At Borgata Event Center in Atlantic City on May 9th, a powerful reunion took place between Alter Bridge and their devoted New Jersey fans, eager to experience the sheer energy and heartfelt emotion that have always defined their music.
The What Lies Within Tour promises a setlist that delves into Alter Bridge’s rich catalog, featuring timeless hits, fan favorites, and new songs from their 2026 self-titled release.
The band appeared on stage with Myles Kennedy taking the spotlight to start the show with “Silent Divide.” The intro riff on a solitary guitar set a reflective, almost weightless tone in the venue before Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, and Scott Phillips immediately join in, giving the song its thunderous mass like a rising tide. That deliberate, thick guitar crunch set the tone for the evening of a guitar-fueled show within the song’s first verse and chorus.
The 16-song setlist drew from six of their eight albums, notably omitting any material from Walk the Sky and The Last Hero. The band leaned into songs like “Cry of Achilles,” “Broken Wings,” and “Ghost of Days Gone By,” all anchoring the performance and balancing soaring melody with muscular riffs. To that point, Mark took lead vocals on the ballad-esque “Burn it Down,” a song that leans into a darker, more aggressive side of the band’s sound with touches of alternative metal. It was especially compelling to hear the contrast of Mark and Myles trading vocals on “Tested and Able” and blending in harmony, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that mirrors the song’s theme of resilience and proving oneself under pressure.
On stage, Mark and Myles clearly operate as two distinct but perfectly aligned guitar forces. Mark is the architect of gallop picking, lightning-fast legato runs, and sweep picking, giving technically dazzling solos like on “Fortress.” Myles is the more atmospheric counterpart, weaving melodic textures, chiming rhythms, and expressive leads that prioritize feel over finesse on “Watch Over You.” Their interplay is less about competition and more about musical conversation, as the two guitar masters weave a colorful tapestry in their songs.
Mark drives the muscle and momentum, while Myles adds color and lift, each knowing exactly when to step forward or fall back. The chemistry is instinctive and battle-tested, allowing them to lock into tight harmonies, trade phrases seamlessly, and elevate songs with a dynamic push-and-pull that gives Alter Bridge its signature depth and power in a live setting.
This guitar dynamic could not be possible without Brian and Scott’s chest-thumping low end that fills out the musical space within each song. Together, they function as a tightly locked rhythm section that delivers the feel and groove of Alter Bridge’s music. Brian tends to mirror Mark’s low end, especially in drop-tuned songs. At the same time, Scott’s bass drum mirrors Brian’s bass lines, creating a unified rhythmic pulse.
Least not forget Myles‘ smooth yet powerful voice, which soared above the thunderous guitars and cut through the air at the Borgata like a razor. He captivated the audience with his unwavering singing, playing, and storytelling. Every movement and gesture radiates the sheer magnetism of a true rock star.
Prior to the show, I asked Myles Kennedy about his knack for pairing darker lyrical themes with soaring, commercial melodies. He responded, “I love to do that! That contrast is important to me and very much intentional. The band strives for memorable hooks and uplifting choruses, with layered lyrics that carry a heavier, more introspective weight. It creates a dynamic where the music draws you in, while the words give you something far deeper.”
Taking a break from the sonic barrage of rock anthems, the band added some dimension mid-set with Myles on acoustic guitar for “Watch Over You.” Then, they instantly turned back to their area-friendly classics to end the show with “Metalingus” and “Rise Today.”
Alter Bridge’s no-nonsense, hard-hitting rock hits their fans. Their ability to craft songs that leave an indelible mark on listeners’ souls is a testament to their status as true musical trailblazers, redefining the boundaries of hard rock to connect with their audience in a way few other acts can match.
For tickets to their remaining shows, visit this location.
