All Hope is Far From Gone
Once upon a time, the band Alter Bridge was briefly regarded as little more than the phoenix rising from the ashes of American rock band Creed. However as soon as people familiarised themselves with the masterworks being crafted by frontman Myles Kennedy and former Creed trio Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips, they realised that they were in the presence of magnificence. Returning to make their fourth appearance at Download Festival, the Floridian quartet took to the main stage to demonstrate that they still pack a striking live show.
When guitar idol Slash appeared at the festival in 2010 with his solo project, his set dropped the jaws of many fans watching. Whilst the agile finger work of the top-hat-wearing instrumentalist was partially to thank, the astonishing performance from touring vocalist Myles Kennedy arguably stole the show and illustrated that he is one of the very finest rock singers in the world today. Now once again backed by his own band, including remarkably talented lead guitarist Tremonti, Kennedy readopted his position on centre stage as Alter Bridge's 2011 set came to life.
Many bands these days are capable of releasing mind-blowing studio albums, but ultimately fail to regenerate such magic when performing their music live. Alter Bridge most definitely do not have such problems. Recently released material such as 'Isolation' was expertly recited, with their robust riffs continuing to blister with undeniable strength. Although tracks like 'Blackbird' opener 'Ties That Bind' exploded with raw power, 'Ghost of Days Gone By' displayed a slightly more delicate side to the American four-piece. As their impressive set drew to a close, the instrumental duelling between guitarists Kennedy and Tremonti supplied a heated musical exchange that was thankfully not over-indulgent, before segueing nicely into set finale 'Rise Today'.
For the first time that day, the rain had began to fall, but a few raindrops were not going to extinguish the excitement surrounding Alter Bridge's return. Anticipation for the foursome's return was high, but the exceptionally skilled group of musicians certainly did not disappoint, offering a varied set that drew from their entire discography. If you missed this show, make sure you do not miss their return to the UK later this year!