Alice in Chains fused heavy metal riffs with grunge-era angst to create a haunting, melodic sound heard on landmark albums like Dirt and Sap. The band’s emotional honesty and powerful harmonies have secured their reputation among the greatest alternative rock acts.
Alice in Chains formed in Seattle in 1987 and became one of the central bands of the grunge movement alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden.
Practice Questions
Q:Who was the original lead vocalist and who sings now?
A:Layne Staley originally; William DuVall currently.
Layne Staley was the band's iconic original singer; after his death, William DuVall joined in 2006 as co-lead vocalist and guitarist.
Q:What was their breakthrough album and hits?
A:Dirt; hit songs include 'Rooster', 'Down in a Hole', 'Would?'
1992's Dirt established mainstream success with heavy themes, notable singles like 'Rooster' and 'Would?' that received extensive radio and MTV airplay.