the track “Stay” where Mark does the lead. Even the music in this song sounds like it could have ended up on a Tremonti album.
What Alter Bridge does have, and should have credit for is that they can deliver songs that can emotionally affect you and make you feel every tone through your bones. “Fable of the Silent Son” is that kind of a song. Painful tone in the vocals and a downer of a riff is a song you carry with you for a while.
There are more upbeat songs like “Silver Tongue” that is happier and has an easier accessibility to it. The same goes for “This Is War”.
My favorite track is “Deas Among the Living”. It is one of the heavier songs on the album, but it also has a softer approach in the verse. The chorus is what comes closest to the catch side that I adore about Alter Bridge. Nicely composed song all around.
I think and hope a little bit that Alter Bridge continues to be dependable. They are almost like meat and potatoes of rock music. You know you will probably like it and how it will taste. If I could have one wish, I would like to be surprised a bit more how nice meat and potatoes can be.
Band: Alter Bridge
Title: Pawns & Kings
Label: Napalm Records
Date of release: 2022-10-14
Rate: 7/10
Stand Out Track: Dead Among the Living.
Country of Origin: USA
Playing Time: 53:37
