Alice In Chains Readying First Album In 13 Years

Alice In Chains, having not released a full length studio album of original material since 1995's self titled album, are working hard in the studio to have the record done by the end of 2008. Although the band did record a few songs that were released on their box set Music Bank in 1999, "Alice In Chains" was the final album with original vocalist Layne Staley, who died of a drug overdose in 2002. The band has since reunited with new vocalist, William DuVall who toured with Alice In Chains on their reunion tour.

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We caught up with Jerry Cantrell to get his thoughts on choosing DuVall to fill the immensely huge shoes of Layne Staley and where they are at with completing the new album.

Jerry Cantrell On Upcoming Alice In Chains Album

"We just kind of met and got along you know and ended up playing together on my solo tour and when we started thinking about doing some playing I suggested him coming in and jamming with us and the guys had a good time with him. That was like three years ago and we're still hanging out and having a good time and making some music. We're in the middle. Yeah, we're in the middle."

Alice In Chains have sold more than 14 million albums in the United States, released two number-one albums and 19 top 40 singles, and have received six Grammy nominations. As of press time the band doesn't have any tour dates for 2008 as they continue to work hard putting the finishing touches on the new material.

Comments

[soundgarden19]

Can't wait, it's gonna be great.

[LifesSweetDrug]

Hurry up =P I can't wait!
And do a tour in the Uk as well :P

My favourite band of all time.

R.I.P Layne Staley

[XWildxChildX]

This should be good. I've been waiting. DuVall is a great replacement.

[spazzymagee]

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

[slaptasticdave]

I think a clone of Jerry would be a better replacement

[buddyhimself]

i hope its good.. theyre does seem to be A LOT of new albums coming out soon though... maybe this will be one of the best.

WOOT!

[Mudvayne_4_Life]

That's awesome. I've actually been listening to Alice in Chains a lot lately.

[Menza_]

Cannot wait!

[tom.b]

I've been a fan of AIC since before they were even on a label, so you'd think I'd be excited that they are releasing new material. But I'm so not. This is an instance where they should have changed the band name out of respect for Layne.

[Jet_Black88]

It's definitely something to look forward to. I haven't heard a bad thing by these guys.

[Anjohl]

I dunno, I think the best legacy to AIC was Jerry's solo album Degradation trip...a big part of AIC was the vocal harmony, and with someone different signing with Jerry, it's going to sound off.

That said, I will check it out, just to give it a try.

[perilouspete]

Probably the most exciting article I've seen on here in quite a while, AIC FOR LIFE

[CryoCarnage]

i love AIC more then anyone... But am i the only one who thinks its wrong that they still call themselves Alice in Chains?

[perilouspete]

CryoCarnage wrote:

i love AIC more then anyone... But am i the only one who thinks its wrong that they still call themselves Alice in Chains?

you should be....because William is awesome I've seen the chains with him twice. They should just do what they're doing, continue the Alice In Chains legacy with a new singer. Jerry's still writing the material and playin guitar, that's what matters.

[guitarman47]

HELL YES!!!!!

[getaddicted]

awesome

[hellraiser1133]

DuVall is an EXCELLENT replacement...can't wait to see what they sound like with him.

[smalRaptor]

I saw them live with William, and the guy's an amazing vocalist.

[godberry]

i'm gonna join everyone who says they can't wait. jerry cantrell is my favorite guitar player.

[heavyprog]

it's so exciting when a band finds the perfect replacement 'cause then they can just keep doing what they do best and you don't get any Sammy Hagar fiascoes.

[vermilion444]

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

Well RATM kinda is reformed but for certain Mudhoney is. Check their myspace at http://www.myspace.com/mudhoney.

Checked.

[CryoCarnage]

perilouspete wrote:

CryoCarnage wrote:

i love AIC more then anyone... But am i the only one who thinks its wrong that they still call themselves Alice in Chains?

you should be....because William is awesome I've seen the chains with him twice. They should just do what they're doing, continue the Alice In Chains legacy with a new singer. Jerry's still writing the material and playin guitar, that's what matters.

And i have seen them 2 times Live and even though William Duvall is a great singer, he does not have what alice in chains had that made them special.

[tim311mahoney]

nothing but good things will come from this album.

[FunkyCrime!!]

Yeahhh man!
this is awesome!
amazing band, with and without the great man layne.

[postmortem2006]

Sorry but theres no replacement for Layne.

[j-e-f-f-e-r-s]

Fan-****ing-tastic! Alice are without a doubt one of the greatest and most consistent bands in the history of rock. Jerry is such an amazing song writer (even his solo stuff is awesome). This can only mean good things.

[Son_of_Kyuss]

I hate how everyone is like "William will never replace Layne" "They shouldn't have gotten a new singer or kept calling themselves Alice In Chains". The point is he's NOT Layne, because if they carried on with Layne the material would have begun to suck because he couldn't hold himself together. Now they have a singer that can play the shit and they can tour. What's wrong with that? Obviously there is NO REPLACING Layne, so now that they have someone different they can breathe new life into the band and keep doing what they want. Take the band in a new direction, it's been over a decade since the original band split. Besides Jerry writes all the music so as long as he's behind the helm it will still sound like AiC.

[Rooster666]

tom.b wrote:

I've been a fan of AIC since before they were even on a label, so you'd think I'd be excited that they are releasing new material. But I'm so not. This is an instance where they should have changed the band name out of respect for Layne.

No they should keep the name the same. I am sure Layne would want AIC to continue.

[Slaytanic1993]

If Jerry doesn't handle all lead vocal duties, I don't care :P

[winged136]

I loved the original line up the raised me. every moment of teen years they were there. but they had trouble touring because of layne they had trouble recording because of layne they broke up because of layne. jerry made the band happen. plus during the mtv unplugged layne had no back teeth at all, you could hear the pain in his voice. if he would have lived they still would have replaced him. the teeth thing pretty much caused his overdose. much like cobain suicide the pain was too much. Duvall played with jerry on the solos so he was the obvious replacement but they should have just played AIC as jerry's solo, since jerry owns most of the rights but sludge factory grind frogs and the rest of layne's songs should be off limits. nirvana changed there name to keep playing so chains should too .It's a matter of respect but it is up to jerry since he owns the rights and he knew layne so maybe he wanted them to keep the band alive no matter what i love the prospect of jerry in the studio

[Thrash Metal]

Change the band name!

[uberphreak]

"...to fill the immensely huge shoes of Layne Staley"

Huge is right... whether Jerry's the one who held the band together or not, Layne had one of the most unique voices ever in a rock band... he can't be easily replaced. I don't know how to feel about them releasing an album with Duvall.

[CHIEF-CHEESE]

Hopefully they can pull an AC/DC and kick even more ass with the new singer. Layne is one hard man to replace though, best rock singer ever imo...

[Page/Rhoads]

I can't wait to hear this. Duvall's good. Not as good as Layne (obviously), but he's good.

[Eirien]

Awesome, can't wait to hear that!

[Squid Vicious]

DuVall's a pretty good singer, actually. Definitely not Layne, but he's still a good choice. I'm looking forward to this.

[keithmoon15]

i think this should be okay as long as alice in chains writes and plays music that william can sing. they cant expect him to sing like layne did. i heard william sing some songs that the band played when they still had layne and he has an alright voice but he can pull off some of those songs. i cant wait to hear what duvall sounds like on the record!

[avengingender]

ok, i'm not flaming first of all. i have the alice in chains self-titled album, and every single song on it is garbage. is all their stuff like this? obviously not because down in a hole is good, and rooster is alright too. someone tell me what their good stuff is so i can give these guys a real chance if this album is their worst and i don't know it.

[saucehead]

Why is it that AIC seem to be the only band that people think should change their name because one of the members died? What does death have to do with it? Cliff Burton died and nobody said a thing about Metallica changing their name. Should Ozzy have gone back to John when Randy died? The rest of the guys in chains don't owe anyone a thing, including Layne. I loved Layne, but he destroyed himself through drugs. That doesn't mean the band name should change. Let's face it: Layne was the voice, but Jerry really is and always has been the driving force behind Alice. For those of you that still think the name should change, give it up. It's not gonna happen. Be thankful that they're even continuing and releasing new tunes. Long live Alice in Chains!!

[ledfloyd7769]

avengingender wrote:

ok, i'm not flaming first of all. i have the alice in chains self-titled album, and every single song on it is garbage. is all their stuff like this? obviously not because down in a hole is good, and rooster is alright too. someone tell me what their good stuff is so i can give these guys a real chance if this album is their worst and i don't know it.

Pick up the "Essential Alice And Chains" 2-CD set. It has most of what you want to hear to get an opinion of the band, and is probably the moat economical way to get the best stuff from the rest of their albums that you haven't heard.

[randyaintdead82]

ya alice in chains, thank god, i need good music

[Fireballz 1077]

XWildxChildX wrote:

This should be good. I've been waiting. DuVall is a great replacement.

He'd better be. I haven't heard his vocals yet, so I hope he's as good as Staley.

[Fireballz 1077]

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

Yeah, Tell me about it.

[splinter17]

That's going to be awesome. I can hardly wait!!!!!

[jcthomasva]

Goody. Just be prepared for more stuff that sounds like Tripod and less that sounds like Dirt, or Facelift. I always felt like Tripod was a Cantrell/Inez/Kinney album with cameo's by Staley. Without Staley's interpretative contributions (fueled in large part by drug abuse) I suspect the new album will be very much like Tripod.

Still...huzzah!

[siegel]

First, saying they shouldn't make new a new album(which they haven't been able to do in 13 YEARS) is ridiculous. I love Layne, but come on, making music is still the other guys' jobs and they only released 3 full albums to begin with.
Second, if they released an amazing new album reminiscent of old AIC but with slightly different vocals and called themselves The Librarians or whatever, I would sure as hell still call them AIC.
Third, William Duvall is amazing, and even if we somehow cloned Layne, people would still say, "He's good but he's no Layne Staley."

[Sp00nman94]

AHHHHH!!! FINALLY!!!!! i'm def gonna be the first in line and will pay any price (including my soul)

[David_Bowie=GOD]

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

RATM reformed a little while ago, they arent really doing much of anything though...

[CryoCarnage]

Didn't Jerry Say a while back that there is no AIC w/o layne?

[EvilDomo]

YESSSS! Can't wait...!

[travis_holland]

If they are going to call themselves Alice in Chains, I wish Jerry would sing and let William be a 2nd guitar player.

[skippy_moogoose]

My favourite AiC album's still Dirt, which had more contribution lyrically from Layne I believe??

All the same,it's AiC, my mate saw them with William and said they were awesome, so Im remaining cautiously optimistic about this.

[stepco12345]

Awesome!

[IamGod 666]

CryoCarnage wrote:

Didn't Jerry Say a while back that there is no AIC w/o layne?

Yep

[motorbreath_445]

i saw them last year when they were on tour with velvet revolver, and they ****ing ripped it apart with duvall. this new album should be a treat and a half

[joker_thief]

saw these guys live with duvall and he was pretty good

[thereverendsoup]

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

Mudhoney is still together. They just put out a new album, I think. And I'm almost certain they're touring right now, as well.

As for the article itself, personally I could care less about Alice in Chains without Layne. I don't care how good the new singer is. The new album is going to blow. I can guarantee this already. They might sound good as an Alice in Chains cover band, but that's all they can ever really legitimately be. New material under that name is just kind of a grab for cash at best. Layne's voice is inimitable. Replacing him is not a whole lot different than Nirvana getting back together with a replacement Kurt Cobain wannabe, especially this long after the fact.

[JusticeShades]

Layne is a unique singer, but I'm going to give DuVall a chance. Who knows, it might be awesome.

[HostileFTW]

I could stand Smashing Pumpkins reuniing for another album without James or D'Arcy, but AIC without Layne is like a Star Wars movie without a Skywalker clan member.

[thereverendsoup]

HostileFTW wrote:

I could stand Smashing Pumpkins reuniing for another album without James or D'Arcy, but AIC without Layne is like a Star Wars movie without a Skywalker clan member.

Exactly! I honestly have no idea how much involvement Layne had in the songwriting process, but I couldn't imagine AIC being good without that gnarly smack-fueled howl of his.

AIC minus the massive heroin abuse is just not AIC.

[scud1987]

tom.b wrote:

I've been a fan of AIC since before they were even on a label, so you'd think I'd be excited that they are releasing new material. But I'm so not. This is an instance where they should have changed the band name out of respect for Layne.

It worked for AC/DC, im sure it will work for them

[l)ragonForce]

saucehead wrote:

Why is it that AIC seem to be the only band that people think should change their name because one of the members died? What does death have to do with it? Cliff Burton died and nobody said a thing about Metallica changing their name. Should Ozzy have gone back to John when Randy died? The rest of the guys in chains don't owe anyone a thing, including Layne. I loved Layne, but he destroyed himself through drugs. That doesn't mean the band name should change. Let's face it: Layne was the voice, but Jerry really is and always has been the driving force behind Alice. For those of you that still think the name should change, give it up. It's not gonna happen. Be thankful that they're even continuing and releasing new tunes. Long live Alice in Chains!!

+1 :P

[thereverendsoup]

scud1987 wrote:
It worked for AC/DC, im sure it will work for them

The difference is Bon Scott died while AC/DC were in their prime, and was then replaced while they were still in their prime. Alice in Chains' prime was about 15 years ago.

[pablotin]

good to hear

[Cameronrobson]

rooooosssssteeeeerrrrr

lol yeah this is great

[Santeria420]

Well, its better than the Smashing Pumpkins reunion... My knee jerk response was "**** you Cantrell, Layne Staley is dead and so is the band!" But I read the article and this new singer sounds pretty promising, I think they might write some good shit. I agree with the people that say they shouldn't be using the AIC name, but if you think about it, its just a name. Cantrell was one of the best guitarists of the '90s, I'm looking forward to this.

[Flying Afros]

William isn't really new anymore. Hes been with them for like 2 years now. I'm looking forward to this more than Metallica's new album.

[Sic59]

but not better then layne

XWildxChildX wrote:

This should be good. I've been waiting. DuVall is a great replacement.

[mtllica]

I think this'll be great, hell, most of my favorite AiC songs were written by Cantrell, plus, DuVall has a great voice and sounds very similar to Layne...but still you can NEVER truly replace Layne Staley... R.I.P.

[shadowsofbodom]

i really dont feel that they will be Alice in Chains anymore, maybe another Jerry Cantrell deal, but not Alice in Chains, it just wont work

[InTheFlesh!]

WOOOOOT

ALICE RULES

[recliner33]

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

Mudhoney is still around aren't they? I know they released an album a few years ago or so. And even if they aren't together anymore, then green river will be back together for a show this summer and possibly for a tour after that.

[FooCards]

Ok Jerry hasn't released anything in like, six years. So you know this shit is building up and its gonna be awesome. We all know the 5th and 7th harmonies Layne and Jerry did will be missing, which stinks. I just wish Jerry would sing on them by himself, most people have a hard time telling them apart anyways. Just listen to Psychotic Break off of Degradation Trip, it's pretty awesome, and spot on.

[mleland1]

i agree that they should keep making music. but they should do what joy division did and record under a new name. its not AIC without layne.

[nutinpwnsgibson]

i dont think its gonna be good. to be honest, if RATM made a new album i wouldnt buy it. theres a chance they can still kick ass htough

[LetsGoRedskins]

tom.b wrote:

I've been a fan of AIC since before they were even on a label, so you'd think I'd be excited that they are releasing new material. But I'm so not. This is an instance where they should have changed the band name out of respect for Layne.

Agreed, it's really not AIC without Staley....
Just like the Dead Kennedys aren't really DK without Jello.....

[GIBSONroks6167]

[quote]recliner33 wrote:

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

dude RATM has been back for like a year...theyre headlining the Rock Am Ring and theyre at Lollapalooza

[metal_licka]

thereverendsoup wrote:



Mudhoney is still together. They just put out a new album, I think. And I'm almost certain they're touring right now, as well.

As for the article itself, personally I could care less about Alice in Chains without Layne. I don't care how good the new singer is. The new album is going to blow. I can guarantee this already. They might sound good as an Alice in Chains cover band, but that's all they can ever really legitimately be. New material under that name is just kind of a grab for cash at best. Layne's voice is inimitable. Replacing him is not a whole lot different than Nirvana getting back together with a replacement Kurt Cobain wannabe, especially this long after the fact.

That's not fair... Kurt Cobain was the driving force behind Nirvana... they could have kept playing had he not died and Chris or Dave had left. Staley wasn't the main driving force behind Alice In Chains either, it was Jerry Cantrell... so if the main guy is still there, then it still very much is Alice in Chains without Staley.

Bands change all the time... people have to accept this, you can't say the album's gonna blow when they haven't released anything for this long and also haven't released anything with this singer.

[thereverendsoup]

Well, okay. I can't promise it'll blow, but I can promise it's not going to sound like Alice in Chains. I mean, once again, you can't just change your singer and expect it to be good and taken seriously 15 years past your prime. Unless they put out something absolutely revolutionary, it's going to basically be a flop.

[MerryGoRound]

I was dissapointed about this. Layne wrote the lyrics to pretty much all my favourite AIC songs. I just hate Duvall's fake imitation of his voice, while singing his lyrics (take their 'cover' of Nutshell or Angry Chair for example)...it was so much more justified coming from Laynes mouth. Duvalls life (from what i know of it, anyway) is heaven compared to Staley's.

[dieloony2]

The new guy is a great singer. even without layne they still blow most bands out now away

[Santeria420]

thereverendsoup wrote:

Well, okay. I can't promise it'll blow, but I can promise it's not going to sound like Alice in Chains. I mean, once again, you can't just change your singer and expect it to be good and taken seriously 15 years past your prime. Unless they put out something absolutely revolutionary, it's going to basically be a flop.

[MonsterOfRock]

ledfloyd7769 wrote: Pick up the "Essential Alice And Chains" 2-CD set.

Alice what Chains?

[Under_The_Oath]

Anyone else missing Layne already...?

[AerialOverdrive]

Fireballz 1077 wrote:

XWildxChildX wrote:

This should be good. I've been waiting. DuVall is a great replacement.

He'd better be. I haven't heard his vocals yet, so I hope he's as good as Staley.

Doubt it.
RIP Layne

[NiCk_FuRy]

tom.b wrote:

I've been a fan of AIC since before they were even on a label, so you'd think I'd be excited that they are releasing new material. But I'm so not. This is an instance where they should have changed the band name out of respect for Layne.

totally agree!

[BlisteringDDj]

I didn't know this... It's going to be awesome!

Checked!

[Teen Spirit]

tom.b wrote:

I've been a fan of AIC since before they were even on a label, so you'd think I'd be excited that they are releasing new material. But I'm so not. This is an instance where they should have changed the band name out of respect for Layne.

I agree with you. Alice In Chains ain't Alice In Chains without Layne. Period.

[Hungry_Hameds]

I dont get why people are so up in arms about this. Pearl Jam have had 4 different drummers, each as great as the previous. But it took Led Zeppelin 19 years and Ahmet Ertegun's death to get them to reform at all. Queen took 19 years as well, and both they and Zep arent aiming for new careers.

AIC are great in their own right, and the Layne era will never die. but if Jerry and co want to do this then fair play to them. if it didnt feel right then they wouldnt do it. whether they rock or not remains to be seen, but they are one of those bands who made the music they wanted to make without bowing to pop culture, and were worshipped for it, so how can you now moan that they are doing what they want to do again?? Hypocrites!!

Good luck guys i hope its awesome.

[smashedguy]

CryoCarnage wrote:

perilouspete wrote:

CryoCarnage wrote:

i love AIC more then anyone... But am i the only one who thinks its wrong that they still call themselves Alice in Chains?

you should be....because William is awesome I've seen the chains with him twice. They should just do what they're doing, continue the Alice In Chains legacy with a new singer. Jerry's still writing the material and playin guitar, that's what matters.

And i have seen them 2 times Live and even though William Duvall is a great singer, he does not have what alice in chains had that made them special.

that's true. william isn't bd but some songs don't sound right with him singing.

[Burrdy27]

Im so pumped for this album...
Duvall is a great singer, but hes still not Layne..
But lets be honest, music sucks now adays..
and please dont compare AIC to Nirvana, music wise, AIC blows nirvana out of the water...

[smackforall]

Jesus, it's going to rule! Beavis and Butthead would be proud.
Yeah, yeah, William Duvall isn't Layne. We all know that. But, as a musician himself, he is very talented and will be a good fit with the rest of the band.

AIC FOREVER.

[areese82]

Impossible to replace Layne but it's nice to see the AIC boys jamming again

[CaTeArS]

That's cool their having a good time and all... but I'm not sure about this. It's their decision but I'm worried about their legacy and all from their days with layne.. meh I don't know about the new singer

[MrGtD]

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

I didn't know Mudhoney ever broke up.

[saucehead]

I like the number of people posting here saying how Duvall is going to blow or isn't Staley when they haven't even heard him. I was lucky enough to catch them at the Riv in Chicago in '06. I was pessimistic beforehand. He isn't Staley - he's William Duvall. AIC kicked ass that night. I'm not even going to get into the band name change thing again since I did that in my earlier post. Those of you commenting on Duvall when you haven't even heard the guy prove that ignorance runs rampant.

[Pertenozzo]

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

How can you compare Mudhoney and Snot, both of which ****ing suck trucker balls to AiC ? I agree with RATM but those two bands ****ing suck my nasty ass which I WASH WEEKLY!

[randyaintdead82]

jerry cantrell gone country or did i miss somethin?

[RubberSoul54321]

This is just a new era for AIC with a new front man. New material will be written for / with Duvall, not Layne staley and I am sure they will choose which early songs to perform with care. I have loved AIC for years and I hope that this comes out well but if it doesn't, it doesn't. Lets listen, then comment. Why shouldn't they continue to use the name? It worked for Metallica when Cliff died and you cannot tell me that Cliff wasn't a massive influence on the Metallica sound.

[Love.Hate.Love.]

WHOAH! Won't be the same without Layne though!

[Msu_Man04]

spazzymagee wrote:

This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

RATM IS reuniting, aren't they?

+1 for Soundgarden. Though I miss Audioslave

[WhyteChocl8]

I cant wait for this I hope it sounds good im sure Jeery and theboys wont let us down.

[Seidenschnur]

William Duvall is cool and he sounds great, but he's about as welcome as another record from Van Halen with Gary Cherone. He's trying to be Layne and that just can't happen.

[MoshPitRock]

i'm so pumped for this!
alice in chains are amazing.

[freakincody7]

i think i just pissed my pants

[SharpObject]

Real excited about this; Can't wait for them to [maybe] release some tour dates!

[aocrkid]

ledfloyd7769 wrote:

avengingender wrote:

ok, i'm not flaming first of all. i have the alice in chains self-titled album, and every single song on it is garbage. is all their stuff like this? obviously not because down in a hole is good, and rooster is alright too. someone tell me what their good stuff is so i can give these guys a real chance if this album is their worst and i don't know it.

you've obviously got a different taste. so look for something else.

try nirvana.

[pdq13]

If you believe Alice in Chains passed with Layne thats your opinion.I witnessed the boys in Atlanta last year at HiFi buys and I can report that they are very much alive !!Duval will chill your bones live and the new material will prove this!Don't underestimate Cantrell.The mans a ****ing genius!

[DeathForAll]

Yeah, dude. I heard them live, too, and they were badass.

And right after the show, I met Jerry Cantrell and Rita and Big Val, too!

[Deliriumbassist]

I think it's great that AIC is back. Yes, Layne can never be replaced, but remember- there were 3 other members. AIC wasn't just the Layne Staley show.

[Force Reaver]

perilouspete wrote:

CryoCarnage wrote:

i love AIC more then anyone... But am i the only one who thinks its wrong that they still call themselves Alice in Chains?

you should be....because William is awesome I've seen the chains with him twice. They should just do what they're doing, continue the Alice In Chains legacy with a new singer. Jerry's still writing the material and playin guitar, that's what matters.

You cant continue a legacy that is dead. You can only start over new. Layne Staley is rotting in his grave. He was a major part of AIC and carrying the name that he was a part of is a major slap in his face. Yes I saw the new incarnation of AIC on tour and yes they kicked major ass. I just dont see what the prob is with picking a new band name. You can still cover all the old AIC songs you want but it would at leaste show that you have respect and give a shit about the man that got you that far.

[muddshovel]

I don't no anything thanks for info . Mudd

[MetalliRage]

i saw them live with velvet revolver at jones beach last summer and i thought they stole the show. duvall immitates layne' voice realy well and thats really hard to do. can't wait for the new album

[jshizznit]

Hes no layne, but if their doing what they love, they should kick ass at it

[noodlegts]

MetalliRage wrote:

i saw them live with velvet revolver at jones beach last summer and i thought they stole the show. duvall immitates layne' voice realy well and thats really hard to do. can't wait for the new album

I was at that show as well. AIC were pretty flippin sweet, and damn, that guy can sing! They rocked pretty hard.. and I'm looking forward to a new Alice in Chains album. I was in the second row and was completely blown away by their live performance.

[RyanDV]

it's a shame... this guy on youtube captures layne's voice better than duvall imo:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pD0sxv6bOi4

it doesn't sound fake or imitated like duvall's does sometimes... no theatrics, just straight from the soul

-Checked.

[j-e-f-f-e-r-s]

Force Reaver wrote:

perilouspete wrote:

CryoCarnage wrote:

i love AIC more then anyone... But am i the only one who thinks its wrong that they still call themselves Alice in Chains?

you should be....because William is awesome I've seen the chains with him twice. They should just do what they're doing, continue the Alice In Chains legacy with a new singer. Jerry's still writing the material and playin guitar, that's what matters.

You cant continue a legacy that is dead. You can only start over new. Layne Staley is rotting in his grave. He was a major part of AIC and carrying the name that he was a part of is a major slap in his face. Yes I saw the new incarnation of AIC on tour and yes they kicked major ass. I just dont see what the prob is with picking a new band name. You can still cover all the old AIC songs you want but it would at leaste show that you have respect and give a shit about the man that got you that far.

I'm sorry, cover their own songs?!? That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard all week. They're not slapping Layne in the face. Much as I respect him, he's the reason AiC almost never toured post-Jar Of Flies. He kept them off the road. Yes, he had one of the best voices in rock, but he was only 1/4 of the whole band. It wasn't Layne and the Staleyettes. It was Alice In Chains. Grow up.

[kuki_anarPINEL]

AIC were the greatest, but I think this will be just another album for "old-school-grungers-whatever" to shit on it, just like St. Anger is for old school Metallica fans.

[brianmay1966]

More power to them!!!! And, yes, they should use the AIC name. To you ppl who feel they should find a different out of respect for Layne, perhaps Layne should have gotten off the smack out of respect for the rest of AIC!!

[Johnny The Cat]

As long as Layne Staley is dead, Alice In Chains is dead. I would also feel this way if it were Layne that was still alive and Jerry had died. Alice is not Alice without BOTH of them.

[losoldato]

tom.b wrote:

I've been a fan of AIC since before they were even on a label, so you'd think I'd be excited that they are releasing new material. But I'm so not. This is an instance where they should have changed the band name out of respect for Layne.

I hate to be an a-hole, but I have to agree with this. Layne was the biggest part of AIC and without him it just can't be. I'm interested to hear what comes out, but I wish it was under a different band name.

[losoldato]

It wasn't Layne and the Staleyettes. It was Alice In Chains. Grow up.

I love how people have to be insulting when someone doesn't agree with them. "Grow up"? Really? What are you going to do, beat us up? I think they should change the name.

[koalabacon]

i dont think they should replace the name just out of respect of layne. layne prolly wouldnt have wanted that. besides, if the bass player died[mike inez?]would you guys still want the name to be changed? sure you guys can say layne was more important, but it wasnt all about him. they should keep the name as long as theyre still playing the same music

[nofearfactor]

AIC was 4 very unique musicians making highly exceptional music.It was magical.Layne being gone means something special is missing from the mix.Jerry can keep making his solo albums with that special guitar sound of his and his own special voice all he wants.Degradation Trip was just ok,not great,same as Boggy Depot.But an AIC album without Layne isnt really an AIC album.IMO.Its just not right.Change the name.RIP Layne.Just my .02...

[Irish Bassist]

looking forward to hearing the new cd.

r.i.p layne

[nzhead]

Here's how I feel about (if anyone cares)...AIC are not going to be the first band in history to replace their singer and keep their name, and whether the end result is good or bad it will not be a first either (AC/DC vs Van Hagar). For me the key is the material, they have to write songs that fit DuVall's voice and what will be a new band dynamic. A

Also I think they should choose their live setlists carefully - I don't think it would be right for DuVall to be singing songs like "Junkhead" or "Angry Chair" for example. Not because he couldn't but because Layne was so believable in those songs, they were so good cos they were so brutally honest at the time.

I love Jerry and AIC so I will check this out for sure, but I think the key will to try not to compatre it to "Dirt"

[almighty bowl]

soundgarden amen to that

[MonsterOfRock]

If Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez and Sean Kinney can move on, I'm sure all of you idiots can. (you know who you are ;D)

But for the rest of us who are looking forward to the new AiC album, I'm sure that pointless arguements aren't a factor in our anticipation.

[Maui Waui]

First grunge album in too long.

[manmanster]

i saw these guys live and they kicked ass, will's a pretty good replacement.

Does no one else notice how butch jerry looks with the beard?

[Powerchild]

OK so guys, I do agree, the band name should be changed. It's like Velvet Revolver was. But Honestly, DuVall's other band, Comes With the Fall, is Amazing. William DuVall has probably the greatest new voice in Rock and Roll. Haven't heard anything like him since Chris Cornell when he was with Soundgarden. DuVall's voice brings gods to their knees, and I honestly don't care what name Jerry and the rest of the band decideds to name this project, I will still support them cause DuVall is a great singer (and guitar player- Comes with the fall is a Trio, and his guitar is SICK), and Jerry is a great player as well. I'm interested to know what kind of music those two will put together. they are very talented dudes.

[Powerchild]

Seriously check out DuVall's other band on myspace.
Comes With the Fall

[Bullethead]

sweet

[sanitarium424]

this will be awsome!!

[4_horseman84]

I'm definately checking it out when it's released...but it just wont be the same without Layne, to me layne damn near makes alice in chains with his vocals, his vocals are very distinct and you could always recognise his voice when he was singing...even if he would be singing a country gospel song (he never would have sang that if he was still alive)you would be able to tell it was him.

[oldgtrman]

I was lucky enough to make all 3 shows over the past year and a half in my local area. One of the best was the show at Mohegan Sun Casino. After the show my friends and I sat at the bar by the water fall and who but William Duvall, Mike Inez and Sean Kinney show up to have a few at the bar. We were able to sit with them and enjoy drinks and some good conversation. I had quit smoking, but still bummed a smoke from Sean. What great guys. Unfortunately Jerry did not come down to the bar that night but it was still a good time. Mike and Sean had mentioned that they had been working on new material and that a new Album was in the works. So I have been waiting patiently for more good news and this is it!!!
AIC FAN FOR LIFE!!! Even at 40!!!

[The Earth Gods]

Hmm this should be good but then again anythings better then the new shit now a days even a shitty AIC Album.

Checked.

[Jack Off Jill]

Rooster666 wrote:

tom.b wrote:

I've been a fan of AIC since before they were even on a label, so you'd think I'd be excited that they are releasing new material. But I'm so not. This is an instance where they should have changed the band name out of respect for Layne.
No they should keep the name the same. I am sure Layne would want AIC to continue.

Layne hated everyone else in the band by the time he died. Jerry wanted to sing more than Layne, and so Layne didn't want to be in the band anymore. There's a reason he didn't talk to them before he died.

[Mithaearon]

spazzymagee :
This is awesome news, all we need now is for Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Snot, and RATM to reform and the circle is complete!

Well I know Mudhoney are still together cause I am going to see them at the London Forum at the end of the month!

[DimeLvR]

I cant wait!!! I have loved AIC since the early 90s Layne was a unique vocalist and canot be replaced per say but ya gotta give the new guy a chance. much like from joey to bush with Anthrax, from Ozzy to Dio with sabbath, and Drowning pool(dont remember thier names sorry) all had their successes after a vocalist change. Its new material and a new era lets just pray they dont go EMO.

[get_born_again]

look, i'm sorry, i know there are a lot of people excited about this new stuff, but THIS IS NOT ALICE. NO WAY, NO HOW. this is atrocious that sean, jerry, and mike would even consider doing this.