Now Listening: Walk The Sky

Welcome to my first and probably last music review. It’s not really my thing, but I decided to make an exception for Walk The Sky. It’s the sixth studio album by Alter Bridge who I’ve been listening to since their debut One Day Remains in 2004. Since then, they’ve released a new album like clockwork every three years.

The thing I like about Alter Bridge is how every album they’ve released has a distinct tone and style. That can be a little risky – there’s always a chance you might alienate fans of your last album who are expecting more of the same. But walking the same path typically leads to creative stagnation, and that’s something Alter Bridge have successfully avoided.

Every album feels fresh and new, and Walk The Sky continues this trend. But what’s interesting about Walk The Sky is that it also serves as a journey through their previous five albums. Tracks like Godspeed and Native Son are very evocative of One Day Remains, whilst Take the Crown would fit perfectly within The Last Hero (2016).

As the album progresses it touches base with the darker tones of ABIII (2010) and Fortress (2013) in tracks such as Indoctrination and Forever Falling. And then you have songs like The Bitter End or Tear Us Apart which are reminiscent of Blackbird (2007). But in tracks like In the Deep and the titular (kind of) Walking on the Sky, Alter Bridge deliver something we’ve not really heard before – particularly the synth style beat backing Pay No Mind.

I’ve seen some people speculate that Walk The Sky could be the last Alter Bridge album and although I certainly wouldn’t say no to another, I wouldn’t be disappointed if it was because this is one hell of a way to bow out. The final track Dying Light is one of the best songs they’ve ever produced and Walk The Sky, as a whole, is a fitting tribute and celebration of everything they’ve achieved over the last 15 years.

9/10