Alter Bridge Pawns & Kings Review

Released on October 14, 2022, Pawns & Kings is Alter Bridge's seventh studio release. Their record company, Napalm Records, states that it is their most aggressive record to date. 

Pawns & Kings is coming from two of rocks most prolific and hardest working musicians, Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti. This year alone, Myles Kennedy worked and toured with Slash for the "Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators 4". While Mark Tremonti recorded and did some shows for "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" early this year. So, of course, they have a song called "Holiday" on this recording. 

The album explodes with energy. It is dark, intense, and urgent, yet has sparks of joy. They turned this one up a notch, even though it had all the power and emotions of previous Alter Bridge records. It is like they went into the ring to wrestle the God of Thunder. 

The first song to kick things off is "This is War." Just a heavy and ominous force with gothic background vocals. 

"Dead Among the Living" continues the pummelling while "Silver Tongue" has some nice changes and a catchy chorus. 

"Sin After Sin" is the most interesting song on the recording. It has a bit of a jazzy feel in the intro and kicks into some monstrous heavy riffs. The song goes through many moods and will take you on an exploration you have never been on before. 

"Stay" is a beautiful, heartfelt song sung by Mark Tremonti, which leaves you with a feeling of elation. "Holiday" is a memorable song with an intriguing opening riff. "Fable of the Silent Son" is the first epic on the recording. Very atmospheric and dark. 

"Season of Promise" changes things up a bit with its refreshing and enduring melodies. "Last Man Standing" has a trippy, dark, and sinister song with deep lyrics. 

Someday

We'll fade to nothing

A cruel change

That we can't ignore

We'll be okay

As long as there is something

We can leave behind

Never lose faith

You know we still have time

There's still a promise yet to find

The title track, "Pawns & Kings", is another potent epic that completes this recording. 

Overall, "Pawns & Kings" is not to be missed. Pay attention to some of the interesting guitar sounds Mark Tremonti employs to enhance the songs. There are quite a few that will catch your ear. 

Musicians

• Myles Kennedy–lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar
• Mark Tremonti–lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on “Stay”
• Brian Marshall–bass guitar
• Scott Phillips–drums, percussion

Produced by Michael Baskette

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