Alice in Chains are Recording New Album

The ‘90s are in again, so why not a bit of grunge on the charts? Although nearly two decades removed from their Seattle scene, Alice in Chains in recording another album. A follow-up to 2009’s Black Gives Way to Blue, the untitled release is the band’s second after singer Layne Staley’s death. William Duvall is providing the vocals.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Jerry Cantrell revealed that work on the new album began last year. The band, however, didn’t plan for a three-year gap between albums. Instead, he explained: "I had shoulder surgery. I had to get some bone spurs and torn cartilage taken care of, so that put me back a little bit. But we’ve been writing through the whole process."

Alice in Chains heads to the studio soon. Unlike Black Gives Way to Blue, which featured Elton John, the upcoming album won’t have any guest appearances. John impressed Cantrell, who mentioned: "That’s just the universe lining up right. I had nothing to do with that other than asking. What he is, beyond anything else, is a f---ing amazing musician. And he’s the guy who inspired me to start playing music, so to have him play on one of our records – especially such a meaningful record, where we’re restarting our musical careers and saying goodbye and honoring our buddy – it’s a tremendous thing."

Black, although released seven years after Staley’s death, was the band’s first effort to move on and honor the late singer at the same time. Cantrell said: "Layne’s mother’s been doing a show for Layne every year, and we give to that. It’s good to remember your people. Life is very temporary, and we will be joining them shortly. Hopefully it’s not too soon, but it’s good. It’s some amazing people that should be remembered."