"Slip to the Void" is one of my top-5 tracks from AB. It's so moody, so everything I like about rock and metal. I saw the AB III tour twice (Seattle and San Francisco) and it was bad ass seeing them play that live on that tour. I've seen it a couple of more times and it never gets old. I am sure they will bring it back on the next tour.
For me (and I know others disagree, but that's the beauty of it), I very much liken AB to a more thrash-riff inspired Queensryche (the original band). The drop-jaw vocalist, two-guitar attack where their styles play off one another, and a distinct effort to present lyrics that represent a variety of things (social commentary, darker undertones, etc.). And a rhythm section that is so under appreciated for their talent because of the main songwriters in the band are just that good. AB checks all the boxes for me.
I just wish Alter Bridge would get away from Elvis Baskette and Jef Moll in the studio. I know AB loves those two guys, and I am sure they are great. But all of AB's records sound the exact same since they came on board with Blackbird in 2007. It was cool for a couple of records, but now the sound is just - "okay, here is another typical sounding AB record." A good example is The Last Hero. When that record came out, for the longest time, I had a hard time listening. It was a wall of sound. There were some great songs, and I could pick them out. But everything was so washed out. I go back now, with fresh ears, and while it is still a wall of sound, after working at it, I hear all the little nuances that escape general listening...because the sound is just so in your face. I don't mind working at it to enjoy something. But it shouldn't be difficult.
There are hints AB's studio team is trying to be more dynamic. They used panning a bit on the guitars on Pawns & Kings, which was nice to hear. But they should use it more - try having Myles' vocals, depending on the line and what he is conveying, come from a different angle, etc. Separate the instruments better and give people more clarity. I'm not saying for an intense moment not to have that wall - yes, when they need to brutally crush you, go for it. But every instrument should not be up in your face the entire time.
I continue to hope (may be a futile effort) that once they go their separate ways in a few weeks, and come back to AB in 2025 or 2026, they'll take a good look at their sound, and tell Baskette and Moll to dial back the wall a bit, or just go and grab a different mixer. Jens Bogren, who did Fates Warning's Theories of Flight is a contemporary studio guy that I think would do a phenomenal job with AB. I'd also love to hear (going a bit old school) what Terry Date may bring to them as well. I know it is a pointless hope, but I'll keep hoping.
Finally, I hope the next AB record takes the next step for them -- a full on concept record. In some ways, I know AB III was, and as Myles said, Walk the Sky was his answer to AB III, so there are...themes prevalent that link albums and songs. But I'd love for them to sit down together, and carve out the time to write a record old school. Myles and Mark write separately and combine stuff. It'd be nice if they carved out a few months to write together in real time, and give us something special. Time is fleeting, and no one is getting any younger. AB is financially solvent now (finally, after being in debt for their entire career), so they can take a risk. I know Walk the Sky took a bit of a risk incorporating synths. I thought it was a bit too reliant on those, but I appreciated what they went for. So go try a concept and experiment a bit. Hell, look what Mastodon (one of Myles' favorites) did with Hushed and Grim (one of my favorite albums, a double LP) - Go for it!
Topic: The Official Alter Bridge Thread v. PAWNS & KINGS (Read 262192 times)
