US metal band Alter Bridge return, with a new album new single, better vocals and better song lyrics- though is it enough to make Ties that Bind a classic?

Ties that Bind is the first single to be released this side of the Atlantic from Alter Bridge's second studio album, Blackbird.

As the album opener, the articulate guitar rifts and short, powerful chorus are an obvious choice for a first single, and serve as an eloquent introduction for those unfamiliar to AlterBridge. However beneath the fancy exterior and prolonged shouting there is an almost tragic depth to the track.

With lyrics like I tear on the leash/ that keeps me contained and controlled/ Let me go!” it’s clear that these guys have honed their writing skills and matured a little since their first album. There’s a real sense of wanting to break free of personal torment that many listeners could identify to, or perhaps a parallel to the dispute between Alter Bridge and their former label, Wind-Up Records. 

On first inspection, there’s a feeling that this track is a touch melodramatic, almost as though it’s trying too hard to fit the genre. But every listen makes it sound better, and is proving to be a grower.