Listening to Addicted to Pain

[abw1987]

It's funny, after flip hits the drums the first few times during the intro, it almost sounds like the song is about to enter a slow, brooding groove like "Check My Brain" by Alice in Chains. Totally took me by surprise when the verse ended up being an up-tempo riff.

[Ubik]

I think this is more of a departure for the band than Isolation. This is to me as different to their previous efforts as Ties That Bind was to One Day Remains. And this is the single. Colour me excited.

The first time I listened, the initial bars of Mark's riff had me a little worried because of the All I Was comparisons. Myles' vocals kicked in though, and particularly the harmony on the second line, and I was content. Definitely Alter Bridge.

Also, they can't speed this up live as I don't think it's possible for Mark to solo quicker than he does in the middle of this one.

[alterchris]

2:52 thru 2:55 part of the solo is fucking amazing

[AB23]

What does the single art mean now that we've heard it? It doesn't really make sense to me...

[blackbirdgraphics]

I did the same thing ^^^^

I thought maybe I clicked on a false link.
Myle's vocals confirmed it for me.

[Timotheus]

And like most of great musicians these guys are becoming less "comercial" each album (I can taste a little spice of pogressive rock here...anyone agreed?).

I don't know if I agree with this. Yes, it's fast and heavy, and it will definitely not be a huge hit on popular charts, but I can see this song do well on rock charts. The vibe of the song kinda reminds me off Halestorm's Love Bites, which did really well.
So less commercial? I dunno about that. I definitely not written to be commercial though. You can hear that the guys just wanted to write a fun hard rock song.

[Ubik]

It's funny, after flip hits the drums the first few times during the intro, it almost sounds like the song is about to enter a slow, brooding groove like "Check My Brain" by Alice in Chains. Totally took me by surprise when the verse ended up being an up-tempo riff.

Yup, love that switch, I'm hoping it's a kind of segue between this song and Cry of Achilles. Would rock. Also agree with Timo that this song would be great to open a show with, bells tolling to kick stuff off!

[blackbirdgraphics]

What does the single art mean now that we've heard it? It doesn't really make sense to me...

After reading the lyrics, I gather Myles is talking about someone who keeps getting let down by a girl...but for some reason keeps coming back for more hurt.

If I had to guess, "you're going to fall" suggests they are "high" in a state. Now that opens the door for much interpretation but I would be more inclined to suggest "high on their own illusion". Castles, like the one on the skulls head is not only worn like a crown but castles are built to be tall. Double meaning perhaps.

[Marcos]

My honest opinion.. it didn't blow me away at first listen but it's growing on me. It definitely sounds like something off of "All I Was" with MK's touch. Random thoughts..

Drums sound much better than AB III
Vocals are really good
I can't hear Brian's bass as usual

Don't get me wrong.. I like it but it didn't impress me like Isolation did when it first came out.

Thanks, Jared! Saved my effort in typing the same words!

I loved Isolation at first listen. I fear Addicted to Pain won't even make my Top 20 AB Songs to be honest. I hope the rest of the album is way better. It also doesn't mean I hated it, of course not.

I think Myles owns this song! His vocals are shining! I think it's a first , for me anyway, his voice stands out better than the guitar work. (Yeah, usually first thing I notice in a song is the guitar lines...)

[joshuabeau]

If someone could message me or anything about where they're downloading it from, that would be great. Not working for me

[abw1987]

Agreed, Marcos. Myles' vocals are a highlight of this song. He really stands out. It's kind of like Apocalyptic Love in that regard.

What does the single art mean now that we've heard it? It doesn't really make sense to me...

I think it's about a guy who is in love with a girl that he holds in the highest regard. She's royalty to him. He treats her like an angel, but she continues to wrong him. Despite that, he continues to basically worship her. She's the crown, bearing down on his soul. He's the skull, being slowly crushed from above.

[Dolo]

I wish Mark had sung "Cry out" outro lyrics. That could have been some interesting vocal interplay.

[Ubik]

I think he's got his hands full with the riffage in fairness!

[Jim]

Seriously I can't even..

[blackbirdgraphics]

Agreed, Marcos. Myles' vocals are a highlight of this song. He really stands out. It's kind of like Apocalyptic Love in that regard.

What does the single art mean now that we've heard it? It doesn't really make sense to me...

I think it's about a guy who is in love with a girl that he holds in the highest regard. She's royalty to him. He treats her like an angel, but she continues to wrong him. Despite that, he continues to basically worship her. She's the crown, bearing down on his soul. He's the skull, being slowly crushed from above.

an even better explanation! Just couldn't quite find the right words. Nice job.

[RuRo]

I like the song, and it's great to hear new Alter Bridge.

However honestly it's not my favourite Myles performance. Maybe it's just the decline in his voice everyone has noted from live shows showing on a studio album.

I really like the outro, which I haven't seen mentioned much.

Not going to try to compare it to Isolation since I'm notoriously bad at comparing songs I've only listened to a few times to ones I've liked for a while, but I'm enjoying the song and looking forward to the new album.

[austinjhnsn]

i enjoyed this song first listen more than i did Isolation, its the bands evolution that never ceases to amaze me. and about myles voice, it sounds amazing. The whole "cry out" part is really cool, i hope he doesnt skip it live.

[Marcos]

Btw, didn't see anyone mentioning it:

I love the intro sound! It sounds like a missile and this first chord is like an explosion! It prepares you for the impact!

[AndrewW500]

Sounds sort of like Tremonti featuring Myles Kennedy on vocals. Or even Isolation, Wish you Well and White Knuckles combined. Regardless, I love it.

[TenaciousBe]

I know it's a small part, but I love love LOVE the inclusion of that bell sound, as well as the opening "jet taking off" thingamabob in the first few seconds. This feels like it has some Eye Empire type influence. Agree with many that it's growing on me more the more times I listen through.