Fifteen years ago, Alice In Chains did the unthinkable: they released an album with a new lead singer, William DuVall, stepping into the immense shadow of Layne Staley. Black Gives Way to Blue, released in 2009, was a pivotal moment not only for the band but for their fans, who were grappling with the loss of Staley in 2002 and wondering whether the band could ever capture its former magic. Against all odds, the album proved that Alice In Chains wasn’t merely surviving—they were thriving. For its fifteenth anniversary, Craft Recordings is reissuing the landmark album on vinyl for the first time in five years.
The album opens with “All Secrets Known,” a slow-burning introduction that sets the tone for the record. Jerry Cantrell’s trademark riffs are immediately recognizable, gritty yet melodic, serving as a reassurance that this is indeed the Alice In Chains we know and love. DuVall’s vocals, seamlessly blending with Cantrell’s harmonies, present a new dynamic, showing respect for the band’s legacy while subtly introducing his own voice. Tracks like “Check My Brain” and “Last of My Kind” display the band’s deftness in balancing heaviness with melody. “Check My Brain,” with its hypnotic, bending guitar riff, became a modern grunge anthem, blending Cantrell’s sardonic delivery with DuVall’s raw energy. Meanwhile, “Last of My Kind” is a defiant, snarling statement of survival, underlined by Cantrell’s growling guitars and DuVall’s scathing vocal delivery.
“Your Decision” offers a quieter, more introspective moment. The acoustic-led track echoes the softer side of the band’s previous work, reminiscent of Jar of Flies. It’s a reflective piece that contemplates choices and consequences, encapsulating the band’s journey through turmoil and their decision to continue creating music. The song’s haunting harmonies and poignant lyrics show a band that has matured without losing their edge. The titular track is the album’s emotional centerpiece and a farewell letter to Layne Staley. Featuring Elton John on piano, it’s a tender, heart-wrenching ballad that sees Cantrell confronting grief and closure. The line “I’m tired of feeling nothing” is delivered with a rawness that lingers long after the song ends. It’s a stark, beautiful reminder that while the band has moved forward, they have not forgotten their past.
One of the album’s strengths is its cohesiveness. Despite being created under the weight of immense expectations, Black Gives Way to Blue never feels forced. Instead, it’s a natural evolution of the band’s sound. There are still dark, brooding themes and heavy, sludgy guitars, but there’s also a sense of resilience and rebirth. The band doesn’t shy away from their history; rather, they confront it head-on with a renewed sense of purpose. Fifteen years later, Black Gives Way to Blue stands as more than just a comeback album—it’s a testament to Alice In Chains’ enduring spirit. The band navigated the loss of their iconic frontman and came back with an album that was not just a tribute to their past but a declaration of their future. It’s a record that proves that even in the face of overwhelming loss, creativity can endure and evolve. It’s an album born out of darkness but reaching towards the light, a fitting tribute to both the band’s legacy and their forward momentum. As the years pass, it continues to be a crucial chapter in the Alice In Chains story, a powerful reminder that sometimes, the hardest battles lead to the most meaningful victories.
