Napalm
From the moment the soaring vocal hook and palm-muted riff of the opening track “Silent Divide” kicks in, the tone is set for an album that’s heavy yet nuanced. The production by longtime collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette balances clarity and punch, allowing each instrument room to breathe while maintaining a dense, heavy atmosphere. The conversation between Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti stands out, especially on songs like “Trust in Me” and “Tested and Able”, where the pair trade vocal duties. Kennedy’s verses glide with emotive clarity, shifting from restrained vulnerability to commanding intensity, while Tremonti’s hooks show a maturity — fewer flashy moments and more emphasis on weight, space, and narrative flow. This elevates the material beyond simple hard rock mechanics and into something more emotive and expressive. Lyrically, the album leans heavily into themes of division, resilience, accountability, and inner conflict.
Tracks such as “Disregarded” and “Power Down” showcase a commanding riff-first approach without sacrificing melody. The band’s rhythm section — Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips — anchors the album with grooves that swing heavy but never feel one-dimensional. The single “Playing Aces”, which pairs propulsive verses with an anthemic chorus, is just one of multiple moments primed for the live stage. The closer, “Slave to Master,” stretches beyond nine minutes and blends progressive ambition with broad emotional resonance.
One of the album’s strengths lies in its sense of cohesion. The sequencing feels intentional, with dynamic rises and falls that reward full-album listening. Although long-time listeners may notice that some rhythmic patterns and chord progressions feel familiar, the album is not an exercise in nostalgia, but a confident reaffirmation of their brand of modern hard rock: melodic, muscular, and introspective where it needs to be.
4.5/6 | Anne-Marie Forker
Release date: 9 January 2026
