On October 14, Alter Bridge released their seventh studio album, "Pawns & Kings". The album comes almost three years after the band's sixth album, "Walk the Sky".

When I think back to the time when I first discovered Alter Bridge, it may have seemed coincidental at the time, but it was actually rather fitting that it should happen through "Open Your Eyes".

I felt as though the song was specifically speaking to me, given that I was down with a lot of regrets at the time. It gave me some much-needed encouragement to help me get back up. 

No doubt, it had similar effects on others, because this song became one of the band's biggest hits. 

Released as the first single from their 2004 debut album, "One Day Remains", it was ranked as the second most popular song on the Mainstream Rock Chart that year.

Since I took a real shine to the song, I naturally decided to give the whole album a listen and the rest was history.

Before I knew it, I was hooked, and Alter Bridge quickly became, to me, one of those bands whose songs you simply can't get enough of. I played them on repeat all day.

And to this day, "In Loving Memory", "Broken Wings", "Down to My Last", "Metalingus" and, of course, "The End is Here" appear on my most frequently played list.

The members of the band are all exceptionally gifted individuals in their own right, who joined forces to create music that is both refreshingly original and genuinely inspiring—captivating audiences around the world in the process.

Hell-bent on proving their mettle and improving their craft to achieve the pinnacle of perfection, these creative geniuses have stood the test of time with blinding flair.

Their profound and transcendental lyrics, and delectably intricate instrumental arrangements prove that sound does have soul, and that true music is an art form that demands your undivided attention.

Evolving over the years and ageing like fine wine, their songs have come to encompass themes as diverse as loss, loneliness, pain, addiction, loss of faith, innocence, hope, courage, and triumph.

Formed in 2004, the Orlando, Florida based band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy, lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips.

Photos: Collected

Often described as heavy but melodic, their music is a collaborative effort between all members of the band.

Their musical style is heavy, hard-hitting, and melodic, containing an intricate overall structure. They also have lovely slow-paced ballads, which are also complex in nature.

Kennedy's voice is powerful and has a phenomenal range, which perfectly complements the heavy instrumental tracks. He is arguably one of the only singers who can hit a high note better live than on the album. 

Tremonti brings amazing riffs that are stunningly simple, yet deliciously complex in just the right places, mixing well with the lyrics. Tremonti's low-register voice is also a perfect contrast to Kennedy's high-pitched one.

Although it is true the band's rhythm section usually takes a back seat, Philips and Marshall are important band members. Their sincerity and dedication are what give Alter Bridge songs their signature style.

I have been a fan of Alter Bridge for as long as I can remember, and I can say with absolute certainty that the band perfectly captures the spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Alter Bridge are a band that checks its ego at the door and only cares about making soulful and meaningful music, that they never stop developing.

This makes them one of the rare groups whose music has the power to transport their listeners to a whole other dimension.

The band's dedication to the genre is true and will serve as an example for aspiring bands in the years to come.