Alice In Chains

Originally released in 1995, their self-titled album was their last with inimitable lead singer Layne Staley. It’s Staley’s friend, the late, great Mark Lanegan who best describes the power of Staley’s voice: “He was the most singularly impressive hard rock singer I would ever hear, up there with some of the greats from my youth. Rob Halford, Brian Johnson, and even Freddie Mercury, all guys I’d seen play live as a kid. In my mind, Layne was in their league.” This self-titled album is up there with Dirt as one of their best albums with songs ‘Heaven Beside You’ and ‘Over Now’ so emotionally compelling you can’t help but feel stirred even on the 50th listen. ‘Sludge Factory’ is another high as the heavy, drop tuned riff brilliantly combines with the lyrics, which are seemingly about grief and addiction. If you were ever wondering why it is that Alice In Chains are so often held up as one of the greatest bands of all time, then this record holds plenty of proof.