The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

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Ashlee
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Ashlee »

AB23 wrote:
fix wrote:
Mr.Vlado wrote:Wow, I am REALLY surprised to read so many negtive things about this album here.
I totally agree with you! I love this record!
Though I agree with people here on the lack of dynamics, I think it will sink in once you hear it more and more.

I keep thinking that it would be cool to hear YWBR in the ODR style. A little more stripped down and deeper Myles voice would be cool I think.

And does no one hear a very similar riff to One By One in The Last Of Our Kind/Symphony Of Agony? I like that song as well, could be a Tremonti Project song though.
I wish. I love One by One. And admittedly, I don't think Last of our Kind is that bad of a song, tbh. I don't think it should be a b side (Losing Patience should DEFINITELY be a B side).
Which is weird because at The Listening Party it wasn't a B-Side, it was in the track list, a few songs above The Last Hero. I can't for the life of me figure out why they took it out.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by antiwal »

Can't be arsed to go in depth, as only on my 3rd spin of the album (too early to formulate a review). But I will say I'm loving it! Definitely their most "high-energy" release. Barely time to breathe....well until the last bonus track ;). Which I haven't got. Must seek that out somewhere - hopefully iTunes will have it?!?

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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Raven »

AB23 wrote:
fix wrote:
Mr.Vlado wrote:Wow, I am REALLY surprised to read so many negtive things about this album here.
I totally agree with you! I love this record!
Though I agree with people here on the lack of dynamics, I think it will sink in once you hear it more and more.

I keep thinking that it would be cool to hear YWBR in the ODR style. A little more stripped down and deeper Myles voice would be cool I think.

And does no one hear a very similar riff to One By One in The Last Of Our Kind/Symphony Of Agony? I like that song as well, could be a Tremonti Project song though.
I wish. I love One by One. And admittedly, I don't think Last of our Kind is that bad of a song, tbh. I don't
think it should be a b side (Losing Patience should DEFINITELY be a B side).
Losing Patience >>>>>>My Champion ….also Losing Patience>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>One by One

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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by AB23 »

Losing Patience to me kind of sounds like a song they would usually have as a B side.

I'm looking at the Last of our Kind's lyrics, and I still don't really understand why. Sometimes the lyrics are just on a different subject or context than the album and I get it. But Losing Patience just seems like a song that doesn't belong
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Raven »

Ashlee wrote:
AB23 wrote:
fix wrote:
Mr.Vlado wrote:Wow, I am REALLY surprised to read so many negtive things about this album here.
I totally agree with you! I love this record!
Though I agree with people here on the lack of dynamics, I think it will sink in once you hear it more and more.

I keep thinking that it would be cool to hear YWBR in the ODR style. A little more stripped down and deeper Myles voice would be cool I think.

And does no one hear a very similar riff to One By One in The Last Of Our Kind/Symphony Of Agony? I like that song as well, could be a Tremonti Project song though.
I wish. I love One by One. And admittedly, I don't think Last of our Kind is that bad of a song, tbh. I don't think it should be a b side (Losing Patience should DEFINITELY be a B side).
Which is weird because at The Listening Party it wasn't a B-Side, it was in the track list, a few songs above The Last Hero. I can't for the life of me figure out why they took it out.


Losing Patience might have my fav AB chorus for the entire catalogue and that bridge and those riffs rock

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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Raven »

AB23 wrote:
fix wrote:
Mr.Vlado wrote:Wow, I am REALLY surprised to read so many negtive things about this album here.
I totally agree with you! I love this record!
Though I agree with people here on the lack of dynamics, I think it will sink in once you hear it more and more.

I keep thinking that it would be cool to hear YWBR in the ODR style. A little more stripped down and deeper Myles voice would be cool I think.

And does no one hear a very similar riff to One By One in The Last Of Our Kind/Symphony Of Agony? I like that song as well, could be a Tremonti Project song though.
I wish. I love One by One. And admittedly, I don't think Last of our Kind is that bad of a song, tbh. I don't
think it should be a b side (Losing Patience should DEFINITELY be a B side).
Losing Patience >>>>>>My Champion ….also Losing Patience>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>One by One

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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by antiwal »

I will say, I think TLH has the best solos (in terms of consistency) in ANY of their albums.

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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

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losing patience couldn't live up to one by one's shit after taco tuesday.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

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I fucking love Last Of Our Kind!!
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Ryan »

AB23 wrote:What do you mean? As in, some people are beginning to recognize that the band is heading in a different direction than they want?

Because honestly, that opinion I stole from Jaded Rescue's farewell thread lol. It kind of opened my eyes, to be honest. Like, I think he's absolutely right. I didn't want to admit it, but the band is kind of growing apart from me. I just genuinely think the quality of music they are producing is declining. And it fucking pains me to say that, because this was a life changing band for me.

That got #real pretty quick.

FWIW, I love that some new people around here are coming on here and loving it. AB is still going to be someone else's favorite band because of this record. But I don't think I can tell you with a straight face that this album is good. I just don't think it is. It hurts my fucking heart to admit that.
Yes, I think that some people's tastes are changing and the band is too and they're not changing in the same direction. Seems that some don't want to come to terms with that so they continue to long for the past sound and hope the next songs will have it. Then they don't.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Ashlee »

antiwal wrote:I will say, I think TLH has the best solos (in terms of consistency) in ANY of their albums.
Agreed. There were a couple of solos that I specifically said sounded like they were inspired by the lyrics, rather than what seems to be Mark's usual method of "wrote cool riff, maybe it will fit with these lyrics."
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by AB23 »

I don't like Cradle to the Grave that much as a song (mostly because I thought the chorus was lacking), but I will say, the solo is really good. Loved it.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Mister Gold »

I have mixed feelings on the album.

Though, unlike most folks here apparently, I greatly appreciate that the band often went in a heavier, more progressive direction on this album. I've made the argument before that the Alter Bridge that made One Day Remains has been gone for a long time and is a very different sort of band than the one that exists today. They aren't a hard rock band to me anymore, they're a metal band in the vein of Iron Maiden, Metallica or Queensryche.

The issue is that I think the band is in a stage where they kinda don't want to admit that this is who they are now.

I think they want to satisfy all of their fans, which is a totally respectful goal, and as a result try to write a few songs in the style of their older sound and fit them in. However, as the old saying goes, you can never truly please everyone. I just don't think these tunes are anywhere near as good as those older songs were. They shine brightest when they're doing what comes most naturally to them- which I genuinely believe are the heavy metal/prog metal songs.

Moreover, by trying to cover all their bases that way, I think the album ended up being too bloated. They should have cut off three or four songs and focused on making the album as tight and consistently great as possible. You can always hold back on releasing a song that doesn't quite meet the rest of the album and save it for later as you fine-tune it.

The album that Last Hero was up against for me wasn't a previous AB album; it was Fates Warning's Theories of Flight (a fellow 2016 album). If you guys want to hear a truly great progressive metal album, I highly recommend that one. It's complex, heavy and also incredibly catchy- like the best songs on this album are (Island of Fools, This Side of Fate, The Last Hero and Cradle to the Grave). It's also far more concise and united an album than TLH is.

I genuinely believe that Alter Bridge has an album like Theories of Flight in them. The biggest issue is whether or not they're willing to make the choice to disappoint some of their fans and go for broke on this sound that they're clearly being drawn more and more towards with each album.

However I will agree with one common criticism on this album: It would probably be a good idea for the band to part ways with Elvis and work with another producer on the next album. I don't think they should try to go back to the sound they had on One Day Remains per se, but I think they could easily find another producer who might be able to help push them a bit further in the direction their music is taking them.
Last edited by Mister Gold on Fri Oct 07, 2016 5:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by AB23 »

Mister Gold, what is your profession?

Your writing is fantastic. Your timely and appropriate use of transitions is *muah* magnifique.
Last edited by AB23 on Fri Oct 07, 2016 5:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Dolo »

Raven wrote:

Add me I'm not understanding the hate,the dynamics sound the same if not better than Fortress def better than ABIII even though i love that album to.
It is not only the dynamics that contributes to the quality of a record.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by AB23 »

Dolo wrote:
Raven wrote:

Add me I'm not understanding the hate,the dynamics sound the same if not better than Fortress def better than ABIII even though i love that album to.
It is not only the dynamics that contributes to the quality of a record.
I don't even really know what "dynamics" means when you're talking about an album, if I'm being honest.

It sounds to me like ABIII.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Mister Gold »

AB23 wrote:Mister Gold, what is your profession?

Your writing is fantastic. Your timely and appropriate use of transitions is *muah* magnifique.
Thank you so much!

I'm just a college student working on his Bachelor's Degree for a Film Studies major! Here's a short film I made, if you want proof. :lol



I did start off as a writer though, so I'm sure that has plenty to do with it too though. :rockon
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

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Well if that doesn't work out, I would recommend getting into a profession like journalism or law or anything editorial where you can showcase your writing.

just fyi.
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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by Electricladyland »

I've had three spins from the album so far. I started writing this review after my second time, and writing during the third spin. Enjoy!




I’ve been a long time poster on this forum, from way back to the ABB.Net days. I don’t post much here much anymore, but I do lurk. I’ve witnessed the changes the band has gone through over the past 12 years (I can’t believe we’ve had 12 years of Alter Bridge!), from record labels to their business approach to selling records and touring, to side projects. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the dynamic songwriting and interplay from our beloved band who truly is one of the greats of rock music since the turn of the century.

One thing about many great bands and artists is that their sounds do change over time. If they didn’t try new things; didn’t change their sound, they wouldn’t be the renowned artist like we know them. Led Zeppelin went from writing (and covering) blues and folk music to psychedelic, hypnotic rock. Compare The Beatles Please Please Me to Abby Road, and the difference in sound is huge. Even Michael Jackson changed his sound several times in his solo career, from disco to R&B to new jack swing. In Alter Bridge’s case, we go from the anthem rock songs of One Day Remains to heavy progressive rock that they display in The Last Hero. And that is ok.

The Last Hero to me is an incredible testament for the band that they don’t want every new release to sound like the last one. That they want to push themselves with new ideas and styles. This album is chalk full different chord progressions, experimentation of songs structures, and implementing influences from romantic classical music and operatic rock. They delivered an album in which the sound and the story shines grander than any other Alter Bridge record to date.

There is a theme throughout this record that makes it one of the more compelling Alter Bridge records. It’s as if Myles Kennedy wrote this waiting for Superman. Waiting for someone to lift society and inspire us. It’s not in your face political ala Rage Against The Machine or Public Enemy. In fact, he takes the approach of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, a record that emphasizes instead of criticizes. Here, Myles understands the divisiveness and current state of our society, and touches on these emotions of frustration and unrest.

The lyrical content compliments the overall musical aesthetic of the album. It’s heavy, energetic, and at times, chaotic. This album is quite diverse, but don’t expect a mellow ballad like “Watch Over You” in this one. In fact, a song a like that would probably feel out of place in the tone set throughout the album. Despite the lack of a mellow ballad, you got songs like “You Will Be Remembered” and “My Champion” that fits in nicely as anthemic ballads that gives thanks. Songs like “Cradle To The Grave” display the romanticism of Chopin and Bellini. The bridge to “This Side of Fate” will make any fans of Queen and Muse smile ear to ear. The influence of the rock opera and glam sounds of these bands are definitely heard, from the music composition to the soaring vocals of Myles Kennedy.

This album is full of head bang worthy riffs. “Island of Fools” stands out to me as one of Alter Bridge’s finest to get you pumped. The build up in the first 30 seconds sets you up for an ally oop. That riff is just monstrous! The dual guitar interplay is phenomenal, backed up by the the thunder buddies, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips. I especially enjoyed Flip’s play on “The Writing On The Wall”, and Brian holds together that bridge in “The Other Side”, and absolutely brings in it “Poison In Your Veins.”

Mark Tremonti is the definitive lead hard rock guitarist of our time. Yes, he has his signature sound, but to be able to change up his chord progression and be effective is a testament of how talented the man is. We heard a little bit of this industrial progressive type of playing in “Calm The Fire” on Fortress, but I’ll even go back to Blackbird with “Coming Home,” specifically in the chorus. Songs like “Losing Patience” will give the fans in a concert such a jolt of energy, I love Mark’s sludgy riffs he dished in his solo band, and served us with that riffage with “The Other Side.” The vocal work on this record is the most dramatic, dynamic, and haunting that we ever heard Myles Kennedy perform, and it truly shows the range this man possesses. He just can perform any type of style exceptionally well. He channels his inner Freddie Mercury in a operatic tone in songs like “Cradle To The Grave”, “This Side of Fate” and “The Last Hero.” His vocals just absolutely soars.

The title track is one of the most satisfying endings to an album that I heard in awhile. "The Last Hero" might be a better ending to an album than "Fortress", which absolutely stunned me with that killer dual guitar solo. However, "The Last Hero" rounds up the album thematically, if not dramatically. In fact, Myles states this with “Tell me where are the heroes” in this incredible furious, head banging moment leading up to the first solo. The solos on this song are just constructed so well, and I’m sure they were tailored for the lyrics. The chorus might be my favorite off this record.

The Last Hero succeeds in many aspects. It does pay homage to their past work, but ultimately, owning to their evolution to be one of the dynamic bands today. It’s not a departure from the sounds of the past per se, because each album is a departure from the last. However, The Last Hero made sure of one thing; that the band won’t stop growing, won’t stop fighting, and won’t stop excelling.

4/5

Favorite Songs:
The Last Hero
Island Of Fools
This Side of Fate
Cradle To The Grave
The Other Side

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Re: The Last Hero - AB Nation Discussion

Post by nagpo »

Mister Gold wrote:I have mixed feelings on the album.

Though, unlike most folks here apparently, I greatly appreciate that the band often went in a heavier, more progressive direction on this album. I've made the argument before that the Alter Bridge that made One Day Remains has been gone for a long time and is a very different sort of band than the one that exists today. They aren't a hard rock band to me anymore, they're a metal band in the vein of Iron Maiden, Metallica or Queensryche.

The issue is that I think the band is in a stage where they kinda don't want to admit that this is who they are now.

I think they want to satisfy all of their fans, which is a totally respectful goal, and as a result try to write a few songs in the style of their older sound and fit them in. However, as the old saying goes, you can never truly please everyone. I just don't think these tunes are anywhere near as good as those older songs were. They shine brightest when they're doing what comes most naturally to them- which I genuinely believe are the heavy metal/prog metal songs.

Moreover, by trying to cover all their bases that way, I think the album ended up being too bloated. They should have cut off three or four songs and focused on making the album as tight and consistently great as possible. You can always hold back on a releasing a song that doesn't quite meet the rest of the album and save it for later as you fine-tune it.

The album that Last Hero was up against for me wasn't a previous AB album; it was Fates Warning's Theories of Flight (a fellow 2016 album). If you guys want to hear a truly great progressive metal album, I highly recommend that one. It's complex, heavy and also incredibly catchy- like the best songs on this album are (Island of Fools, This Side of Fate, The Last Hero and Cradle to the Grave). It's also far more concise and united an album than TLH is.

I genuinely believe that Alter Bridge has an album like Theories of Flight in them. The biggest issue is whether or not they're willing to make the choice to disappoint some of their fans and go for broke on this sound that they're clearly being drawn more and more towards with each album.

However I will agree with one common criticism on this album: It would probably be a good idea for the band to part ways with Elvis and work with another producer on the next album. I don't think they should try to go back to the sound they had on One Day Remains per se, but I think they could easily find another producer who might be able to help push them a bit further in the direction their music is taking them.
I agree with some of what you're saying. About them seemingly getting heavier - borderline metal but feeling forced to satiate their rock fans. I think the pushing of the metal aspect really comes from Mark. In almost every interview he says he tries to push the metal aspect more witch each band. But the problem is Myles voice - it is not a metal voice. He sings, not screams.

I fear if they ever push the metal button more it may cause some problems within the band.

And I also understand the continuous unsatisfactory feeling towards Elvis. At least in terms of mixing. If you told me this record had a bass player on it I would be surprised. Most of the space is layered in heavy guitar. Sometimes it feels more like noise than music.

But I still haven't finished the record. it's 5 am here. off to sleep again.

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