The Last Hero

I love this album to death now after four/five listens while I thought there were a lot of "more of the same" tracks initially. After hearing them more I hear a lot more of the distinct qualities of each song that were hidden by the in-your-face production and it has made me love more songs than I expected.For example, I brushed aside Twilight on the original spin of the album, but now I love it. It has a different mood than the rest of the album without being the standard "ballad" track we've heard before. It's a great song and a needed change of pace.Regarding TLH as a whole, my biggest gripe is a common sentiment - the mix just isn't very good. Not enough dynamics, Tremonti's guitar doesn't stick out like in Fortress, Myles' voice doesn't cut like before...it's all too mashed together into one blast of sound. It doesn't help the general feel of the dynamics of the songs as well, which actually have them given the song writing but the production makes it seem like the songs are dialed up to 9 for the entire song, then gets pushed to 10 or down to 7 at times. It doesn't give enough room for the songs to breathe. It's not enough to detract from the incredible songwriting, but it's certainly notable.Speaking of the songs themselves, they are freakin' amazing. I'm on page with the general "Top 5" of The Other Side, Cradle to the Grave, This Side of Fate, Island of Fools, and The Last Hero, but even the other tunes are killer as well. Show Me A Leader is a strong opener with a pair of great solos (that intro is excellent!), The Writing On The Wall has a sick bridge, Twilight has a great feel, Crows on a Wire is more than heavy-to-be-heavy, and so on.But hot damn, that riff to The Other Side, the bends during the chorus of Island of Fools, the gorgeous verse and changes in Cradle to the Grave, and MY GOD I love This Side of Fate. The looooong Bridge is incredible with one of my favorite solos on any AB record...it's just such a fun song. Reminds me a little of the changes from Devin Townsend, which is a great compliment.I'm more of a fan of Prog Metal than I am of Mainstream Hard Rock, which means I've enjoyed the transition the band made with Fortress and TLH. I think I give Fortress a slight nod still as that record blew me away from the very first listen - sounds a lot better too - but TLH is right behind as my second favorite AB record.For reference:FortressThe Last HeroABIIIBlackbirdOne Day RemainsHere's my song ranking of the album after about 25-30 spins:This Side of FateThe Last HeroIsland of FoolsCradle To The GraveThe Other SideSymphony of Agony (Bonus Track)TwilightThe Writing On The WallCrows On A WireShow Me A LeaderLosing PatiencePoison In Your VeinsYou Will Be RememberedMy Champion

It took me a few listens through but Wow...I think this is my favorite of AB's albums, and I have loved them all."Show me a leader" is quite catchy and speaks to the current election, in my mind."Poison in your veins" for some reason is playing in my head upon wake up from my nightly sleep..."This side of fate" I think must be my favorite on the album."You will be remembered" brings tears to the eyes for the one's that sacrificed it all...I throw this album on with many others in a playlist and I always find myself looking to see who's song that is when The Last Hero songs come on...If you're an AB fan or any rock fan you will love this album!! No doubt! Do yourself a favor and bring it home today!!!It's a shame it's going to be another 3 years before they bring out another one.... it makes me sad!

Alter Bridge has always kind of kept in touch with world events. Their music isn't shallow like some. They take on the good and the bad in our world as it currently is and use it as fuel to inspire their music. This is a product of that, I think. Our world has gotten pretty dark lately, and as a response, this album is a lot heavier than I'm used to hearing from Alter Bridge. It took me a few minutes to really get used to it, but I'm slowly love it too. And I think one of their greatest gifts is being able to make a statement without alienating a whole bunch of people. They way they stand for something without making things ugly... that's what makes them my favorite all-time band.

What a great album. I am slightly familiar with Myles Kennedy from his work with Slash. His voice is amazing, and these songs are tailored for his style. The production on this album is incredible. The tones and frequencies are boosted in the right places and the definition is clear. The songs are heartfelt, groovy, and catchy as heck; especially so after a few listens. I wish their earlier stuff was this good; it sounds way too much like Creed for my taste.This is an amazing album. I hope Alter Bridge continues to write such high-quality material. The rock community is always in need of awesome bands.

Good album with some elements of amazing mixed in. I don't think they are capable of making a "bad" song, with the amount of talent in this band everything they record has some shining aspect if you look close enough, but a couple tracks on this album could have been left off for the sake of continuity. Also, there are a couple tracks that scream Slash and Tremonti which some blending is to be expected it's just those type of tracks break up the flow of the album. Will be seeing them in February and own every CD since One Day Remains but I wouldn't rank this their best....however it blows the doors off of other Rock albums out.

I put this cd on and am instantly transported to another place. I am quickly falling in love with this band. I can't even begin to describe their music. The first cd I bought I was not that impressed with at first but it grew on me. This one I love from the first chord. This band is truly amazing and everything - the lyrics, music, and voice - make me feel.

Thank you Eddie Trunk for introducing me to Alter Bridge! Eddie's daily 2 hr talk show on Sirius is a must. Anyway, love this album. Great guitar. Great vocals. I enjoy the harmonies. I haven't listened to any new rock in a long time. Glad I found it. I'm really surprised at the ppl who gave low ratings of disappointment. This album gives me chills. Really enjoy it.

No need to rehash what other reviewers have said about the mix, they're right and it's a shame, but it in no way detracts from the actual music. These guys have more talent in their little pinkies than ANY other "artist" out there right now and you owe it to yourself to see them live should they come to your town.Keep it up AB, can't wait for the next one!

As with most Alter Bridge albums I found this really good, without being brilliant. But it's growing on me, again as with earlier albums. If anything it perhaps veers toward being a bit overproduced compared to earlier albums, but it's very, very good nonetheless. My favourite album remains their first, and my overall favourite track 'Blackbird'. I don't think this album is a threat to either of those, but it's well worth getting. Highly recommended.

Where to start? Alter Bridge - a band that thousands love, and yet so many have never heard of. They deserve far more success - and yet they still fill large arenas, so all must be well.I loved this album from about the third listen. First time I played it I thought it was a bit ordinary. Everything changed once I got into it.Tremonti and Kennedy really can write some hooky heavy songs. We will all have our favourites and I don't think anyone will care about those too much, but suffice it to say, if you like Alter Bridge, there's nothing but happiness for you in The Last Hero.Enjoy

Alter Bridge just cannot do no wrong and they are my favourite band of all time! Can't wait to see them live...one day!My fave tracks are pretty much all of them with the standouts being the first 6 songs and the last song and the rest are perfect.

My 3rd purchase from Alter Bridge: love their music! This album is heavier than the previous two but oh, so good...Yet again Myles' clear vocals, brilliant guitars and drums...such a pleasure to listen this band. Thank you guys!

They are still keeping up a miraculously brilliant standard.