Alice In Chains - Alice In Chains
My Thoughts: (Reviewed by K-Billy)
After two hard rocking albums and plenty of controversy, Alice In Chains, retreated into the studio for their third release in 1995. Fronted by Layne Staley, undoubtedly one of the greatest of the grunge era vocalists with a command of his voice that produced an immensely powerful delivery, the band had risen to the height of popularity. Their first two albums combined elements of the grunge era rock and roll, but added in to the mix the heavy aspect found in most metal bands, which in some ways set them apart from the other acts. Their subject matter and outlook was bleak, recounting failed relationships and a disturbing amount of drug use, particularly heroin, which was Staley’s preferred method of reaching a chemical high.
Those expecting the band to release another “Dirt” will be somewhat disappointed. For on their self titled third album, not unlike their contemporaries Pearl Jam, the band have toned down the arena rock riffs of the first cds and produced a more heavy rock record that strays away from the grunge category they were originally lumped into. Tracks such as “God Am” offer up a more alternative sound, with somber vocal deliveries and down tuned riffs that takes the band’s bleak outlook to new levels. “God Am” encompasses the album in many ways, for on a whole, Alice In Chains has a much more matured sound, that while somewhat melancholy, offers an interesting new take on the bands songwriting abilities. Obviously it’s no secret that Jerry Cantrell has been the brains behind the group, penning many of their hits including “Would?” and “Rooster.” On Alice In Chains he writes one of the better songs on the album in the form of “Heaven Beside You” an acoustic track with a razor sharp edge and unapologetic lyrics. His guitar work on the release’s rock songs is a little looser, and as stated before much heavier, with a sludge slurring quality to the down tuning of the guitars. Ironic really since one of the albums tracks is titled “Sludge Factory.” A song where we once again are hit with the realization that Staley seems to have no intentions of kicking his drug habits as he states, “Things go well, your eyes dilate, you shake, and I’m high.” While nothing on the record is as blatant as tracks such as “God Smack” from their second album, where Staley professes, “Stick your arm for some real fun,” one can still assume that Staley hasn’t started to take things in moderation. The greatest track of the entire release however happens to be another Cantrell written song, entitled, “Over Now.” Like a ray of sunshine after a cloudy storm, this song’s folk oriented sound, and solo delivery from Staley (much of the album Cantrell harmonizes with him) is one Alice In Chain’s very best and brings the album to a satisfying close.
Their
third release is perhaps their most serious as artists. Straying away from
the hard hitting sounds of previous albums Alice In Chains have decidedly
taken a turn in a new direction. While somewhat different, this is no way
entails that the band has made a mistake by maturing as artists and accepting
that to put out the same music year in and year out would be foolish. They’ve
simply branched out and expanded the sound they’ve perfected. Fans disappointed
that Cantrell isn’t churning out heavy metal solos, or that Staley’s
now infamous guttural delivery is much more subdued and somber on this release
are missing that point. I’m very impressed with this band and on their
third album they continue on with excellence.
Key Tracks:
Over Now
Heaven Beside You
Again
Shame On You
Grind