Few bands consistently deliver great records. It’s even rarer for said groups to have maintained the same lineup since inception. Alter Bridge is one of these scarce acts that have maintained both of the above factors; for over 18 years! And their latest offering, Pawns & Kings, is yet another example of the quartet’s continued exceptional output. Opening with “This is War,” it’s clear from the start that Myles Kennedy, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips are hell-bent on ensuring they deliver the quality their fans have come to expect. Honesty, this 4-minute blast of tight guitar riffs, banging drums, and Kennedy’s signature vocals set an expectation that could be challenging to meet. It is heavy and channels aspects of thrash metal through Tremonti’s fast-paced riffs, bu...