It has been three years since Alter Bridge's last studio album, "AbIII", was released in the U.S., but it is clear their fans have been waiting for them to return. Now the rock juggernaut band comprised of Myles Kennedy on vocals, Mark Tremonti on guitar, Brian Marshall on bass and Scott Phillips on drums return with their fourth album, "Fortress", slated for release on October 8 via Emi Label Services. The latest record builds upon the sound that Alter Bridge has been known for with their uncompromised vocal melodies, untouchable dueling guitar work and pounding rhythm section. The album was helmed by longtime Alter Bridge producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, known for his work with Falling In Reverse, Story Of The Year and Incubus, to name a few.

"When we started pre-production on this album, we pushed ourselves harder and further than we ever have previously in order to make the most out of every individual arrangement. We wanted this album to be our most unpredictable and exciting one yet. From the early feedback we have received, it looks like we have achieved what we set out to do," exclaims Tremonti.

From the opening acoustic guitar work on "Cry Of Achilles" through the other 12 songs on "Fortress", it is clear Alter Bridge are back to reclaim their place as one of hard rock's marquee bands. The band showcases some of their heaviest material ever in tracks like "Bleed It Dry" and "Farther Than The Sun", but also shows their signature softer side with songs like "All Ends Well" and the epic title track "Fortress". "Fortress" is 13 tracks of unapologetic, searing hard rock that Alter Bridge has come to be synonymous with around the globe.

Alter Bridge recently announced their only Us show in 2013 in Orlando, Florida on October 4 at the House of Blues. Tickets for this show will go on sale on Friday, July 26 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The band then heads over to Europe where they will begin an extensive headlining world tour that will run from October 16 through November 16 and will feature Shinedown and Halestorm joining the band on select dates. Alter Bridge will also make a triumphant return to Wembley Arena in London on October 18, a venue they sold out on "Abiii" and documented with the Cd/Dvd, "Alter Bridge Live At Wembley".