Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Nearly two decades ago, Alter Bridge exploded on the alternative rock scene as an offshoot of the colossal Creed, but after seven albums, sales in the many millions and well over a billion streams, the band is a firmly established entity committed to crafting some of today’s most assertive and aggressive anthems.

With that all in mind, when singer/guitarist Myles Kennedy (also of Slash & The Conspirators fame), fellow guitarist/vocalist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips stopped by the Riviera Theatre after a three-year absence from the area, it was no surprise to see a sell out.

It was also a given that the guys would thrash and thrill for almost two hours, regularly building the momentum from the onset of “Silver Tongue,” tearing through “Addicted To Pain” and pummeling their way around “Ghost Of Days Gone By.”

Besides shredding with insistency, Tremonti stepped up to the microphone for “Burn It Down,” while Kennedy soon unplugged all my himself for the haunting “Watch Over You,” followed by the two joining forces for the emotional “In Loving Memory.”

Alter Bridge went back to the blazing via “Blackbird,” then cranked it up for “Stay,” and perhaps even more so, “Pawns & Kings,” the title track to the album and tour, which was in its final night for this leg.

Though “Open Your Eyes” was conspicuous by its unfortunate absence, the group dipped back to the very beginning to initially close with “Metalingus,” and ultimately, “Rise Today,” coming across ageless in each instance and seeming that much more likely to last for the long haul.

In the middle slot, Mammoth WVH is technically just getting started, but the audience was already familiar with leader Wolfgang Van Halen from joining the latter era of his family’s band of the same name.

However, the vocalist/guitarist firmly forged his own inventive and skillful path with connective cuts, including “Mr. Ed,” “Epiphany,” “You’re To Blame” and “Don’t Back Down,” from a self-titled debut that’s amongst one of the finest rock-oriented releases in recent memory.

Early comers experienced a short but stomping slice of heavy-handed lifers RED, who are gearing up for provocatively-titled release, “Rated R,” and shined through scalding staples such as “Death Of Me” and “Breathe Into Me” to boldly get this well-matched marathon underway.

For additional information on Alter Bridge, Mammoth WVH and RED, visit AlterBridge.com, MammothWVH.com and TheBandRed.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Riviera Theatre include Cory Wong (Mar. 3); International Anime Music Festival (Mar. 4); Weyes Blood (Mar. 11); Bryce Vine (Mar. 12); Paolo Nutini (Mar. 13); STS9 (Mar. 17-18); Betty Who (Mar. 21); Inhaler (Mar. 24); Wilco (Mar. 23, 25-26); Molchat Doma (Mar. 30) and Snarky Puppy (Mar. 31). For additional details, visit JamUSA.com/Riviera-Theatre.

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