The Mix: ‘Fortress’ builds a legacy of rock (review)

By Michael Bachmann ’17

It’s time to break down the walls of “Fortress.” Alter Bridge’s epic 12 song record is a magnitude of profound sound, musicianship and emotion. Its balance of hard rock and gentle ballads is perfect. Guitarist Mark Tremonti and vocalist Myles Kennedy have exquisitely mastered this record which truly comes to life when that first track drops. It is a true demonstration of pure hard rock.

The fortress is built around the initial track “Cry of Achilles,” which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Within it are new ideas that coincide with familiar ones that will appease true die hard fans. The band’s hit single off the record, “Addicted to Pain,” is a heavy, screaming rocker with sizzling guitar riffs and a chorus driven by Kennedy’s melody. This is definitely a hallmark of Alter Bridge’s signature sound, but it also stands out the most — for good reason.

The beast is unleashed in “Bleed it Dry,” when Mark Tremonti absolutely tears it up with some of the most intricate guitar solos he’s ever produced. Though these solos are dark and brutal, they are countered by a beauty within each individual note. Drummer Scott Phillips is also able to show off a bit with some technical fills and groovy beats.

All of this loud, heavy music is put to a sudden halt with “Lover,” a soft ballad with melancholy lyrics and a dark sadness. Kennedy is the shining star on this song, delivering lyrics in such an emotive manner only he can achieve. This one is sure to give you goosebumps.

Jumping ahead a little bit, “Cry a River” is a more new-age Alter Bridge work. The band experiments with polyrhythmic time signatures through this fast-paced rock. It’s a perfect song for headbanging with its kick-down-the-door pace, especially towards the end. A smashing breakdown concludes the work, making it one of the most emphatic finishes on the album.

Back-to-roots anthem “All Ends Well” goes back to Alter Bridge’s roots, relating closely to a lot of their earlier material. It’s another one of those arm-swaying melodies that provides a universal meaning through his lyrics.

At the conclusion of the album, “Fortress” ties it all together. The complexion of this song can be interpreted in many ways. Whether its ambient, melodic, or heavy, this song has it all. It is the perfect summation of what the entire album entails.

“Fortress” is epic. Alter Bridge embodies so many fantastic musical elements that makes them a standout band. This album elevates their potential to a whole new level. It shows no signs of decline. The music has been perfected, and the fortress has been constructed.