Three Days Grace Reflects on Their Journey Ahead of ‘Alienation’ Release

Ahead of the much-anticipated release of their eighth studio album, Alienation, Three Days Grace frontmen Adam Gontier and Matt Walst took the time to chat with Chuck Armstrong on Loudwire Nights, reflecting on their musical journey and the evolution of the band.

Early Aspirations and Musical Roots

During their conversation, Gontier reminisced about the early days of Three Days Grace, recalling how, as teenagers, they were driven by a simple desire to make music. “When we were 14, 15, 16, whatever, we wanted to get a record deal and just go on tour and play a different city every night,” he shared. “I don’t know if the goal was we want to be the biggest band in the world — it was just we want to do this, we just want to do it.”

Although Walst didn’t officially join Three Days Grace until 2013, he had a strong connection to the band from the very beginning. “I used to watch Adam jam with my brother [Matt] and Neil [Sanderson],” Walst explained. “It was a huge inspiration for me to go out and start writing songs. I co-wrote on the first record … To be doing this now is full circle.”

Collaboration and Chemistry

With their shared history and passion for music, Gontier and Walst found it easy to collaborate when Gontier rejoined the band. “It’s because of that foundation,” Gontier stated. “We got in a room together to write, and it just went great.”

Balancing Two Eras on ‘Alienation’

As they discussed their upcoming album, both frontmen revealed insights into the creative process behind Alienation. They highlighted the significance of the song “Kill Me Fast,” which stood out during their writing sessions. “For me, it’s ‘Kill Me Fast,'” Gontier declared, with Walst echoing his enthusiasm. “I specifically like the pre-chorus. I really like the song in general, but that specific part, every time I hear it, I get goosebumps… something about that part, it really resonates.”

Gontier also mentioned the band’s intention to blend the classic sound of their earlier work with the newer influences brought in since Walst’s tenure. “We wanted to make sure on this album that we hit some of the classic vibe that the band had in earlier albums, as well as the newer stuff that Matt did,” he explained. “[We tried] to find a balance of those two, those two eras.”

Additional Insights from the Interview

• Gontier shared an amusing anecdote about attempting to get the attention of Our Lady Peace producer Arnold Lanni by leaving a message on his answering machine with their demo tape: “I remember calling his office and getting his answering machine and then playing our tape through his answering machine. It was the only way we could get Arnold Lanni to hear music, right? That was super early on — he never called back.”
• Walst reflected on the impact of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, expressing his thoughts: “It’s just crazy that you’ve put on a concert like two weeks before… I’m glad he got to do that concert.”
• Lastly, Walst shared a heartfelt compliment regarding the band’s legacy: “Me and my friend Jesse Wynn were their biggest fans, and we just followed them around to every show. First and foremost, [I am] a fan of the band.”

Watch and Listen to the Full Interview

Watch the Loudwire Nights Interview With Three Days Grace Below

Listen to the Full Interview in the Podcast Player Below

On August 21 and 22, Gontier and Walst joined Loudwire Nights for an insightful interview, which replays online and can be accessed on the Loudwire app. Listeners can also check their local radio stations for availability and listen to additional interviews on-demand.

Conclusion

As Three Days Grace prepares to unveil Alienation, the reflections from Adam Gontier and Matt Walst illuminate the band’s rich history and their commitment to evolving their sound. The blend of past and present in their music not only honors their legacy but also sets the stage for a promising future.

FAQs

What is the name of Three Days Grace’s upcoming album?

The upcoming album is titled Alienation.

Who are the current frontmen of Three Days Grace?

The current frontmen are Adam Gontier and Matt Walst.

When was the interview with Loudwire Nights conducted?

The interview took place on August 21 and 22.

What song did Gontier and Walst highlight as special from the new album?

They highlighted the song “Kill Me Fast” as a standout track.