Alice in Chains: Back With New Lead Vocalist, William DuVall

Alice in Chains, a rock band formed in Seattle, Wash., began their first major headlining tour last week since the death of Layne Staley, the band’s original front man.

The rock band was formed in 1987 by guitarist Jerry Cantrell and vocalist Staley. They rose to popularity in the early 90’s alongside bands such as Soundgarden and Nirvana and sold over 14 million albums in the U.S. alone.

The band experienced enormous success, achieving six Grammy nominations and two No.1 Billboard 200 albums, Jar of Films and Alice in Chains. However, with increased substance abuse by Staley that eventually led to his death in 2002, the band remained out of the limelight until now.

The reunited band consists of guitarist/co-vocalist Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Inez and new-fangled vocalist William DuVall.

In a review of the band’s opening performance in D.C, Spin reported Duvall’s, “high notes complemented Cantrell’s trebly guitar, and the two sang together like they have been friends since elementary school, smoothly trading off on the mic.”

DuVall appears to be the perfect fit to the bands’ distinguished style. During the show, he even injected a heartfelt sentiment, stating his tour-opening show was “a very meaningful first night for him.”

Alice in Chains’ latest album, Black Gives Way to Blue (Virgin/EMI) is set for release Sept. 29. Check their website for tour dates and to pre-order the album.

-Ashley Thompson
Currently listening to “Shine” by Collective Soul.

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