This is news long awaited all around the rock world. The first confirmed details of what was previously known simply as “AB4” have emerged as Alter Bridge have confirmed the details of their return with their fourth studio album. The album has now been formally titled Fortress, and comprises thirteen songs encapsulating Alter Bridge’s ability to operate equally at both the softer and heavier ends of the rock spectrum. Song titles confirmed for Fortress include opener Cry Of Achilles, Bleed It Dry, Farther Than The Sun, All Ends Well and the album’s title track. Fortress has been produced by the band’s long time associate Michael ‘Elvis’ Baskette, who has also worked with Trivium and The Stone Temple Pilots, amongst others.
Alter Bridge’s legendary guitarist Mark Tremonti has had the following to say about Fortress:
“When we started pre-production on this album, we pushed ourselves harder and further than we ever have previously in order to make the most out of every individual arrangement. We wanted this album to be our most unpredictable and exciting one yet. From the early feedback we have received, it looks like we have achieved what we set out to do.”
Fortress will be released on September 30th 2013, approximately three years after the release of ABIII, the album that cemented Alter Bridge’s place in the hearts of thousands as one of the world’s best current hard rock bands. The album will be released through Roadrunner Records, who also released ABIII.
Alter Bridge will kick off touring for Fortress with a one off performance at the Orlando, Florida House Of Blues on October 4th 2013, before hitting the road properly across Europe in October and November 2013 with Shinedown and Halestorm opening for them. As previous announced this tour includes the band’s second UK arena tour, including a return to the scene of their greatest triumph at London’s Wembley Arena, which was recorded for the band’s most recent live CD/DVD “Alter Bridge: Live At Wembley“. A reminder of the tour dates is below:
Alter Bridge October 2013 UK Tour Dates with Shinedown & Halestorm
Wed 16th – Nottingham – Arena
Thu 17th – Birmingham – NIA
Fri 18th – London – Wembley Arena
Sun 20th – Cardiff – Motorpoint Arena
Mon 21st – Glasgow – Hydro
Tue 22nd – Manchester – Arena
Limited tickets remain but some of the shows may now have sold out. Please check the usual locations like Ticketmaster, Live Nation and SeeTickets for further details. There will be more updates about Fortress and from the Alter Bridge camp in the weeks leading up to the album’s release and you’ll be able to read all of them right here at Rockins.com.
