TREMONTI – Marching In Time

4/10

TREMONTI - Marching In Time - 4/10

4/10

Summary

Napalm Records
Release date: September 24, 2021

[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.

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The Backstory

Tremonti is the solo project of Creed and Alter Bridge founder/guitarist Mark Tremonti. Since 2012, Tremonti has released 5 albums, and once had Wolfgang Van Halen among their ranks. Marching In Time is Tremonti’s six studio release.

The Album

Machine gun fire double kick drums lead the charge on the opening track “A World Away.” Tremonti’s riffs and vocals are as dark and haunting as the lyrical content. “Now and Forever” is your typical Modern Rock radio track. Not too heavy, inner emotional struggles, and it takes no real chances. “If Not for You” continues the gloomy downtrodden vibe. Tremonti provides some great licks on this tale about either a higher power or a soulmate.

Despite Ryan Bennett’s killer rapid-fire drum work, “Let That Be Us” is more of a melodic affair. The acoustic heavy track “The Last One of Us” delivers the best representation of what Tremonti can do vocally. “Not Afraid to Lose” is a foreboding ballad that is reminiscent of Mark’s days in Creed. “Would You Kill” is full of pounding energy and though provoking lyrics. The album concludes with the 7 minute title track “Marching in Time.”

The Verdict

When it comes to the drums, bass, and guitars on Marching In Time, they are powerful, heavy, and may bust an ear drum or two. When it comes to the vocals, not so much. The mix of heavy music with Tremonti’s soft vocals just doesn’t work. This type of music needs a stronger, throaty vocal. Mark is a low, melody guy. Good for the ballads, weak on the stronger stuff. Tremonti still remains one of the best on his guitar, and his lyrics are a dark reflection of the world around us.

Tracklist

A World Away
Now and Forever
If Not For You
Thrown Further
Let That Be Us
The Last One of Us
In One Piece
Under The Sun
Not Afraid to Lose
Bleak
Would You Kill
Marching in Time

Tremonti is

Mark Tremonti – Vocals, Guitars
Eric Friedman – Guitars, Strings, Keyboards, Programming
Ryan Bennett – Drums
Tanner Keegan – Bass

Author

George Dionne

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.
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