Episode 84: "AlterBridge" New Album Review episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 14, 2026 · 45 MIN

Episode 84: "AlterBridge" New Album Review

from Mandatory Music · host Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a textAlter Bridge - Alter BridgeThe band's 8th studio album is a "grower" that improves with repeated listens.Vocal Performance (Miles Kennedy):Critique: Most tracks feature a "showing off" style that lacks authenticity and makes songs sound interchangeable.Exception: "Slave to Master" is raw and emotional, with vocals perfectly serving the song's narrative.Guitar Performance (Mark Tremonti):Praise: Top-tier riff-making with unique, nuanced phrasing (slides, bends) that avoids straight-ahead clichés."Scales Are Falling":The vocal cadence in the chorus is nearly identical to Judas Priest's "Turbo Lover.""Slave to Master" (9-minute epic):Praise: A career-best song with a powerful, emotional solo compared to David Gilmour's work.Rationale: The solo is purpose-driven, not just flashy, making it the song's "emotional heartbeat."Self-Titled Album:Interpretation: A statement of confidence, declaring "this is who we are" eight albums in, rather than a debut.Other Metal Bands:Gojira: New album rumored for 2026 release.Angus McSix: New album coming with a new singer after Thomas Winkler's departure.Amon Amarth: Praised for their unique blend of power and death metal, and their impressive live show (Viking boat).Sabaton: Also praised; the drummer is partnered with singer Floor Jansen.Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian KwapichContact Mandatory Music:email us at [email protected] us on Facebook search mandatory musicInstagram: mandatory_music1Twitter(X) @mandatory_musicThanks for listening and keep on rocking 

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Alter Bridge - Alter BridgeThe band's 8th studio album is a "grower" that improves with repeated listens.Vocal Performance (Miles Kennedy):Critique: Most tracks feature a "showing off" style that lacks authenticity and makes songs sound interchangeable.Exception: "Slave to Master" is raw and emotional, with vocals perfectly serving the song's narrative.Guitar Performance (Mark Tremonti):Praise: Top-tier riff-making with unique, nuanced phrasing ...

NOW PLAYING

Episode 84: "AlterBridge" New Album Review

0:00 45:48

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Mandatory Music?

This episode is 45 minutes long.

When was this Mandatory Music episode published?

This episode was published on January 14, 2026.

What is this episode about?

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a textAlter Bridge - Alter BridgeThe band's 8th studio album is a "grower" that improves with repeated listens.Vocal Performance (Miles Kennedy):Critique: Most tracks feature a "showing off" style that lacks...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Mandatory Music episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!