Album Review: The Triumphant (and Gloomy) Return of Alice In Chains

So the new Alice in Chains record is finally here, and the results are pretty decent. Considering that the Seattle four-piece had to overcome the death of lead singer Layne Staley, the fact that the album even exists could be construed (by some fans) as an insult to that talented, troubled vocalist. Happily, Black Gives Way to Blue (a record three years in the making) is the opposite. The album celebrates the memory of Layne and lays the foundation for a bright future.

Upon hearing opening cut "All Secrets Known", the de-tuned growl of Jerry Cantrell's guitar and the booming, moaning voice of new singer William DuVall means that Alice fans are back in wonder-land. Duvall, who toured with the three surviving members of the classic '90s grunge band (God that's a weird phrase--this reporter remembers the Facelift era when AIC were considered "metal") was the right hire.

Lead single "Check My Brain" has a catchy hook with an lyrical twist on Led Zeppelin's "Going to California" (or possibly LL Cool J's "Goin' Back to Cali.") "A Looking In View" recalls toe progressive second side of Dirt: it's a great Cantrell tune with a solid riff and memorable chorus. And like the best songs by this band, it's vaguely depressing.

Real gloom sets in on the second side of the album, with the crushing bass riff of "Acid Bubble" and the memorable groove of "Take Her Out." Bassist Mike Iñez shows why has been an integral part of this band's sound since Dirt and drummer Sean Kinney provides solid, heavy backbeat. Producer Nick Raskulnicecz (Rush's Snakes & Arrows) preserves the dark mood through the first ten cuts.

The sun peeks through (sort of) on the gorgeous title track. "Black Gives Way to Blue" closes the CD with a direct quotation of "Whale and Wasp" from the Jar of Flies EP. This song could have been on that classic EP: it is a slow, searching tune with Jerry Cantrell's distinctive guitar, a guest piano appearance from Sir Elton John, and William DuVall paying vocal tribute to his predecessor. Somewhere an AIC fan is headbanging to this new disc. Somewhere, Layne is smiling.