They come back well after their hey-day, but, they return in form, and with a new sense of purpose. In many ways, it also seems that they never left at all. That they are picking up right where they left off, except of course, without the aid of their most popular member, lead singer Layne Staley, who unfortunately died too young of a heroin addiction back in 2002. An addiction that sadly closed the door on the bands future, and punctuated the fact that Alice In Chains would never see the light of day ever again.

     However, that had changed when Alice In Chains, reunited, and decided after all this time, they would be a band again. Jerry Cantrell, one of the main brains behind the band, who had a fairly successful solo career in AIC's absence, decides to give it a go once again with his flagship band of the 90s. They even found themselves a new lead singer; a feat that not many bands can pull off with much success, with the exception of Van Halen when Sammy Hagar replaced David Lee Roth. AIC found William DuVall, and they all teamed up again to record a new album.

      BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE says a lot about Alice In Chains as they are today. It is a fine album, one that conveys and encompasses many different elements of the band. From the outset, the album starts with a nice opening track that broods in with some heavy guitars and the harmonizing vocals of leader Jerry Cantrell and new lead singer William DuVall. The two actually sing together exceptionally well, and frankly, the strengths of this album are from their vocal performances.

     It isn't until the third track, "Last Of My Kind" where William DuVall gets some solo singing time. And because of that, I couldn't help but think that Cantrell was perhaps a little afraid to let go and just simply let DuVall sing by himself. He is indeed talented, but, there isn't enough of DuVall by himself on this album. However, as I had said earlier, the two sing BETTER together. Speaking of vocals, Jerry Cantrell himself just continues to improve as a distinguished singer. To be perfectly blunt, I suggest that Cantrell is actually a better singer than DuVall.

     Some other elements that ring deep and true about this record is that it echoes and references Layne Staley, the band's late lead singer, often. I was hoping for that, and thankfully, it came through strong. What is most startling perhaps, is that, speaking of Staley, the duo of Cantrell and DuVall sound so much like the late singer it is eerie. It is mesmerizing to hear because it is so profound. In fact, one of the album's finest tracks, "When The Rose Sun Again" sounds as if all three, Cantrell, DuVall, AND Staley, are singing together. Like I said, VERY eerie. Overall, the musicality of the album is quite strong. Cantrell, who in the past didn't think of himself as a great guitarist (though he always was), is in fantastic form here and has some blistering guitar solos like that in the opening track "All Secrets Known." Not to mention some nice licks in "Take Her Out" and "Private Hell." The rythym section is always a strong point, as I have personally always been a big fan of drummer Sean Kinney. The ryhtyms are not quite as unique as they were on past albums such as JAR OF FLIES, but, still very good indeed.

     Perhaps the most memorable song on this album is the final track. It is the title song, and it is Jerry Cantrell's ode to his late departed friend. It is a touching tribute, and also quite brief as it clocks in at under three minutes. Perhaps it is meant to be so short, as to infer that Layne Staley's life was cut too short. In any case, it is beautiful, and for that reason alone, the album is worth getting. It also features Elton John on piano, which is another interesting, and emotional touch. I would only hope that because of Elton's appearance on the title track, it would bring extra attention to the album.

     BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE is not perfect, but, it is indeed a long awaited comeback that many thought would never come due to Staley's untimely death. And it just isn't merely a comeback, it is a statement that Alice In Chains have returned to the musical scene with a mission; determined to provide the world with some new ambitious music. I surely recommend this album to any fan of the band. Fans will always miss Staley, and while DuVall doesn't replace him, the band itself knows it shall never forget his memory. As Cantrell sings, "lay down, I'll remember you."

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:
"Black Gives Way To Blue"

"When The Sun Rose Again"

"Your Decision"

"Check My Brain"

"Private Hell"

"Take Her Out"

-Kurt L.

________________________________________________________