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Rainier Fog
by
Rainier Fog Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length release for the Seattle rock band was produced by Nick Raskulinecz and is its first on the BMG label.
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Critic Reviews

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.
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 23, 2018
    80
    Happiness may remain an elusive quality in AIC's music, but variety is not. Be it the acoustic parts in Fly or elegant a cappella vocals of Maybe, they juggle power and poignancy like masters. [Sep 2018, p.110]
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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.
  4. PopMatters
    Aug 24, 2018
    70
    The main issue with Rainier Fog, though, is that the band never climbs from the very bottom to the very top of that mountain and gives us all of their range. They stick relatively close to base camp, a well-stocked, but comfortable mid-point that largely eschews dynamics.
  5. Exclaim
    Aug 27, 2018
    70
    Rainier Fog is more than just another Alice in Chains record; it's another step in the process of redefining their sound since their first comeback record, 2009's Black Gives Way to Blue.
  6. Consequence
    Aug 23, 2018
    67
    While not the strongest of the band’s second-era output, it’s a nice addition to Alice in Chains’ impressive discography.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Aug 24, 2018
    50
    Rainier Fog, though, feels as though it’s stuck between gears. As usual, there are Cantrell’s gargantuan, 10-ton metal riffs and lyrics like “I’ll stay here and feed my pet black hole,” on the especially dreary “Drone,” but they linger too long in that zone.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. 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 theAIC 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.… Expand
  2. 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. AnotherBeen 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.… Expand
  4. 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
  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 forcedIt'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.… Expand
  6. 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 CantrellPeople 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
  7. 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 lotWith 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
  8. 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 tiringWay 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

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