Since the demise of Creed, the instrumentalists joined forces with Myles Kennedy and formed Alter Bridge out of its ashes. Initially, many fans (including myself!) felt that it was just Creed part deux, and mostly had written them off. That is, until they dropped an absolute bombshell of an album, Blackbird. That album was just the start of what has proven to be a very prolific career.

Walk the Sky is a very different animal from anything they’ve released thus far. Mark Tremonti (lead guitar) went on to state that there had been some 80s influence on the music, particularly keyboard and synth sounds. Granted, the first single “Wouldn’t You Rather” sounds like a creative mix of sounds from ABIII and The Last Hero, there’s an underlying melody on guitar that evokes tones from 80s newwave. “Pay No Mind” starts off with a very 80s-esque key melody behind the guitars, while the lyrics seem to focus more on greed and the entitled behavior.

The third single, “Take the Crown” is one of the best songs on the album. The echoing intro gives way to a bombastic, explosive guitar riff that digs into your ears and doesn’t let go. Brian Marshall’s bass line and Scott Phillips drum patterns and rhythms solidly build this song into something absolutely memorable, and perhaps will help you “stand your ground”!

Perhaps my favorite song on the disc is “Godspeed”. The 80s pop-like keys to the almost muted guitar tone of the intro, I’ve caught myself singing along no matter what I do. The influence of 80s music is definitely felt most in this song, and it absolutely works. Myles’ lamenting of someone leaving is almost heartbreaking. The song is absolutely stunning in production and melody.