Alter Bridge are set to unleash their fourth studio album, 'Fortress,' on Oct. 8 in North America, and we've got an incredible treat for fans of the band. Loudwire is teaming up with Alter Bridge to present an exclusive stream of the entire album (listen above).

Coming off the success off their third album, 'AB III,' Alter Bridge prove they're back with a bang on 'Fortress,' which kicks off with the epic track 'Cry of Achilles.' The song is a sonic tour de force and sets the stage for an ambitious album that showcases a band that's firing on all cylinders.

Among the other highlights on 'Fortress' are the first single 'Addicted to Pain' and the album-closing title track. Throughout the effort, singer Myles Kennedy once again proves that he is among hard rock's best vocalists. Meanwhile, guitarist Mark Tremonti churns out some monster riffs and intricate solos, and even takes lead vocals on the track 'Waters Rising.' And bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips provide a rock-solid rhythm section all through the album.

Alter Bridge are only playing one show in the States in 2013 in support of 'Fortress' -- an Oct. 4 gig in Orlando, Fla. -- before heading to Europe for a monthlong trek. North American fans will have at least a few months to soak in the new disc before the band launches a stateside trek, so listen to 'Fortress' in its entirety above, and if you like what you hear, pre-order the album at iTunes or Amazon.