Justin’s Review:

Replacing a well-known, well-established, well-respected vocalist is one of the toughest challenges a band can face. AC/DC and Anthrax (and to a much lesser extent, Iron Maiden) have managed to pull it off, but more often than not, bands who are forced to take action in this regard are met with a largely unsupportive audience (including those who turn their backs completely). So I can only imagine what a long, winding road Alice in Chains have had to venture down with the decision to reform after a 10+ year hiatus and the death of renowned singer Layne Staley. Not only was Staley’s voice instantly recognizable, it (alongside his haunting lyrics and outstanding vocal harmonies with guitarist Jerry Cantrell) practically defined the band’s sound.

So here it is 13 years after their last record, 7 years after Layne’s passing… and Alice in Chains have returned with their new album Black Gives Way to Blue; featuring Cantrell’s former touring vocalist William DuVall; who’s stepping in to fill some very large shoes. While the obvious question at hand is does DuVall pull it off… I couldn’t help but also wonder if this could/should really even be considered an Alice in Chains record (as opposed to another bloated Cantrell “solo” album)? Thankfully, any questions/doubts I might’ve had, were answered with a resounding “fuck yeah” several months ago with the release of lead single “A Looking In View“… a track so dark, so heavy, and so catchy… it just screams Alice in Chains.

As a whole, Black Gives Way to Blue follows suit. The majority of the album is complete return to form… plenty of classic AiC riffing, brooding sing-alongs and outstanding songwriting… while still retaining a surprisingly modern touch and slightly more positive vibe than you’re probably accustomed to from the band. Vocally, I couldn’t have really asked for anything more. The harmonies are spot-on (and noticeably played up), and while Duvall isn’t (nor should be considered) a Layne clone, he’s a perfect fit for the band and definitely worthy of the role he’s been chosen to play. Overall, the songs themselves tend to be slightly less memorable than classic AiC, but tracks like “All Secrets Known“, “Lesson Learned” & “Take Her Out” (among others) certainly stick to your mouth like peanut butter on the brain.

If there’s one area where BGWtB tends to fall a little flat, it’s the acoustic tracks. Throughout their career, AiC have managed to seamlessly integrate the lighter fare into their repertoire, and when taking their back catalog into consideration, these three just don’t measure up. The title track; a moderately depressing tribute to Staley; is a touching number, but probably not something with widespread rock-radio appeal. But in all honesty, that’s okay… “A Looking in View” and followup single “Check My Brain” will do a bang-up job in that department.

It’s hard to believe “the 90s” are almost 10 years old now… but if you’re anything like me, you’ll be dusting off your flannels and putting Black Gives Way to Blue on repeat for a long time to come. Alice in Chains are most definitely back and ready to show Chris Cornell what the term “aging rocker” should really mean.

Justin’s Rating:

King says: “I… believe… them bones… are Melissaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!”

Mark’s Review:

“Seriously? Alice in Chains is going to record a new album with a new singer and just try to replace Layne Staley? This won’t fly, there’s no way this doesn’t destroy their legacy as one of the most dynamic and original bands to come out of the Seattle scene. Unless they found a guy in the Philippines on YouTube like Journey did, it will be impossible to recreate the characteristic harmonies and one of the most unique voices in the history of hard rock. Get ready for the “county-fair circuit”, fellas“.

Yep, like many fans, I had a lot of selfish concerns going into a new Alice in Chains record. I’ve been burned by new singers before, and I was certain this was going to be another case of “Sepultura Syndrome”, where I listen to new material from a band I love and wish that it was sung by the old singer. But it’s a slippery slope: get a singer that sounds different, and the fans want the old sound, or use someone that sounds similar and turn into a local-bar cover act like Judas Priest with Ripper Owens or Iron Maiden with Blaze Bailey. So after all this trepidation, I’ve been very surprised and relieved while listening to AiC’s latest, Black Gives Way to Blue. While I don’t think it will make anyone forget Layne anytime soon, the band definitely sounds like they are back and amazingly true to form.

The first thing that stands out when you listen to BGWtB, is how much new frontman William DuVall sounds like Staley. Duvall’s voice is a bit more sharp, but it blends effortlessly with Cantrell and can pierce through a haunting riff just like Layne used to. While Cantrell still handles most of the heavy lifting, both of them create harmonies with ease, and the signature eerie vocal crawl remains. While A Looking in View might be the best song on the album, All Secrets Known is definitely the blueprint on how the new guy is going to mix with the old sound. The song features all the fuzzy guitar runs and wide open vocal phrasing that lifelong fans come to expect. Acid Bubble and Private Hell both could easily fit onto the tracklist from Dirt and each feature that slow crunch and harmonies stretched to the limit. Although Check My Brain is sure to be a rock-radio hit, the chorus ode to California reeks of lazy songwriting. AiC still likes to add a few extra choruses when they don’t seem to be necessary and Sean Kinney’s drumming is pretty pedestrian compared to the band’s heyday, but my main beef with the album mostly revolves around a distinct change in tone and the lack of bleakness. Overall this is not an issue, but the edge it created is sorely missed on songs like Your Decision, which would shine without the addition of a drumbeat, and Take Her Out which seems annoyingly up-tempo.

Despite these very minor grievances, the album comes through as a very polished effort and the next logical step in the history of the band. I’m pretty happy to report that with Black Gives Way to Blue, AiC has not tarnished their legacy, and I am not experiencing any symptoms of Sepultura Syndrome. Sorry Derrick Green.

Mark’s Rating:

King says: “Layne was addicted to heroin?? Hmmm, no wonder he was starting to look like Grandma!”

Have A Listen:

Alice in Chains – A Looking in View:

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