Key Tracks: “Live to Rise,” “Dirt and Roses,” “Into The Blue”

Calling all S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives: suit up, Hulk up, hammer up and shield up--it’s time to assemble!

Released in addition to the film’s original score soundtrack, the alternative rock soundtrack to the upcoming blockbuster The Avengers is a solid compilation of hard-rock heavy hitters. These fist-clenching anthems are sure to inspire you to join forces with the team and protect the earth from a sinister demigod, even if he only proves to be your annoying brother.

The first track, “Live to Rise,” is an eerie melodic comeback for veteran grunge rockers Soundgarden. It being the band’s first recording in nearly 15 years, Soundgarden succeeds in delivering an anthem that would inspire any aspiring hero to become the world’s savior. “Like the sun we will live to rise / Like the sun we will live and die / And then ignite again,” vocalist Chris Cornell erupts in his distinctive grunge yelp. The rhythmic chord progression is entrancing and alluring. Soundgarden’s newest creation is an ideal way to kick off the adrenaline-pumping album to what may be this summer’s biggest blockbuster.

Bush’s latest track, “Into the Blue,” is another noteworthy addition to the soundtrack, adding a melodic vibe to the fuel-filled concoction. It is reminiscent of the guitar plucking and sultry vocal delivery of “Afterlife” from the band’s most recent album Everything Always Now. “I’m lovin’ the madness / In the contours of your heart,” the chorus taunts. Scott Weiland’s “Breathe”’s melody is driven and rocks at a slower pace than the record’s heavier conquer-the-world vibe. It’s a more contemplative piece than the Stone Temple Pilots' frontman is known for but it flows smoothly with the rest of the musical ensemble.

Papa Roach’s “Even if I Could” and Black Veil Brides' “Unbroken” are Hulk-smashing, hammer-pounding songs bent on self-righteous destruction. The opening guitar riffs to both songs are power-driven and exhilarating. Black Veil Brides' heavy metal battle cry is especially killer and would even make Tony Stark proud in all of his metal-clad glory. Even though the lyrics to “Even If I Could” and “Unbroken” are simple, they fit the film’s action-driven plot to a tee and deliver a roundhouse kick to ears.

Nearly a year after 2011’s Endgame , Rise Against has unleashed a new punk-rock anthem for the Hollywood release. “Like fallen soldiers on these fields / We spared our lives / Bodies hurled on the wheels / I swear we tried,” Tim McIlrath asserts on "Dirt and Roses." One of the best aspects of McIlrath and company’s piece is the call-to-arms bridge, sure to rouse anyone’s emotions.

The two girl-powered ballads, “A New Way to Bleed” and “Shake the Ground,” performed by Evanescence and Cherri Bomb respectively, are the ideal inspirations to Black Widow’s hardcore, bad guy-busting persona. Amy Lee’s Avenger-anthem is a remix of the song that first appeared on Evanescence’s self-titled release last fall. No need to worry though. The remix appropriately captures the band’s iconic new-wave metal while incorporating a bass blasting techno undertone.

Overall, The Avengers Assemble soundtrack lives up to its big blockbuster brother’s superhero summer hype. The song choices epitomize the essence of an iconic vigilante fighting force commanded by Nick Fury. Move out of the way, Loki. With hard-hitting tunes like these, your army has no chance of standing against a team that is indulging in this fist-clenching compilation.