They say time heals all wounds. Some take longer than others, and some never heal. In the case of Three Days Grace, it was only a matter of time.
It’s been 13 years since Three Days Grace released Transit of Venus– the last record with singer Adam Gontier, and it’s been 12 years since he abruptly left the band right before a big co-headline tour. The band enlisted singer Matt Walst and didn’t look back while Gontier went on hiatus and returned with Saint Asonia 10 years ago.
Fast forward to 2025, and the band members have finally made up and are set to release Alienation– Gontier’s first record back with the band but it takes a fun turn in keeping Walst at the helm too, with both singers sharing lead vocal duty.
From the start of opener “Dominate,” Gontier and Walst balance and share lead vocals perfectly, alternating verses and choruses with flawless effort. “Dominate” is a fist-pumping battle anthem that’s one hell of a statement opener for the record.
After lead singles “Mayday” and “Apologies,” we get into the meat and potatoes of the record. “Kill Me Fast” is one of the most emotionally charged songs the band has ever written, featuring some of the most honest, vulnerable lyrics.
“Kill Me Fast” is a song everyone can relate to with Gontier crying out “Tell me when it’s over, don’t make me ask. Come a little closer and break me like glass. Don’t leave any hope that you’re ever coming back.”
A lot of the songs on Alienation would have fit perfectly on One-X, with “In Waves,” “The Power” and “Deathwish” are classic Three Days Grace. Then there’s “Never Ordinary.”
This one has a hauntingly calming acoustic guitar riff to open and features backup vocals from Lindsey Stirling. “Never Ordinary” is one of the many standout tracks on the record and will bury itself deep in the back of your head.
“Deathwish” reeks of “Time of Dying” similarities and is a fun throwback to days of Three Days Grace past while “In Cold Blood” has one of the most addictive choruses on the record and discusses the feelings of knowing you mutually let a relationship die, knowing you could have saved it but didn’t. This is potentially the strongest track on the entire album.
“Power” would have fit well on the band’s self-titled debut and is fun listening to Gontier and Walst alternate vocals throughout the song while “Another Relapse” closes the record out, talking about knowing someone is bad for you but you just want one more taste, even though you know you shouldn’t.
In the end, Alienation is Three Days Grace at their best. It’s by far their best album since 2015’s Human and would have been a perfect follow-up to One-X. If you love vintage Three Days Grace, this is the record for you.
Alienation shows the band revisiting the sounds and themes that put them on the map and helped them blow up 18 years ago but with a modern spin. This is one hell of a reunion record.
Rating: 9.5/10
-Reggie Edwards