Album Review — Tremonti

Tremonti — Marching In Time

Tremonti released their fifth studio album, “Marching In Time” in September. I’m very familiar with Mark Tremonti’s work in Alter Bridge and Creed, but I haven’t heard any of the Tremonti material. So I’ve decided to listen to the new record fresh and give my first impressions not only of this record but of the band.

I’m sure many of you reading this might wonder where I’ve been and I’m beginning to wonder how I’ve missed five records from the band. So if I like it I have plenty of new music to check out.

Here goes…

“A World Away” — Starts off with a very metal intro but as the track gets going it’s much more melodic. There are definite “metal” moments throughout, but the basic verses and chorus are quite catchy. Turns out Mark Tremonti not only plays guitar but is also the vocalist and he sounds quite good. The overall sound actually sounds a bit dated but I like it. Off to a good start.

“Now And Forever” — Another track that’s got some metal elements at the start but the verse is quite melodic again. This one sounds like it could have been on an Alter Bridge record. I don’t know if this was a single, but it sure sounds like it could have been.

“If Not For You” — Well, I’m starting to feel like I’m going to have a lot of catching up to do. Another melodic track. I hear a little Vertical Horizon in the vocal which is a good thing. It’s an interesting mix musically. I hear a lot of bands like Vertical Horizon and Daughtry combined with some of the heavier 90s bands with some metal elements. But overall, it’s far more melodic than I expected.

“Thrown Further” — A very riffy start but again it’s quite catchy in the verse. There’s some very interesting guitar parts happening and the riffs are quite heavy, but the chorus is very catchy. How is this the first time I’m listening to this band? I feel like I’ve been missing out.

“Let That Be Us” — More of the same in the best way. A very heavy intro with more melodic tastiness. I’m going to sound like I’m repeating myself but the tracks have a similar flow to them. It’s the mix of the very heavy elements with the very melodic elements that really stand out. I knew the guy could play guitar, and he certainly does here, but he can sing too.

“The Last One of Us” — The first track that didn’t come out of the gates flying, this one is a little more mellow and mostly acoustic at the start but picks up to a mid-tempo track.

“In One Piece” — More heavy riffing to start this one that continues into the verses. Another fairly catchy chorus that continues the formula. I hear a lot of similarities in the vocal to Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon which I really like.

“Under The Sun” — A more mellow start to this one that builds slowly. This one doesn’t have as defined of a verse, verse, chorus structure to it which makes it interesting and unpredictable as the song move along.

“Not Afraid To Lose” — A keyboard starts this one which is the first I remember hearing any keyboard up until now. The build starts after the first few lines and settles into a mid-tempo track with a big chorus. This one also sounds like it could be a single. I can just see the lighters/cellphone flashlights in the air. Really good track.

“Bleak” — Another track with a slow build up to the verse. There’s a nice mix after the torrid start to the record. A good track but not a standout.

“Would You Kill” — A crunchy riff to start this one that has a more aggressive vocal from the start. It’s that mix of heavy and melodic that works so well.

“Marching In Time” — The title track closes the record and checks in at over seven and a half minutes. This one starts off slower but the slow build starts early. As expected at seven and a half minutes, this one has a more epic feel to it and takes its time to weave its way to its conclusion.

Well, that was a pleasant surprise. I actually feel a little cheated that I didn’t get a full week with this one. In many ways this record reminds me of the Michael Grant record from last year that also took me by surprise and ended up being one of my favorite records of the year. I feel fairly confident that “Marching In Time” will find its way on to my year end list.

If you are already a fan I’m sure you will love this record. But if you are like me and haven’t taken the time to check out this band, you need to do it right now. It will be well worth your time.

The only thing that keeps this record from scoring higher is I didn’t hear that one song that takes the album over the top. But I’m only one listen in, so maybe with a little time…

95 out of 100

Track Listing

1. A World Away *
2. Now and Forever *
3. If Not for You *
4. Thrown Further *
5. Let That Be Us *
6. The Last One of Us
7. In One Piece
8. Under the Sun
9. Not Afraid to Lose *
10. Bleak
11. Would You Kill
12. Marching in Time *

*Best Songs