Alice in Chains –- Black Gives Way to Blue
Virgin
www.aliceinchains.com  

Rating: B+ 

Alice in Chains has successfully pulled off the hardest feat in rock music: They replaced their charismatic, unique, talented, but dead, lead singer with someone who can take their music in a new direction, yet retain the magic of the past.  Just as AC/DC was forced to do when Bon Scott died; Alice in Chains has done with William DuVall.   

The album is pure Chains with a touch of the Seattle 90’s grunge and more than a touch of Pink Floyd meets the best of Metal.  Guitarist Jerry Cantrell’s songwriting remains both magical and mysterious as he weaves droning guitars with crisp solos.  The album is a gloomy mix of musical stew.  The best of the bunch are the two opening tracks “All Secrets Known” and “Check My Brain.”  The rest of the CD ain’t bad neither.  “Acid Bubble” is pure Seattle grunge – all that was good about the genre.  You see, Alice in Chains understood that grunge is more than just an attitude.  They realized that the most important thing a band has to offer is not a bed to a groupie, an autograph to a fan, money in the bank or free drugs.  AIC understands that the most important aspect to what they do is their music.   

On the title track, “Black Gives Way to Blue” the piano is played by Elton John.  Not since the flamboyant keyboardist sat down with Axl Rose has Elton stretched out this far.  The song, as well as the entire album, show Cantrell, and the rest of the band, not wanting to forget Layne Staley.  Instead, they often tip the hat to him, pay their respects and then do what he would have wanted them to do most: Carry on.   

This one is a winner from start to finish.   

By Jeb Wright