The career of Alice in Chains ended on a sad note with the death of singer Layne Staley, but musically Alice in Chains ended on a high note, since their last album was the brilliant self-titled album.
The band has reunited with William DuVall as new lead singer. Layne Stayley's characteristic voice very much defined Alice in Chains and therefore Duvall has big shoes to fill, but he does a great job. When listening to "Black Gives Way To Blue" you realize that the strong vocals harmonies are intact and it sure gives the album an authentic Alice in Chains feel. The ballad
When the Sun Rose again gives you goose bumps and Cantrell and DuVall's voices complement each other perfectly.
Guitarist Jerry Cantrell was the main songwriter and he still is. Cantrell has penned all songs with 2 songs co-written by Duvall and the band. "Black Gives Way To Blue" is a natural follow up to the Alice in Chains catalogue. A song like
Check My Brain is one of the best Alice in Chains songs ever with a strong chorus and Cantrell's detuned guitars as driving force.
Your Decision is almost the acoustic "Jar of Flies" album revisited and
Your Decision will certainly be included on future Alice in Chains "Best of" compilations.
The music is dark and based on great riffs - not your typical 3 chord progression. Jerry Cantrell doesn't write like anyone else. "Black Gives Way To Blue" emphasizes that Cantrell's strong co-vocal and songwriting is the backbone of the band.
14 years later Alice in Chains provides us with a good album and certainly an approved comeback. Now we look forward to the live shows. Alice in Chains proves to be visionary and several of their songs are timeless. Welcome back!
Written by
Michael Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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