Rainier Fog
by Alice in Chains
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 46
  3. Negative: 4 out of 46
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  1. Kaneada
    Aug 25, 2018
    9
    With Alice in Chains new album Rainier Fog, they manage to deliver what is easily the best music of the Duvall era, which is saying a lot since Black Gives Way to Blue and The Devil Put the Dinosaurs here are really solid albums. But Rainier Fog delivers something above those two with inspired song writing and lyrics. This album sits high on my list of favorite albums for the year and forWith Alice in Chains new album Rainier Fog, they manage to deliver what is easily the best music of the Duvall era, which is saying a lot since Black Gives Way to Blue and The Devil Put the Dinosaurs here are really solid albums. But Rainier Fog delivers something above those two with inspired song writing and lyrics. This album sits high on my list of favorite albums for the year and for that matter easily sits next to classics like Dirt and Face Lift without being a direct copy of either.… Expand
  2. lyricscream
    Aug 24, 2018
    10
    People may ask: "How can a band who lost one of the best frontman in history still be this good?" Jerry Cantrell. It has always been Cantrell who was the creative architect to their sound; writing almost all of the music and half of their lyrics. Layne's legacy will forever be there and there isn't a day that his voice and presence isn't missed but AIC has carved for themselves this newPeople may ask: "How can a band who lost one of the best frontman in history still be this good?" Jerry Cantrell. It has always been Cantrell who was the creative architect to their sound; writing almost all of the music and half of their lyrics. Layne's legacy will forever be there and there isn't a day that his voice and presence isn't missed but AIC has carved for themselves this new chapter in its history. Continuing on with another stellar album.

    I was both cautious and optimistic when I found out AIC was putting out another album. Don't get me wrong, I loved The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here but it wasn't as diverse as Black Gives Way to Blue was. But this one was well worth the wait. It sees Alice in Chains adapting, evolving and moving forward but most importantly still being their dynamic selves - looking back on 30 years of solid music and a legacy that will never fade. This one sits alongside Dirt for me as one of their best. I just hope I don't have to wait another 5 years for the next one, guys.    … Expand
  3. AngelT24
    Aug 24, 2018
    10
    Been waiting for this album since "The One You Know" was released. To be perfectly honest, I was not let down by these Seattle giants. Another great album added to their flawless discography.
  4. wowee
    Aug 24, 2018
    10
    the album is fantastic , I wish Layne were here alongside the bands it would've been Epic .............................................................................................................................
  5. DantePQ
    Aug 24, 2018
    10
    It's easily my favorite album of Duvall era, It's modern but unconcerned with fashion. Unlike Devil Put Dinosaurs Here it deosn't feel forced or safe. Guitar work is amazing, vocals (with some tracks with Duvall in front) are amazing, drumming is great and it's still sounds like Alice in Chains.
  6. Andremax
    Sep 12, 2018
    8
    Way better than The Devil put Dinossaurs Here. In first place, because of lenght, standard in Alice in Chains' albuns, long, but not tiring and very well used. In second because of atmosphere, that remember so much the sound which band used to do on Layne Stanley (including Duvall singing sometimes remembering deceased singer) as moments of Facelift, Dirt but principally Tripod. TheseWay better than The Devil put Dinossaurs Here. In first place, because of lenght, standard in Alice in Chains' albuns, long, but not tiring and very well used. In second because of atmosphere, that remember so much the sound which band used to do on Layne Stanley (including Duvall singing sometimes remembering deceased singer) as moments of Facelift, Dirt but principally Tripod. These facts gives album not sensation of more-of-the-same but a nostalgic fresh taste. An album to listen to and say: "This is Alice in Chains"… Expand
  7. mitbruin
    Sep 21, 2018
    9
    This is the third album since Layne Staley’s untimely passing, but it’s the first one that doesn’t sound like it’s missing something. Of course, no one can match Staley’s aggressively powerful vocal delivery, so there are no songs here in the vein of, say, “Love Hate Love,” from the first AiC album, Facelift. Rather, the band has turned to crafting songs that don’t need to be carried by aThis is the third album since Layne Staley’s untimely passing, but it’s the first one that doesn’t sound like it’s missing something. Of course, no one can match Staley’s aggressively powerful vocal delivery, so there are no songs here in the vein of, say, “Love Hate Love,” from the first AiC album, Facelift. Rather, the band has turned to crafting songs that don’t need to be carried by a tour de force solo vocal track, and feature instead some of the most beautifully haunting vocal harmonies you could want to hear. Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell were able to do this back during AiC 1.0 also, most notably on Jar of Flies, but Cantrell and current vocalist William DuVall blend together even better. The hypnotically soothing result is a perfect complement to the blunt force trauma inflicted by a musical attack that hews as close as ever to the doom metal in their DNA, while retaining the inventiveness that has always been a Jerry Cantrell/Alice In Chains hallmark. This album is not quite as wonderfully surreal as Jar of Flies, but it still manages to be unexpected, while being considerably more powerful. Easily their best effort in 25 years.… Expand
  8. finnmccool1985
    Aug 30, 2018
    10
    AIC in top form. The most resilient group from the grunge generation, with a message about strength and self identity that reaches beyond the band, and into the culture. How to survive when youve lost who you are- and they do, brilliantly- Layne would be proud.
  9. Ali_the_bassist
    Aug 9, 2019
    10
    amazing album. alice in chains is just getting better and better every album they make
    even death of Layne Staley couldn't stop them

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. No Ripcord
    Sep 11, 2018
    80
    Rainier Fog has enough highs mind to comfortably recommend as a must-listen--a lot of this material is what Chains do best.
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  2. Pitchfork
    Sep 4, 2018
    57
    Here, with the exception of the lighters-in-the-sky power balladry of “Fly,” the more melodious passages on tracks like “Maybe” and “All I Am” are still countered by blunt-force guitars and blaring volume. It’s hard to fault the band for trying to recapture a bit of their past grunge-era glory.
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  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 28, 2018
    80
    They were always one of the most metal band of the alt.rock boom that emerged from their Seattle scene in the early 1990’s, but on Rainier Fog; there’s a beauty and an expanse--as well as a major chord or two--that sees the band evolving.
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