Alice In Chains Albums Ranked

Alice in Chains is an American rock band from Seattle, Washington, formed in 1987 by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney, who later recruited bassist Mike Starr and lead vocalist Layne Staley. Starr was replaced by Mike Inez in 1993. William DuVall joined the band in 2006 as co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, replacing Staley, who died in 2002. The band took its name from Staley’s previous group, the glam metal band Alice N’ Chains. Here are all of Alice in Chains albums ranked from worst to best.

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6. Rainier Fog (2018)

“After the rather hit or miss album that was “Devil Put Dinosaurs here”, we’ve had a long a wait for a new Alice in Chains release. The band comes back swinging with a less heavy, more grungey, and more overall consistent album. Cantrell is great as always, but one of the best parts in my opinion is that William DuVall is integrating himself really well with the vocals and is almost sounding like Layne. Now how does it compare to the 90s Alice in Chains releases? Well it holds up pretty good actually and sounds like it could have been the natural progression after the self titled album. However, it’s not their best album, with some tracks being a bit forgettable. But its still great to see these guys continuing to make great music and I bet Layne would be proud to see that.”

5. Black Gives Way to Blue (2009)

“I have been an Alice in Chains fan for a very long time. This album is the first studio album for AIC since the passing of Layne Staley. William Duvall comes in as the new frontman along with Jerry Cantell and really delivers an amazing album and classic Alice in Chains sound. The songwriting is sharp and the vocals are superb. I can’t pick a favorite song but Black Gives Way to Blue is up there pretty high on the list. It’s a great album and a must for any AIC fan, old or new! Rock and Roll ain’t dead y’all!!”

4. The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013)

“A must get for true Alice In Chains fans, William DuVall is a great singer and guitarists, he suits the band really well. This album is more slower and more melodic. If you want true Alice In Chains get the older original albums. But this album got me back into listening to the band more regularly again. It’s nice to see the boys back in the game and not quitting. That’s what it’s all about, Rock’n Roll!”

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3. Alice in Chains (1995)

“The more I listened the more I wanted to listen. Now I can pretty much do without the hits. There’s so much more if you haven’t experienced this final statement from the original band. It’s really too bad there’s only four studio albums from Alice In Chains but this was a great ending. I feel as though it represents Layne Staley the best. I’m only speculating, but it’s very Industrial and metallic. Jerry has some of his sweetest solos. Most thoughtful solos. In places it seems as though he’s following someone else’s lead, that being Layne, but when he let’s go it’s his best playing by far. Tightest band recorded, perhaps. This one captured it. A new kind of Metal.”

2. Facelift (1990)

“Alice in Chain’s debut record arguably launched the Grunge Movement. Sure, Nirvana kicked the door’s down with Nevermind (1991), but this album precedes it by one year. Alice was one of the heavier bands on the Grunge scene and effectively melded Black Sabbath, punk and even glam to great effect. The most well known song on this record is “Man In The Box” with its crunchy groove and Layne Staley’s wailing vocals. There are several other gems including “We Die Young,” “Sea of Sorrow,” “Bleed The Freak” and “Sunshine.” The album is a little disjointed and goofy at times. However, the band is slowly harboring its bleak and dark mood. Alice would release better albums, but its debut is a must have.”

1. Dirt (1992)

“One of the best ever. Many people criticize this album because much of the lyrical content has to do with drug addiction, but who cares? Sure, it’s sort of a downer for those who are more into cotton-candy fluff pop. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to it. For us old-school metalheads, this is the stuff! For those of you who play guitar, this is a great album to play along with, especially if you’re a beginner. Some songs on this album are pretty easy to figure out on your own, like “Dirt” and “Angry Chair.” Anyway, definitely one of the must-have albums of the 1990s.”