I realize I’m taking a big risk here by putting a hard rock band like Alter Bridge in the same, well not ball park, let’s say the National League, with some of the bands I’m going to mention. Considering that these men all have to eat at the end of the day in a market which is becoming increasingly saturated, this move is somewhat justified.

I would be surprised if this one did not make it to the setlist for live shows, but as it happens, sometimes the most epic songs are not to be played live. Alter Bridge, Halestorm, Neck Deep, Bob Vylan, Hot Milk, Palaye Royale, Jinjer and more join this year’s Download Festival. Thick, low end bass guitar, soaring guitar solos and chorus harmony vocals that will resonate with every fan.With obviously getting out of the safe waters onto a bit more unknown roads, the band matured and it’s safe to say that their latest work, Walk the Sky, will crawl under your skin with every tone.

And with the promise the guys made, to be on tour of the whole next year, I cannot wait to hear this masterpiece live. And when I realized that the sound at the beginning which seems to be a guitar is actually Myles doing wonders with his voice, that’s when my mouth literally hit the floor. Interviews indicate that much of the material off 'WTS' was written by Mark and Myles in the absence of the rhythm section, in a rather hurried fashion. It’s been three years since the last Alter Bridge album, The Last Hero, and the need and anticipation for another Alter Bridge masterpiece was so out there.This ultimately led me to the simple conclusion that 'WTS' fails to demonstrate the significant potential that AB possesses as a band, while also never really offering any of the members an opportunity to truly stand out and shine, with the possible exception of Myles. But already with the next couple of songs, we are on the road of what we know with Native Son and Take The Crown. This time, the guys tried to reinvent themselves in a whole new spectrum while already bringing to the table sometimes nearly finished songs. The instrumentals are perfectly solid, but lack the complexity, layering and frequent changes in pace found in AB’s earlier records, leaving an ever-so-slightly underwhelming impression.

It has this kind of liberating vibe, zen moments even, yet with few songs that are darker than the rest. Given longer writing periods with the whole band together, I truly believe AB has the potential to deliver something truly extraordinary, which 'WTS' sadly is not. It does stand out for an obvious reason, the message is powerful and the guitars, together with Myles’ voice are just something to absolutely cherish.Indeed after listening through a few more times, I became convinced that this would become one of my favorite AB records.