There is just no stopping Mark Tremonti. This heavy metal rock icon best known as lead guitarist for the Grammy Award winning band, Creed and Alter Bridge has just released his fourth album with his band, Tremonti. It is no secret that Tremonti has been passionate about heavy metal since his youth and the band itself has been an outlet for him to pursue music his way. Tremonti may just be one of the hardest and busiest working man in the music industry today. His latest album, out now just maybe his most personal album yet.
Tremonti is a band based out of Orlando, Florida. It started off when Mark Tremonti decided that in 2011 he wanted to follow his love of heavy metal and create music the way he wanted to. For the first time he would step into the role as singer along with lead and rhythm guitar player. Although, it was uncharted waters for him he decided it was worth it and it paid off. In July 2012, All I Was was released followed by Cauterized in 2015 and Dust in 2016 with each album the fan base has grown. To date with 40 million and counting albums sold with Creed, Alter Bridge and Tremonti combined it proves that the band has reached success.
Tremonti is, Mark Tremonti on lead vocals and guitars, Eric Friedman on guitar, bass and backing vocals and Garrett Whitlock on drums. The latest album, A Dying Machine was released on June 8, 2018 on Napalm Records. It is a concept album which touches on “many emotionally charged narratives, spanning obsession, unrequited love, and destruction”. Tremonti has gone on to state that “At its core, this is a human story, but with a twist”. The story takes place at the “turn of the next century”. A novel will be released to accompany the album. It was produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Slash, Sevendust, Shinedown) who has worked on all the other Tremonti and last four Alter Bridge albums.
A Dying Machine just maybe Tremonti’s most passionate and heavy album lyrically and musically. It takes the listener on a journey as they hear each note played and every song sung. With powerhouse vocals often turning melodic, Tremonti proves his vocal ability is diverse and capable of singing heavy and ballad type songs. When it comes to the music, no one does it like Tremonti. Along with the band, the sound is pumped full of adrenaline rushing heavy metal jams to rock ballads that will move the soul. There is no hiding that Tremonti may be one of today’s top guitar players showing off his shredding skills but yet also allowing for softer strumming acoustic guitar pieces. Friedman in his own right is a talented guitarist who also shows off his chops on the album when it comes to his axe ability. Whitlock adds his own expertise on drums as he moves from double time to steady beats. He is the heartbeat of the band and does not disappoint.
The album starts off with a heavy in your face song, “Bringer of War”. The beginning is reminiscent of a country movie introduction which turns into heavy guitar, rhythmic drums and bass. Tremonti provides some intense vocals which leads into some catchy harmonies featuring Friedman on the chorus. There is a killer guitar solo that steals the song and proves that this is what Tremonti is all about. It is a great tune to start off the musical journey the listeners will be taken on.
The title track off the album “A Dying Machine” is sure to be a fan favorite. With powerhouse vocals from Tremonti it is a heavy song showing off the skills on guitars, bass and drums. The harmonies are passionate and add to the richness of the song. True to Tremonti style a slow yet emotional guitar solo is featured that will add depth to the tune.
Probably one of the heaviest songs on the album, “Throw Them To The Lions” showcases the band with a guitar solo, double bass and drum introduction. The song continues with intense vocals that show Tremonti as passionate about the vocals. The harmonies in the chorus are killer and mix perfectly with the song. There is a shredding guitar solo that will have listeners’ jaws dropping on the floor in awe.
“Traipse” is a stunning hard rock ballad and a unique song on the album. It starts off with a strumming guitar and melodic vocal, yet turns heavy with rolling drums and steady rock bass making for the perfect mixture of sound. There are even string sections at times that add to the beauty of the song. It is the best of both worlds having a fierce guitar solo gracing the tune.
Another song on the album that is sure to be a fan favorite is “The First Last”. It’s a slower ballad that turns to a rock song. With strumming guitars and beautiful vocals full of feelings listeners will truly be moved by the song. As the chorus comes along the drums, bass and guitar turn more rhythmic. The harmonies are important to mention as they add richness to the song.
The first single of the album, “Take You With Me” has a punk vibe sound to it in the introduction then turns into a heavy rock song. The song features double bass drums and bass, heavy guitar strumming. It has a great catchy chorus that will have fans singing along. What is unique about the song is the upbeat guitar solo during a change in the bridge of the tune. This was the right pick for the band to choose as its showcase of the album. It will be a fan favorite.
The last song on the album is an instrumental electronica sounding song with hollow drum beats playing for a short while. A heavy guitar comes in later through the song and it fades out to end the tune. It truly is a very captivating riff to end the album. It leaves the listener with a sense of hope and at the same time uncertainty. It seems to embrace the concept of the album perfectly ending it without a lyrical story.
Tremonti is a band that can do no wrong when it comes to execution of music and lyrics. They write with passion and conviction. A Dying Machine is the bands fourth album and its best yet. The concept in itself speaks volumes and is taking Tremonti in a whole new direction music wise. This is not the Creed or Alter Bridge sounding band that many may think of when they hear Mark Tremonti but the band is defiantly one that any heavy metal fan needs to have in their music arsenal.
