"Walk the Sky" is the sixth album by American rockers Alter Bridge. It could quite easily be argued that members of Alter Bridge are some of the hardest working muscians in rock music today. If they are not working on Alter Bridge's next album, you've got a various array of successful side projects along with constantly touring. I haven't been into Alter Bridge that long, mainly because somehow I hadn't discovered them until a few years ago. And even then they took a while to grow on me. But they did and this was a highly anticipated release. Not just by me, but the whole rock community as a whole.
When the singles started to drop in the run up to the release, it felt there was a slightly mixed reaction, but overall it felt very positive. "Wouldn't you rather" was first and for me was an instant hit, straight off the bat. Then "Pay no mind", "Take the crown" and "In the deep" followed. This made me even more excited about the album as the quality of these tracks were sky high. Then the final track they dropped was "Dying Light" which is the album closer. I wasn't really into this track for starter but once I listened to it in the context of the album, it fits perfectly. And I am not really sure how it took me so long to realise there was an amazing guitar solo in it! It's as if my brain switched off on the initial listens half way through the song. Well that doesnt happen now!
It took me a while to get into the album as I found it quite full on and by this I mean it felt a lot to take in. After the first track "One life" which is a bit reminisent of "Slip to the void" intro, with its magical slow build up. It's really non-stop, full on rock till the album closer "Dying light". But bit, by bit, listen by listen, tracks seem to make more sense and become more managable to listen to.
I think I could talk about every track on this, as its that kind of album. Although it's all go, each track brings it's own thing to the party. 3 tracks which are my favourites right now are "The bitter end", "Forever falling" and "Clear Horizon". I think the fact I have named 3 tracks which were not released before the album comes out emphasises the strength of this album. "The bitter end" on paper makes you think it may be a bit of a negative song. But it is the complete opposite. This is so full of life and the lyrics are so positive. "But the joy I found, in the sweet here and now, it keeps me alive". Basically living in the now is what its all about. "Forever falling" is the track a lot of people were hoping would be on the album since Mark Tremonti is on vocals. Myles's voice is excelllent but Mark has a great voice too. And because Mark doesnt appear on main vocal duty that much on Alter Bridge albums. When he does it makes it all the more special. Then there is "Clear Horizon" which is just a wonderful song.
Overall this really is a great album and is one of my albums of the year so far, if not the best album that has come out so far. The quality of the tracks throughout the whole album is sky high and I can't wait to see them in concert later on this year.
