Alice in Chains – Rainier Fog (2018): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in August 2018, Rainier Fog is the ninth studio album by Alice in Chains and the third with vocalist William DuVall. The album continues the band’s signature grunge and alternative metal sound, blending heavy riffs, dark atmospheres, and haunting vocal harmonies.
Rainier Fog was recorded in Seattle, paying homage to the city where Alice in Chains was formed. It reflects themes of loss, resilience, reflection, and Seattle’s musical legacy, making it both a personal and historical statement for the band.
Album Overview
Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, the album fuses classic Alice in Chains heaviness with modern production techniques. Lyrically, the songs explore addiction, mortality, personal struggles, and the passage of time, echoing the introspective tone of their post-Staley albums.
Rainier Fog also features collaborations with members of the Seattle music community, reinforcing the album’s connection to the city’s iconic grunge scene.
Tracklist – Alice in Chains: Rainier Fog (2018)
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The One You Know
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Rainier Fog
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Red Giant
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Fly
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Drone
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Deaf Ears Blind Eyes
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Maybe
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So Far Under
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Never Fade
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All I Am
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Rainier Fog (Reprise)
Album Review
The album opens with “The One You Know,” a riff-driven track that sets a heavy, aggressive tone while highlighting DuVall and Cantrell’s vocal harmonies. The title track, “Rainier Fog,” balances crushing riffs with atmospheric layering, evoking Seattle’s misty landscapes and the band’s roots.
“Red Giant” and “Drone” showcase the band’s darker, heavier side, while “Fly” provides melodic relief with emotional lyrics and soaring vocals. “Never Fade” is a standout ballad reflecting the band’s themes of remembrance and resilience.
Overall, Rainier Fog combines heaviness, melody, and lyrical introspection, solidifying Alice in Chains’ status as a continuing force in modern rock. The album resonates with fans old and new, bridging the band’s 1990s grunge legacy with contemporary sound.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Rainier Fog is named after Mount Rainier, a prominent symbol of Seattle and the band’s hometown.
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• Trivia: The album includes references to Seattle grunge legends such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam.
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• Did You Know? The album features guest backing vocals from Chris Cornell’s band members as a tribute to the late Soundgarden frontman.
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• Fun Fact: The One You Know was the lead single and received strong airplay on rock radio, marking the band’s continued commercial success.
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• Did You Know? The album debuted at #12 on the Billboard 200 and was praised for its heavy riffs and dark atmospheric tone.
Rainier Fog (2018) is a powerful and atmospheric album, combining classic Alice in Chains heaviness with melodic sophistication. It celebrates the band’s Seattle roots while demonstrating their continued relevance in modern rock.
