The fact that this bombastic opus from Alter Bridge is focused on our need for leaders and saviours in increasingly troubled times has made for the perfect marriage of music and message. These American rockers have always displayed resilience in the face of adversity and, as such, ‘The Last Hero’ is the musical equivalent of brazenly striding through Mordor holding the one ring aloft and yelling: “Come and get it.”
Inspired by the increasingly ugly, and frankly terrifying, build-up to the forthcoming US Presidential election, this is a loosely woven concept album that explores notions of heroism on a global, socio-political and personal level. Thematically cohesive and powerfully resonant, its passionate beliefs are matched by a sonic bombardment that combines the anthemic uplift of ‘Blackbird’ with the more progressive textures of ‘Fortress’.
The dynamic duo of vocalist Myles Kennedy and guitarist Mark Tremonti, aided by a Bruce Banner-gone-ballistic rhythm section, unfurl a tempest of thrilling interplay on what amounts to the most stylistically diverse record of the band’s career.
What’s truly impressive, though, is how that variety creates distinct musical motifs for certain groups of songs. Tracks that cry out for and salute heroic behaviour are delivered with archetypal hard rock dynamics, their stadium-sized choruses fit to whip up a sense of proud and proactive defiance.
Show Me A Leader unleashes a stampede of boxing rhythms, tremolo picking and overdriven fury as it calls for a dignified commander-in-chief to unite behind, while Poison In Your Veins and the riff-happy Losing Patience both boast inspirational hooks that will stir your inner strength when all seems lost.
Elsewhere, victory song My Champion is easily the most commercially upbeat track of the band’s career, a Queen-esque classic rock diamond that’s tailor made to underscore slow motion sports montages. You Will Be Remembered, meanwhile, is a superlative mainstream ballad and a touching tribute to soldiers and firefighters.
By way of contrast, the bleakest and heaviest moments here vent the band’s fury. Writing On The Wall and its bell-tolling, drop-tuned aggression eviscerates ignorant and culpable authority figures who deny global warming, the slithering doom of The Other Side promises hell, not paradise, for suicide bombers and Crows On A Wire attacks those who take pleasure in tearing down icons.
It’s far from a black and white affair, though, and the group’s progressive leanings are deployed on introspective, disillusioned cuts such as Cradle To The Grave and the title track. The former’s melancholy picking and funereal storm clouds see Kennedy haunted by the loss of his father and terrified of future bereavements. The latter’s clock-ticking guitar harmonies, subtle tempo changes and Metallica riffing accompany an existential dread about a future without anyone to stand and fight for what’s right.
At 67 minutes long, and with Michael Baskette's IMAX-sized production enhancing its almighty scope, ‘The Last Hero’ treats subtlety as a villainous impediment to expression, towering over the word epic and mocking its puny stature. If the wider world really is devoid of heroes it’s nice to know that, in spite of recent losses, rock ‘n’ roll has bands capable of pushing for truth, justice and the freedom to create meaningful, and in this case mind-blowing, music.
Alter Bridge Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed November 23 2016 - MANCHESTER Arena
Thu November 24 2016 - LONDON O2 Arena
Sat November 26 2016 - NOTTINGHAM Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Sun November 27 2016 - BIRMINGHAM Genting Arena
Mon November 28 2016 - CARDIFF Motorpoint Arena
Thu December 01 2016 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Fri December 02 2016 - LEEDS first direct Arena
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