Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 42
 Album of the year 2009 September 29, 2009
Mr. P. D. Sinnott (Leicester, UK)
21 out of 28 found this review helpful
Wow! What a record. Heavy as hell, brooding, haunting, melodic, soft...you name it has it. As much as I loved Laynes voice with this record you don't actually miss him. They basically sound the same. I think you realise that it is Jerry Cantrells voice singing just off the main vocal that gives them their signature haunting vocal sound. The new guy William sounds great as well though. Track 4 (Your Decison) is my favourite Alice in Chains song already, in the flavour of Jar of Flies. Acid Bubble turns from an Alice song into Black Sabbath, the riff is amazing...you half expect Ozzy to join in. Alice in Chains is not for everyone, however if they are your cup of tea, this is by far their most complete and best album to date. Welcome back.
Awsome! July 21, 2010
K. P. Ford (UK)
Wow they are back at their best, the more you listen to it the better it gets. Hurry up with another one I say!
An amazing comeback!! May 26, 2010
Mr. A. Hough (Manchester, England)
This album is an absolute triumph! The grinding heaviness is still there, accompanied by some beautifully soaring moments such as the title track. Jerry Cantrell's incredible lyrics, Sean Kinney's pounding drums and the forceful bass of Mike Inez are perfectly in unison with the vocal stylings of new singer William DuVall. I was sceptical about the decision to carry on with a new singer .... without reason as it happens. This album stands equal with 'Dirt' for me as thier best work. William DuVall as lead singer may turn out to be as good a decision as Brian Johnson filling the shoes of the great Bon Scott. This album deserves to be right up there with 'Back In Black' or Black Sabbath's 'Heaven And Hell' as one of the greatest musical comeback albums ever ....
Alice In Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue January 17, 2010
M. Moazzam (Huntingdon, England)
After hearing Alice In Chains had reformed with a new singer, I couldn't wait to hear what the new lineup would sound like and first up I would just like to point out, that while AIC sound subtly different with William Duvall on lead vocals, they still sound brilliant!
Black Gives Way to Blue is one heck of a comeback album.
All Secrets Known - is a typical AIC song and a good opener. Slow, ominous and heavy, with their classic interplay of darkness and light. 8/10.
Check My Brain - immediately reminded me of Angry Chair - only more up-tempo. Has a nice catchy feel to it, with dark-sounding verses interspersed with a daft but very singable chorus. One of the stand out tracks. 9/10.
Last of My Kind - is one of those more awkward songs that takes a bit more listening to, but it immediately grabs you with its truly venomous chorus. A grower. Very angry and very heavy. 8/10.
Your Decision - has echoes of Nutshell to it and is my favourite track on the album. A softer acoustic number with flourishes of electric guitar and great lyrics. 10/10.
A Looking In View - like Last of My Kind is another one that takes a few listens to get your head around. Another typically downbeat song but good nonetheless. 8/10.
When the Sun Rose Again - is an unusual song. It sounds like it would make a good movie soundtrack. Another acoustic-electric number, but with AIC's typically edgy lyrics it still manages to sound slightly sinister, yet oddly uplifting at the same time. Hmm...its messing with my head... 8/10.
Acid Bubble - now this sounds like it should have been on the Dirt album. Another dark, heavy and twisted sounding slab of grunge metal, complete with great vocal harmonies. Real dark, depressing stuff. 7/10.
Lesson Learned - my other favourite track on the album. A lighter, more up-tempo rocker. Very catchy and clever lyrics. 9/10.
Take Her Out - similar to Lesson Learned...not too downbeat and quite catchy, while not being exactly cheerful (come on - this is Alice In Chains!). 8/10.
Private Hell - is another one that would have gone well on the Dirt Album. It seems to hark back to Layne's drug problems. Quite dark and gloomy but also surprisignly melodic. 7/10.
Black Gives Way to Blue - what can I say about the title track? Well, its the band's tribute to departed former singer Layne Staley. A slow acoustic ballad that can move you to tears, if you're not careful...whether you're a fan of the band or not. An absolute gem. 10/10.
Awesome Alice in Chains Album!!! November 3, 2009
Mr. Andrew Fraser (Edinburgh, Scotland)
This is a slightly heavier sound for the Chains with, as always, Jerry Cantrell proving he can still write and sing a good song. His voice sounds more commanding than in previous albums. William DuVall sounds like he is in the background for this album, but hopefully that will change if they continue laying down new tracks.
Although I had my doubts about anyone taking Layne Staley's place as frontman for the band, this album has convinced me to give him a chance. I'm also going to see them in Glasgow this month, so that will be the big deciding vote for me!!
Hope you enjoy...
Showing reviews 1-5 of 42
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