Alice in Chains to Celebrate 15th Anniversary of 'Black Gives Way to Blue'

Alice in Chains to Celebrate 15th Anniversary of ‘Black Gives Way to Blue’

2024-08-15

Alice in Chains are coming up on the 15th anniversary of their 2009 album, “Black Gives Way to Blue.” – Story by Cat Badra, photo via Pamela Littky

Alice in Chains are one of the few bands from the 1990s that have successfully regrouped with a new vocalist. Now, the band is coming up on the 15th anniversary of their 2009 album, “Black Gives Way to Blue,” which marked their first released following frontman Layne Staley’s tragic passing. The set will drop Sept. 27 in four special vinyl colorways via Craft Recordings.

Alice in Chains Honoring 15th Anniversary of ‘Black Gives Way to Blue’

“Black Gives Way to Blue” hasn’t been in print on vinyl in years. Because of that, vinyl versions of the record usually go for pretty high prices on the secondary market. has long been out-of-print on vinyl, with original pressings fetching steep prices on the secondhand market. So, it’s pretty special that the guys are releasing this vinyl version.

With the new release, “”Black Gives Way to Blue” will be available in three fresh colorways: “Black Widow” red smoke (only available via the Alice in Chains store), “Black Smoke” (only available via the Craft Recordings store) and “Electric Smoke” (only available via Revolver). A standard black vinyl pressing is also available via Amazon.

Black Gives Way to Blue” marked Alice in Chains’ fourth studio album and a huge moment for the band. As mentioned above, this marked their first release without Staley. On the record, the band introduced new vocalist William DuVall, and fans really gravitated to the new lineup. DuVall sounds a lot like Staley, which certainly helped, and he’s just a fantastic vocalist.

When asked about his memories on the Alice in Chains comeback, DuVall told Metal Hammer, “There was no master plan, despite what people think. This felt right, so we did the next thing, and then the next thing… It’s more than just making music and it always has been. We’ve been friends a long time. We’re not doing this to please anybody. It had to be OK from here [points to chest].”

Alice in Chains are keeping plenty busy with DuVall in the fold. DuVall along with vocalist-guitarist Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney and bass player Mike Inez comprise the band’s current lineup, and they’re often on the road. Alice in Chains’ latest studio album is 2018’s “Rainer Fog.” In addition to Alice in Chains, DuVall and Cantrell have also released solo music. Cantrell is currently on tour, supporting Bush’s North American summer tour.

Check out the full track listing for Alice in Chains’ “Black Gives Way to Blue” below. Time will tell if the band decides to do a special tour to commemorate the album, too.

‘Black Gives Way to Blue’ Track Listing:

Side A
01. All Secrets Known
02. Check My Brain
03. Last Of My Kind

Side B
01. Your Decision
02. A Looking In View

Side C
01. When The Sun Rose Again
02. Acid Bubble
03. Lesson Learned

Side D
01. Take Her Out
02. Private Hell
03. Black Gives Way To Blue

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.