Alice in Chains Founder Makes Big Announcement

2025-05-19

Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains

Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley sadly passed away in 2002, but the band continues to make new music and tour, as do its band members. – Author: Cat Badra, Photo via Nick Fancher

Alice in Chains is one of the “big four” of grunge bands, if there was an actual big four of the genre. They would sit alongside Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam with the honor, although other bands such as Screaming Trees, Mudhoney and Green River also have their place in grunge rock history.

Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley sadly passed away in 2002, but the band continues to make new music and tour with new vocalist William Duvall and the surviving members of the band. Now, one founding members of Alice in Chains has made an announcement.

Alice in Chains first got together in Seattle, Washington, in 1987. The band was founded by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney. The band immediately caused a stir, and their 1990 debut album, “Facelift,” has been certified double-platinum by the RIAA, selling more than two million copies. What’s interesting is that the band released “Facelift” before Nirvana released “Nevermind” in 1991, so Alice in Chains was truly ahead of the curve.

At the heart of Alice in Chains’ sound was a definite grunge vibe with just a touch of metal, which is why they often drew more “hair metal” fans than other grunge bands. While Staley did most of the band’s lead vocals, Cantrell was also very important to Alice in Chains’ vocal sound. Now, Cantrell has announced that he’s hitting the road on a late-summer U.S. headlining tour in support of his latest album, “I Want Blood.” As with Cantrell’s winter tour, Filter will once again open for Cantrell.

The ‘Greatest Guitarist of His Generation’

The new tour dates will set off on August 16 in San Diego and keep Cantrell on the road through a September 14 date in Kansas City. Cantrell also has a slate of European tour dates on the way. Find his full tour schedule on his official website.

Cantrell shared the news on X, and his post drew some fan reaction. “Hope I can make it to the Columbia SC show,” one stated. “Any plans to come to the UK? Hope so as would love to see the show,” another asked. On Instagram, one wrote, “Greatest guitarist of his generation.” Another stated, “First leg was awesome.”

“‘I Want Blood’ showcases the legendary guitarist and vocalist at his most raw and resolute, blending brooding melodies with searing guitar work and introspective lyricism,” a release states of Cantrell’s latest album.

Of the album, Kerrang said in a review, “It’s an altogether more oppressive album than ‘Brighten,’ and therefore something that Alice In Chains fans are going to want in their lives.” The publication adds, “That said, ‘I Want Blood’ still knows when to pause for breath. ‘Echoes Of Laughter’ is a delicious slowburn – if incense had a sound, you’d hear it here – while closer ‘It Comes’ is among the most considered music he has ever written.”

They add that “the album is available on CD, digitally, and in multiple 2LP vinyl variants.” Plus, “A deluxe spoken-word edition featuring narration by Cantrell and contributions from producer Joe Barresi, engineer Maxwell Urasky, Greg Puciato, Roy Mayorga, Gil Sharone, Rani Sharone, George Adrian, Vincent Jones and Michael Rozon is also available both on vinyl and digital platforms.” Over his career, Cantrell has released six studio albums with Alice in Chains and four solo full-lengths.

Cat Badra
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Posted by Cat Badra | Music, Rock, Rock News

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