Is Rainier Fog a good place to start with Alice in Chains?

Yes, Rainier Fog is recommended as a starting point for new Alice in Chains listeners. A brooding blend of heavy riffs and haunting melodies that encapsulate the essence of modern grunge and introspective lyricism. Released in 2018, Rainier Fog is Alice in Chains' third album since their reunion in 2005 and follows the critically acclaimed The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here. The band was solidifying their legacy as a pivotal force in the alternative metal scene while navigating the challenges of loss and change within their lineup.

Who is Rainier Fog for?

Rainier Fog works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and introspective and brooding moods.

How many songs are on Rainier Fog?

Rainier Fog has 10 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Rainier Fog

Alice in Chains · 2018

53 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A brooding blend of heavy riffs and haunting melodies that encapsulate the essence of modern grunge and introspective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The One You Know Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its powerful guitar work and introspective lyrics, reflecting themes of struggle and resilience that permeate the album.
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Rainier Fog — The title track serves as a tribute to the band's Seattle roots, blending atmospheric elements with heavy instrumentation and evocative storytelling.
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Maybe — This poignant ballad showcases the band’s softer side, featuring haunting harmonies that explore themes of uncertainty and longing, contrasting with heavier tracks.
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Never Fade — An anthem of perseverance, this track combines driving rhythms with reflective lyrics about enduring personal challenges, encapsulating the album's overall message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends heavy riffs with melodic elements, showcasing solid craftsmanship but not breaking new ground.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature heavy guitar riffs and a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more melodic and softer dynamic.
Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a haunting atmosphere, particularly in 'Deaf Ears Blind Eyes' and 'Maybe'.
The album closes with 'All I Am', which features a gradual build-up to an emotional climax, contrasting with the heavier earlier tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
introspective and brooding moods
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and maturity in sound for the band post-reunion.
Themes: Seattle's grunge legacy· nostalgic loss· struggle against despair
Career context: Released in 2018, Rainier Fog is Alice in Chains' third album since their reunion in 2005 and follows the critically acclaimed The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here. The band was solidifying their legacy as a pivotal force in the alternative metal scene while navigating the challenges of loss and change within their lineup.
Stylistic neighbors: Soundgarden· Stone Temple Pilots· Pearl Jam