Black Gives Way to Blue Review

Many heavily prominent 90's rock bands have transitioned into the new millennium, offering albums that might be for fans only, while others have revitalized their formulas for the better, and a new generation of consumers. Some of these reinvented bands include Weezer, Green Day, and Radiohead. Now we have Alice In Chains, the other major returning Seattle grunge band. Not only were they huge in the grunge craze, but they were one of the better heavy and alternative metal bands of the 90's,  rivaled by Sepultura, Rage Against the Machine, and Pantera. In 2002, anyone who had followed the 90's rock scene probably would have been in shock when they heard the original lead singer, Layne Staley was found dead with a lethal dose of heroine and cocaine in his system, this would be the most tragic loss in the grunge community since Kurt Cobain's death. Seven years after Staley's death, the band has released their fifth sudio album with recently knighted singer, William Duvall. Does Alice In Chains prove successful, or will it rain when they die?

   Let's get one thing straight, this is not just a cheap cash in, its well thought out and feels classic Alice In Chains. The surviving members are clearly past the death of one of the greatest voices of the 90's, and with William Duvall, the formula is still very hard hitting, and of course, awesome. The one thing fans should wonder is how Duvall fills in the void. The answer is very well, just like many major rock bands like Van Halen, AC/DC, and Iron Maiden, when a lead singer quits out (or ODs) there is a chance that the new singer that fills in has a voice similar to the original. Duvall cannot belt like Layne Staley, after all, "Rooster" was just too cool, but he does not hold back the rest of the band.

  As said, bands that are still around from the 90's release album after album, but it's been fourteen years since a previous Alice In Chains studio album, so the band is obviously treating this very seriously. This doesn't terribly hold the band back, just like many of these returning bands, the creativity in the riffs aren't anywhere near as good as before, and don't "click" like their previous singles. Its the nature of the beast and no one will be asking for a new "Them Bones" or "Man In The Box" but what's here is great. "Check my brain" may be simpler than it could be, but it's a great showcase of Duvall's vocal chords, however "A Looking In View" did last too long and didn't get to the point. Many of the songs do sound fairly similar, but it doesn't get repetitive, however the instrumentals do take a hit, especially since there aren't any truly interesting solos. If any Alice In Chains fan was hoping for the next "Dirt", they won't find it here, but they will find a polished comeback album. It's also worthy for anyone currently listening to System of A Down or Breaking Benjamin for it's edge and alternative metal aesthetic.

4/5