After the success of his 2012 solo debut “All I Was,” Alter Bridge and Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti is continuing to move forward with his solo career. This year he is set to release not one but two brand new albums, “Cauterize” and “Dust.” The first of these beasts to be released is “Cauterize,” a heavy melodic album with a nice dose of thrash thrown into the mix.
Mark, of course, is a ridiculously talented guitar player with technical prowess and the speed to match. He also has a keen sense for melody and plays with an intensity and tremendous passion for his craft. Not only that, Mark has proven to be an outstanding songwriter and is turning into quite the vocalist. He has put together an excellent group of musicians for this new record with guitarist Eric “Erock” Friedman, drummer Garrett Whitlock, and Wolfgang Van Halen on bass. “Cauterize” kicks off with a set of facemelters in “Radical Change” and “Flying Monkeys.” The power and mood is dark and intense before hitting the title track, a more radio friendly rock song much like the first single “Another Heart.” One of my favorite songs on the album was “Dark Trip,” a slower, more melodic piece but no less heavy and powerful in its own way. Not to be missed is the midtempo arena ready anthem, “Sympathy” and the album closer “Providence” with its acoustic opening leading into to full blown rocker before changing back again.
It can be difficult for an artist to continue improving and topping his prior successes, but with “Cauterize” Tremonti has done just that. By continuing to push the envelope and explore different directions, Mark has once again given us a punishing album of roaring hard rock. Pick up a copy for yourself and let the shredding begin!
