Alter Bridge may not have achieved the multi-platinum status of Creed, the band in which 3 members also served, but they have a solid following and that is not surprising when you hear them live. This live CD/DVD set was recorded on the band's 2008 European tour and features songs from their first 2 albums - new album 'AB III' was released late last year. The CD features 14 tracks whilst the DVD contains 18 tracks and is the full show.

The best thing about 'Live From Amsterdam' is that it actually sounds like a live show, almost as if you were there, and doesn't feel 'studio fixed'. Alter Bridge are stylistically heavier than Creed and their songs have an honest feel to them. Highlights include 'Before Tomorrow Comes', 'Buried Alive', 'Ties That Bind', acoustic number 'Watch Over You', 'Rise Today', 'Blackbird' and the slow and moving 'In Loving Memory'. The DVD was shot using 18 cameras and is a great addition to the CD. As well as the live show itself, the DVD contains a tour documentary and photo gallery.

It's not hard to see why front man Myles Kennedy has been linked to a number of vacant singer slots (he was reportedly offered the job of fronting Led Zeppelin following Robert Plant's decision not to re-join the band following their 2007 reunion show, and is repeatedly mentioned in relation to the singer-less Velvet Revolver) as he has one of the strongest voices around at the moment. This combined with the solid musicianship of Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips is what makes Alter Bridge such a good band.

With Creed reforming for a new album and tour, Kennedy's recording and touring commitments with Slash and Alter Bridges own touring plans for 2011, the band will be busy for a while yet.

****

Review by Nikk Gunns