ALICE IN CHAINS DIRT ALBUM REVIEW FULL
ALICE IN CHAINS DIRT ALBUM REVIEW SERIES

But to paint them as just another band among their flannel clad peers would be doing a huge disservice to their legacy. Without a doubt, Rainier Fog is an album that perfectly encapsulates the sound of Alice In Chains – juxtaposing unrelenting riffs with highly emotive and dark ballads – while remaining progressive and modern, making it the album fans have ultimately been waiting for.As a Seattle based band that rose to prominence in the early ’90s, Alice In Chains was often lumped in with the grunge scene that was so popular at that time. Furthermore, Rainier Fog also stands as not only one of the greatest albums of the year, but also among some of their strongest material.

ALICE IN CHAINS DIRT ALBUM REVIEW FULL

Rainier Fog is a flawless record that blends unique artistry with modern rock while seamlessly bringing the band’s eclectic career full circle with an album that feels centered between both of Alice In Chains’ incredible chapters. This is a record that sounds as hungry and ambitious as they initially did in 1990 on Facelift and again in 1992 on Dirt, all the while, Cantrell proves once again to be one of the genre’s best songwriters. To close the album, “All I Am” is a truly epic ballad overflowing with a sense of darkness as the band traverses an eerie and open verse followed by an emotionally heavy chorus – anchored by a sense of anger – making for an exceptional conclusion.Īs if they needed further justification as they continue forward, Alice In Chains prove once again to be as crucial and essential to the course of modern rock now as they were to grunge in the ‘90s. Considering that Alice In Chains are largely regarded for their intricate, frequent, and original use of such vocal harmonies, “Maybe” feels as if it takes it one step further in intensity. Such feats only reach a new depth on “Maybe”, a song that rests on the beauty and haunting nature of DuVall’s and Cantrell’s dual vocal lines that are simply stirring. “Fly” is such a ballad with its rich vocal harmonies and crisp acoustic guitars, only to defy all expectations with a fiery guitar solo towards the middle.

Naturally, Rainier Fog is also an album that shines when the band takes an unplugged approach to truly allow for their songwriting to shine. Ultimately, “Drone” alone is a masterpiece of modern songwriting that brings grunge into today’s musical climate. The song is further developed with a haunting bridge that blends acoustic chords with a thick wave of distortion that weaves its way into a short but melodic guitar solo.

ALICE IN CHAINS DIRT ALBUM REVIEW SERIES

“Drone” is fueled by a filthy riff that sounds like something slithering out of the sewer on a stormy Seattle night, only to be accented by a series of tasteful lead lines from Cantrell and his dual vocals with DuVall.

While the album is full of great riffs and hard-hitting tracks – the sludgy “Red Giant”, “So Far Under”, and “Never Fade” all come to mind – “Drone” stands out as one of the strongest that Rainier Fog has to offer. The following title track - while featuring an ambient bridge section – is driven by a punk energy that refuses to let up. While the song first drew attention for its dissonant and aggressive riff, it contains a rich level of songwriting that draws from their softer tones to create a song that is both heavy and brimming with expression and depth. Opening with the lead single, “The One You Know”, Rainier Fog starts off on a heavy note.

Now with the release of their highly anticipated Rainier Fog, the band – consisting of guitarist, Jerry Cantrell, DuVall, drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Inez – is back with a collection of ten songs that stands as their best yet, since reuniting, while a strong sonic connection between their current work along with their beloved classic albums. Since then, Alice In Chains have toured extensively across the globe and snatched headlining slots at some of the biggest rock festivals in Europe and North America. The album was a smash hit with both critics and fans who chose to give the band a chance as they moved forward past their tumultuous and tragic past by making new and modern music. It has been five years since Alice In Chains released their stellar sophomoric release with William DuVall on vocals, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here.

Alice in chains dirt album review