Artist: Alter Bridge Album: Fortress

Year: 2013
Duration: 0:0-1

Breaking Down Alter Bridge's Fortress Album: A

Alter Bridge, consisting of four members Myles Kennedy, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips, have been making music since 2004. Their fourth studio album, Fortress, was released on October 8, 2013. This album beautifully blends their signature rock sound, heavy metal riffs, and captivating lyrics that speak of life, love, and loss. In this review, we'll dive deep into the tracks of Fortress, dissecting the different elements that make it an iconic album.
The album begins with the energetic guitar riffs of Cry of Achilles, setting the tone for what's to come. The song features powerful vocals by Kennedy, who exudes raw emotion with his high-pitched screams and softer notes. This song displays Alter Bridge's ability to switch between different tempos and guitar patterns seamlessly. Addicted to Pain, the second track, is a headbanger that features a groovy bassline and catchy chorus that leaves you wanting more.
One of the standout tracks of Fortress is Waters Rising which features Kennedy's soaring vocals and a guest appearance from Slash on lead guitar. The song speaks of the aftermath of a storm, with Kennedy's voice conveying the emotions of somebody trying to navigate through the wreckage. The Uninvited showcases Tremonti's heavy guitar riffs paired with Kennedy's lyrics that speak of staying true to oneself even when faced with adversity.
Peace is Broken is a powerful track that opens with an eerie acoustic guitar riff and escalates into a heavy-hitting metal track. The song's lyrics are a commentary on war and society's tendency to glorify conflict. All Ends Well, the final track of the album, is a beautiful ballad with an uplifting chorus that leaves listeners with a sense of hope. This song is proof that Alter Bridge can produce songs that are heavy on emotion and not just heavy metal riffs.
Although Fortress is an impressive album, it does have its flaws. The song Calm the Fire feels out of place with its slow tempo, and the lyrics of Lover feel generic and uninspired. However, these flaws are negligible compared to the rest of the album's strength. The album features a perfect balance of heavy and soft tracks, and the band's chemistry is evident in each song.
Fortress is undoubtedly a stunning album, and Alter Bridge deserve all the credit for delivering a masterpiece. The band's ability to create heavy metal tracks that are both poignant and well-crafted stands as a testament to their talent. From Kennedy's powerful vocals to Tremonti's guitar riffs, every member of the band played an integral part in making the album an iconic one. If you're looking for an album that features an impressive display of rock, heavy metal, and lyrical depth, then Fortress should be at the top of your playlist.