10 Essential Songs To Get You Into Alter Bridge

5. Ties That Bind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEjM_wF1VBA For fans of: Riffs that are way harder than they seem. We've covered riffs that'll make you re-check your spinal column is intact with Isolation, but it was at the start of second album Blackbird that this monumentally career-defining track landed in our collective laps. Written about the fact the band had just bought themselves out of their contract with Wind Up Records so they could hopefully be represented better with Universal, the lyrics describe that need to break free and fight back against the metaphorical cage you'd otherwise find yourself in. As each band member had to pay their way out of said contract using their own money, everything takes on a whole new meaning when you realise the already intensely-passionate delivery is in reference to the fact their careers were on the line: "This I know, The risk is worth the gain, It's worth the sacrifice, Way beyond the ties that bind." In addition the track features one of Myles' best vocal performances, surely spurred on by him singing for his life in the recording booth, which is encapsulated perfectly by holding the last word of the lyric "Damn you all, I'm gonna find my way" as the band tears into one of the heaviest breakdowns they'd ever write.
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Gaming Editor
Gaming Editor

WhatCulture's Head of Gaming.