"Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge" is the twelfth studio album by the American Southern rock band Molly Hatchet. Released on May 24, 2005, the album marked the return of the band after a six-year recording hiatus and was notable for its exploration of a more straight-ahead, bluesy sound compared to the group's earlier work.
The album is dedicated to the memory of Bobby Ingram's wife, Stephanie, who passed away during its production. "Rainbow Bridge," refers to an old Native American legend which says that the Rainbow Bridge is where departed pet souls go and play while they wait for the day they can return to their owners. In a similar vein, Ingram's regard for this album is analogous to such an anticipated reunion with his departed loved ones.
The album features ten tracks, with songs that are powerful yet poignant, showcasing the band's impressive knack for crafting songs that are as catchy as they are hard-hitting. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding its creation, "Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge" is an album infused with a spirit of resilience and a firm commitment to the southern rock ethos that Molly Hatchet is known for. The album was generally received positively by fans and critics alike. It is seen as the band's sincere expression of loss, love, and the power of music to heal and to bring people together.
