Check Out: Alice in Chains offers “A Looking In View”
On September 29th, Alice in Chains will release Black Gives Way to Blue, its first album of new material in 14 years and the band’s first recording sans late vocalist Layne Staley. In 2005, after a three-year hiatus following Staley’s tragic death, surviving Alice members Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and Sean Kinney recruited Comes with the Fall vocalist William DuVall to front the band on a reunion tour. Despite a series of kick ass shows, there were mixed emotions when word leaked out in 2008 that Alice was returning to the studio. While some fans felt a new disc was long overdue, others were unsure of how the band would fare after so many years away, particularly without Staley’s inimitable voice at the forefront.
Well, as of this morning, fans can finally get a taste of what to expect from this incarnation of Alice in Chains on its upcoming album. The band’s official site is offering a free download of “A Looking In View”, a track off Black Gives Way to Blue, as well as an accompanying music video. And judging by this song, Alice fans have little to worry about and much reason to be enthused. The dead-slow rock, crunching guitars, and harmonies that once proved that metal could be melodic are all there.
So, what do you think?
I bought the album, and the grittiness, emotion, and the minor chords that I loved about AiC is still there. Although there is no replacement for LS, Duvall does a commendable job. As AiC is one of my favorite bands from the 90’s, I was overjoyed at hearing that this album was in the works. I can honestly say that after listening to the whole thing front-to-back several times, I am very impressed at their effort, and several of the songs are already creeping to the top of my “most played listing” on my MP3 player.
This song is bone crushing it’s way better then I thought it would be and it’s STILL has that Alice In Chains vibe to it. It’s EPIC.
Considering I graduated high school the year Staley died, it feels to me like forever since an Alice In Chains new release. I am absolutely thrilled the band has moved forward, and from where I stand if they keep Cantrell they’ll never fail.
I just hope the whole album and (possible) future releases do not go the route Fuel did and become a parody of themselves sans their original lead.
wow that is awesome.
July 18 - Detroit, MI - Comerica Park (with Kid Rock)
Aug. 01 - Dublin, IE - Marlay Park
Aug. 02 - Stevenage, GB -Knebworth House - Sonisphere
Aug. 04 - London, GB - Scala
Aug. 06 - Cologne, DE Essigfabrik
Aug. 08 - Berlin, DE - Columbia Club
Aug. 10 - Hamburg, DE - Grunspan
Aug. 12 - Amsterdam, NL - Melkweg
Aug. 22 - Pomona, CA - Epicenter
Sep. 04 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
Sep. 05 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts
Sep. 07 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
Sep. 08 - New York, NY - The Fillmore
Sep. 15 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House
Sep. 16 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
Sep. 19 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
Sep. 20 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
Sep. 21 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave
Sep. 26 - Portland, OR - Roseland Grill
Sep. 28 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
Holy smokes!! Huge, huuuge fan of AIC from the early 90s, saw them at Lollapalooza III. Layne was a big hero of mine in college. Mourned his passing. (While not a shock, his death was still very sad.) Actually saw a show with Will DuVall in NYC and was pleasantly surprised. They were good. DuVall is very similar to Layne, but not a “sound alike”.
This track is really good. The chorus is very old-school Alice. No one can sing like Layne, but Jerry wrote and arranged most of the songs, and this one is classic Alice. The harmonies are great.
Am very much looking forward to the new album.
Duvall can sound like Staley at times, but he definitely brings his own style as well. Hearing this track puts a lot of fears to rest for me. To me, this song sounded somewhere in between Alice and Cantrell’s solo work, which should make for a killer album. If memory serves, the first radio single is called “Brain Check” and should be out in the near future.
It’s really good to have these guys recording again. While Layne will always be missed, his illness really held the band back at times from working on and releasing new material. Hope the guys can stay healthy and continue to give us tons of great music for years to come.
best,
mm
I’m really digging the sound and can’t wait for the album.
I know it’s going to be awesome.
Great stuff! Can’t wait for this album to come out! I’m an Alice In Chains fan from way back, and it’s been a long wait (14 years) for a new album. (At least Jerry Cantrell released two terrific solo albums in the meantime)
The new singer sounds a lot like Layne Staley! And it’s great to hear Jerry’s vocals on the new single too.
Sounded Good !
Jul 1st, 2009 at 10:45 am
[...] shattering the net yesterday with “A Looking In View”, Alice in Chains continues to deliver and this time with some more [...]