Review Summary: Not far off the usual path, AB hit the nail on the head with their politically-charged and anthemic LP
Since the release of AB's acclaimed sophomore record Blackbird in 2007, the quartet has stayed on a steady path of increasingly heavier and progressive instrumentation, soaring vocals, deep lyrics, and their signature "epic"-style sounding production. their latest effort, being their 5th LP thus far, titled “The Last Hero” takes us deeper into the depths of creativeness presented by Alter Bridge, but strangely similar to their last effort, Fortress. This is of course meant with good intent.
Just hearing the opening minute-and-a-half intro to the opening track and lead single “Show Me A Leader” set off the sirens as being all too similar but in it’s own unique way to the quite progressive opener “Cry of Achilles" of their last LP. Also very apparent is the noticeable influence of heavier instrumentation on The Last Hero, most likely caused by the activeness of Mark Tremonti’s self-titled thrash/heavy metal band TREMONTI. The opening riffs of tracks like “Crows On A Wire” and “The Otherside” could fit comfortably onto any TREMONTI LP. As previously stated, the record is progressively heavier in terms of AB leaning towards their heavier metallic roots on this record and limiting lighter, yet beautiful moments found on One Day Remains, Blackbird, and ABIII. However, AB continue to flow handfuls of melody and some atmosphere into their new music. “Cradle To The Grave” is a good example of Tremonti combining cleaner chords with moody and heavy riffs and Kennedy flowing his atmospheric and dreamy yet powerful high-pitched vocals throughout the song. “You Will Be Remembered” is quite the modern revision of “In Loving Memory.” “My Champion” takes on more of a classic rock vibe throughout the song but is inevitably bogged down by being too blatantly generic radio rock in nearly all aspects. “This Side of Fate” and “The Last Hero” are arguably the most progressive and impressive songs on the record, presenting the capability of all the members of the band. Throughout the record, Phillips lays down solid drumming that backs up and adds a punch to Tremonti’s gut-wrenchingly heavy riffs. However, it feels like Brian Marshall’s solid bass lines aren’t as prevalent throughout the record as they were on past LP’s.
Lyrically, AB tens to place their focus on more politically-themed lyrics, for better or worse:
“Show Me A Leader” is the best example of these new political lyrics:
Show me a leader that won't compromise
Show me a leader so hope never dies
We need a hero this time
“The Otherside” has some of my personal favorite lines on the record and resemble how AB are still keeping their past in mind, resembling darker lyricism from ABIII:
The trigger warm, anticipating
The ritual's begun
You think that Heaven's gates are waiting
But only Hell will come
However, AB flopped on “My Champion,” with its noticeably optimistic yet painfully generic lines:
Sometimes you fall before you rise
Sometimes you lose it all to find
You've gotta keep fighting
And get back up again
My champion
Oh, my champion
Overall, AB really progress to do what they do best. They produce ear-catching instrumentation flowing with melodic and atmospheric vocals produced into their signature “epic” sound that really stands out among the rest. But as much as I love the LP as a whole, I was letdown by the limited options to receive the album with the One Day Remains B-Side “Breathe," arguably the most emotional performance by Kennedy on this record backed by Creed-esque instrumentation. Nonetheless, job well done with another solid LP.
Recommended Tracks:
Cradle To The Grave
The Otherside
Crows On A Wire
This Side of Fate
The Last Hero
Poison In Your Veins
EDIT: Just listened to the ODR B-Side "Breathe" on my Best Buy pre-order. Really surprised they didn't release this back then, sounds better than some of the songs on ODR and would fit in perfectly. Nonetheless an enjoyable nostalgic song. I immediately noticed the rawer production of Myles's vocals, which sounds on par with his vocals from that album era. Really appreciated tremonti's playing on this one and was glad to be able to hear the bass and drums fill nicely.
