Review – Three Days Grace – Alienation
Artist: Three Days Grace
Album: Alienation
Rating: 9/10
”Alienation”, the highly anticipated eighth studio album from Canadian rockers Three Days Grace, is a thunderous return to form that should thrill longtime fans and new listeners alike. The hype surrounding this release has been building for months, largely due to the momentous return of original vocalist Adam Gontier. For the first time, the band operates as a quintet with both Gontier and current vocalist Matt Walst sharing the microphone. This dual-frontman approach could’ve easily sounded like a disjointed mess, but instead, it’s a synergistic powerhouse that injects the band with a fresh sense of urgency and emotional depth.
The album’s opening track, the single “Dominate,” wastes no time in re-establishing the band’s signature sound. It’s a relentless, high-energy anthem with a dirty bass tone and a powerful riff that feels like a throwback to the band’s prime. Lyrically, the song is rooted in the mindset of pushing through pain and taking control when you have nothing left to lose. Both Gontier’s distinct grit and Walst’s fierce delivery are on full display, showcasing what the two-vocalist setup brings to the table right from the start.
While the album has its heavy hitters, like the hard-rock rage of “In Cold Blood,” it also demonstrates a surprising amount of nuance and emotional vulnerability. Tracks like “Apologies” and “Kill Me Fast” stand out. “Apologies” starts with an almost dance-like, European-sounding intro before blossoming into a wall of sound with layered vocals and a chorus that begs for sincerity. It’s a poignant exploration of regret and the painful realization that some things can’t be taken back. “Kill Me Fast” is another standout, with a tender, clean-guitar opening that builds with a powerful vocal performance, culminating in a resonant chorus that poses a heart-wrenching question.
”In Waves” is a track that fully embodies the album’s emotional core. It’s a slow, deliberate song, carried by a powerful vocal performance that builds from a quiet desperation to a full-throated cry. The track’s title perfectly describes its structure—with verses that wash over you like a tide, only to crash into a huge, emotionally charged chorus. The song is a poignant exploration of the feeling of being unable to save someone you care about and being powerless to stop them from sinking. The lyrical weight and sonic depth make it one of the most powerful and introspective tracks on the album.
The album’s title track, “Alienation,” is a microcosm of the album’s themes and sonic scope. It’s a song about feeling isolated and disconnected from everything and everyone, a feeling the band has always excelled at capturing. It combines a heavier rock punch with almost sci-fi production elements, creating a soundscape that mirrors the feeling of being an outsider. This track, along with “Never Ordinary,” which features a guest spot from violinist Lindsey Stirling, proves that Three Days Grace isn’t afraid to experiment with new sounds while staying true to their core identity.
One of the most impressive aspects of Alienation is how seamlessly the two vocalists’ styles blend and complement each other. Walst’s contributions, which have been a staple of the band since 2013, feel revitalized by Gontier’s return. Gontier’s distinctive, raw vocals add a layer of nostalgic power, and his presence pushes the band to new heights. The result is a sound that is both familiar and excitingly new. The chemistry between the two vocalists is undeniable, and it gives the songs a dynamic range that was previously absent. (Fans can already stream the full album now on the band’s official website, a unique approach that has allowed them to control the album’s initial rollout and ensure everyone can hear the full experience as intended.)
Overall, “Alienation” is more than just a comeback album; it’s a confident, cohesive statement from a band that’s clearly found a renewed sense of purpose. It balances the raw, hard-rock anthems that made them famous with reflective, emotional ballads. This record is a journey through inner turmoil and outward defiance, showcasing a band at its most full-blooded and fiery. With the powerful combination of Gontier and Walst at the helm, Three Days Grace has not only reclaimed their past but also forged a compelling path forward.
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