The Alice In Chains album that never was. Rumour has it that the majority of these songs were to be for the next AIC album, but due to Staley’s on going substance problems, Cantrell used them for this solo release. Staley would die of his drug problems two months before this album’s release, and it is dedicated to him.
Jerry is joined here by Metallica’s Robert Trujillo on bass (who at the time, was part of Ozzy’s band), and Faith No More’s Mike Bordin on drums. The record sounds very much like Alice In Chains as Jerry’s voice is so distinctive, and he provided the melody with Staley to create that sound. He doesn’t get enough credit for those albums other than being the guitar player.
For me, this album is one of the best grunge albums of all time. This is not all doom and depression – there is a lot going on here, great well written songs, awesome playing, and superb production. The opening track could be the best song that Alice In Chains never recorded. There were two singles released: Anger Rising and Angel Eyes, Angel Eyes being the most commercial. Other stand out tracks are Side 2 close out track Hellbound (which I like a lot), the unusual Castaway, which starts off real slow until the fat guitar kicks in, the awesome Chemical Tribe, which is a very dark tune with a very simple riff, and the fat heavy riff of Spiderbite. There are a couple of tunes that aren’t great, but overall it’s a good album.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
