When I heard that the members of Creed minus Singer Scott Stapp would be forming a band of their own I expected very simply "Creed 2". This was easy for how could a band where the core writer and co founder of Creed would be forming this new project. Mark Tremonti was already ready with this recording just a few months after the announcement of Creed's breakup was announced. Joining Tremonti (who would be on guitar still) would be Scott Phillips (drums) and Brian Marshall (bass). Mark and Scott had been in Creed for all three albums while Marshall had left after Human Clay. Joining the three on vocals would be Myles Kennedy formerly of the Mayfield Four. As I listened to the CD it was immediately apparent that this group would not be an exact copy of Creed and I based this primarily on the difference in vocal register of Kennedy. While Stapp held a deeper resonance that was often compared to Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Kennedy seems to be able to reach notes that Chris Cornell would pull off with ease. A lot of the music is Creed-like and I expected this much for ones writing style would usually take some larger amount of time to change into something different. It is my belief that had Creed remained together that some of these songs would have been on the new album. The similar musical sound surely can appeal to the existing Creed fans. The name "Alter Bridge" is drawn from a personal point in Tremonti's childhood based on paths and choices.
The band has had tracks from the album featured on the soundtracks to both "Elektra" and "Fantastic Four" and this is sure to assist them in building a larger fan base. While I enjoyed the CD for the most part especially due to tracks like "Open Your Eyes" and "Shed My Skin" I have to wonder if the existing Creed Legions will take to this in the same manner as the predecessor. The band clearly is solid and the production on the release is nice and heavy at time. So I hope they don't pass on it merely waiting on Scott's debut as a solo artist. There are a good enough number of tracks on the CD to merit purchase so I advise them to check it out. Songs such as "Down To My Last" can easily find their way on the radio stations as simply as a track like "Higher" and "One Last Breath". I say this as someone who was also skeptical in the beginning and now finds himself playing the CD regularly.
Track Listing
1. Find The Real
2. One Day Remains
3. Open Your Eyes
4. Burn It Down
5. Metalingus
6. Broken Wings
7. In Loving Memory
8. Down To My Last
9. Watch Your Words
10. Shed My Skin
11. The End Is Here
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