ARTIST: Three Days Grace
ALBUM: Human
LABEL: RCA
RELEASE DATE: March 27, 2015
Good Start
Written by Silas Valentino
Not only did they make it out of the frozen tundra of Canada, but Toronto’s Three Day Grace have defined the odds yet again – this time in the form of a lead singer. Last year Adam Gontier, the band’s singer since they called themselves Groundswell back in the mid-1990s, left the band under amicable terms to pursue a solo career stranding Three Days Grace with their trademark thunderous sound but without the vocal flash. Stepping in to wear the studded belt is Matt Walst, brother of bassist Brad, and it’s clear from their new album Human’s opening track – “Human Race” – that Matt is a suitable and perfectly capable replacement.
Human clocks into album number five for the alternative metal, hard rock foursome and adaptation is a clear strength for the band (just give a listen, any listen, to a song off their 1995 Groundswell sole release Wave of Popular Feeling – they’re unrecognizable). This band can pivot and borrow momentum from their past to convert into fuel as a way to propel them into new musical stratospheres. For fans of their previous smash album Transit in Venus or their 2003 megahit “Everything About You,” Human may feel a little foreign but if you can hear past the new front man you’ll realize this is still that same band that helped you through 7th grade or inspired an early rock show attendance.
“Human Race” begins as a gentle giant before awakening into a B.F.G. of crunchy guitars, light synths and howls. “I don’t belong here” begin singer Walst, officially addressing either his debut or a complete distaste for contemporary culture. Regardless of what’s behind the motivation, he sounds like he wants to take full advantage of his new situation in the only way he knows how – which is to provide monstrous vocals. His previous band, My Darkest Days, was discovered by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and it’s clear why Kroeger signed them to his label 604 after a listen: Walst can belt a tune.
The first taste fans had of the new Walst came with single “Painkiller” which was released via YouTube in early spring 2014 a mere few days after the announcement that he’d be replacing Gontier. Along with this taste came a short description from the band’s drummer Neil Sanderson providing insight into the song’s meaning. “Everybody is addicted to something,” he said. “It’s written from the perspective of the vice that you need to be addicted to it.” Sure it’s a little daft and mono-leveled logic but we don’t come to Three Days Grace for philosophical salvation. Instead we want three minutes of guitar riffs, trebled vocals and a smashing chorus; all which are found inside the capsule of this “Painkiller.”
“Car Crash” has Walst turning down the tenacity in his vocals, trading in for a more melodic approach while his new bandmates help him lament a terrible tale of automotive annihilation. A couple of songs later, “One Too Many” mixes up the rhythm with drummer Sanderson opting for a more pop beat rather his typical crash of cymbals. Human’s final moment veers into down-tempo territory where the track is built off a creepy, stirring piano structure.
As previously stated, Three Days Grace is not the typical choice for in-depth music where the lyrics challenge your ears and mind to work in tandem while showcasing guitar structures that play off 1968 Beatles innovation, but we already have options for that kind of musical enjoyment. Sometimes craft beer isn’t the choice for tonight because you can pound in a lot more if you stick with Coors.