Fortress - Alter Bridge
Fortress Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the hard rock band formed by Creed members Mark Tremonti and drummer Scott Phillips was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette.
  • Record Label: Roadrunner Records
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Post-Grunge
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Kerrang!
    Oct 7, 2013
    100
    Fortress is Alter Bridge's most aggressive album to date. [21 Sep 2013, p.52]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. The Guardian
    Oct 7, 2013
    80
    The combination of guitarist Mark Tremonti's unashamedly metallic riffing and singer Myles Kennedy's (otherwise known as Slash's right-hand man) versatile and soulful voice ensures that every one of these 12 songs bristles with conviction.
  3. All Music Guide
    Oct 7, 2013
    80
    Fortress is a driving album that not only doesn't feel tired or stale, but is a monster of an album that makes a pretty solid case for being some of Alter Bridge's strongest and most dynamic work to date.
  4. Revolver
    Oct 7, 2013
    50
    Somehow, though, every song eventually leads to Myles Kennedy keening dramatically over guitar sturm und drang, and while that nicely showcase the band’s songwriting and instrumental skills, after a while it becomes predictable and monotonous.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Gfunk839
    Oct 8, 2013
    10
    Alter Bridge is back after three years, riding high on the successes of their most recent effort, ABIII which had finally given them a much needed boost in popularity, as well as their numerous side projects. Fortress is a true evolution of their sound, delving ever deeper into the hard rock scene they have been placed into, changing enough to keep long time fans engaged without utterly changing into something unrecognisable (see: Red, Three days Grace, Papa Roach).

    Fortress is a collection of heavy hitting, fast paced, head banging burners and a handful of those slower songs Alter Bridge always excels at producing.

    Opening with 30 seconds of acoustic picking in a Spanish style, the opener "Cry of Achilles" rips into savage shredding, blasting drum beats and ghostly vocals from Myles, until a sudden climax when the pace relents, building into a wonderful sing along chorus. A true highlight of the album.

    Of notable mention is "The Waters Rise", where resident shredder Mark Tremonti is charged with lead vocal duties, giving an excellent performance showing how his side project (Tremonti) has bolstered his singing skills. During the chorus of the song Myles harmonizes over Mark to tremendous effect as they scream "Don't let me drown!" over a strong descending riff.

    The last track which needs to be discussed in depth is my personal favourite of any of Alter Bridge's work is calm the fire. This seven minute epic starts of with slow picking and Myle's singing in a stunningly high pitch, showing off his incredible tenor vocal range. The song then lifts up with some amazing chilled riffs and extremely energetic drums from Phillips, into the soaring chorus about a world which needs more love. A truly touching, pulse pounding epic in every sense of the word. Perfection.

    The songs in the album are generally quite long, surpassing the 4:30 mark. the longest tracks are easily the best (see: Calm the Fire, Waters Rising, Cry of Achilles and Fortress), all of which are dynamic and progressive affairs which soar high enough to touch the heavens, every so often bringing the listener down to Earth every once in a while.

    A number of heavy, blistering tracks can be found too, such as "The peace is Broken", "Bleed it Dry" and "Cry me a River". These tracks showcase Alter Bridge in it's heaviest light yet.

    The production is excellent as to be expected from produce Micheal "Elvis" Baskette who has been in Alter Bridge's arsenal all along. The mixing, volumes and accents are all excellent.

    The only track I do not really enjoy is "The Uninvited", which just doesn't flow like classic Alter Bridge.

    A must own for any Hard Rock fan, a solid addition to any rock music collection. Be sure to check out their previous work too, especially if you enjoy the slower, softer tracks on this album!

    Please spread the word about this excellent group of musicians!!    … Expand
  2. SchroederRock
    Oct 13, 2013
    9
    Fortress is Alter Bridge's best album to date and few will question that statement. The rock is harder and the songs are fresh. Nothing feels like filler and at no point does the music feel tiring. The album opener "Cry of Achilles" could be one of the best out-the-gate tracks in recent rock history. "Calm The Fire" is a huge bombastic and melodic moment that firmly anchors the middle-point of the record as a whole and gets Myles really taking the reigns vocally. The album closer "Fortress", just like Crossfade's "Make Me A Believer" from We All Bleed, shuts the whole thing down with a rock epic that spans 7 1/2 minutes, where you'll hear some tasty shredding from guitarist Mark Tremonti and company. While Blackbird was considered a rock staple and one of the best things of 2007 for the genre, that album's only weakness was that it didn't seem as effortless to love. The band hadn't hit their stride in full, but pulled off some pretty impressive. On Fortress, not only is the band's stride firmly placed, but there are so many well written songs. It's as if each song transcends the one before it. You'll be hard pressed to find a better rock album that boasts such a talented group of individuals. Once thought of as a super-group, Alter Bridge should officially find their footing as the rock act that sets the standard. Forget Creed or Slash, Alter Bridge are better than their origins or one-offs. Get this album.… Expand

Current Music Releases

Full List »
96 Sound System [Box Set]
96 The Warner Bros. Years [Box Set]
92 Sunbather
91 Higher! [Box Set]
91 Master
89 Is Survived By
89 Loud City Song
89 Silver Bell
88 In Utero [20th Anniversary Edition]
88 Your Turn
88 The RCA Albums Collection
87 Southeastern
87 All Hail West Texas [Reissued]
87 Random Access Memories
87 The Blackest Beautiful
87 Annie Up
87 American Ride
87 Innocence is Kinky
87 The Island Years [Box Set]
86 Made in California [Box Set]
All Current Music »