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{{Band infobox
|1=[[File:AliceinChains2013.jpg|250px]]
|2=Alice in Chains
|3=Seattle, Washington, United States
|4=1987-2002, 2005-present
|5=[[Heavy metal]], [[Alternative metal]], grunge
|6=[[Columbia Records]], [[Virgin Records]]
|7=Alice N' Chains, Class of '99, Comes with the Fall, Mad Season, [[Black Label Society]], Spys4Darwin
|8=
}}

'''Alice in Chains''' is an American [[heavy metal|metal]]/rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter [[Jerry Cantrell]] and original lead vocalist [[Layne Staley]]. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer [[Sean Kinney]], and bassist [[Mike Starr]] (who was replaced in 1993 by [[Mike Inez]]).

Although widely associated with grunge music, the band's sound incorporates [[heavy metal]] and [[w:Acoustic music|acoustic]] elements. Since its formation, Alice in Chains has released five studio albums, three EPs, two live albums, four compilations, and two DVDs. The band is known for its distinct vocal style which often included the harmonized vocals of Staley and Cantrell.

Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s, along with other Seattle bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and [[Soundgarden]]. The band was one of the most successful music acts of the 1990s, selling over 25 million albums worldwide,<ref name="newalbumtitle">{{cite web| url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140829 |title=ALICE IN CHAINS Interviewed By VOICE OF AMERICA|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=May 28, 2010 |accessdate=2010-06-15| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20100530075734/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140829| archivedate= May 30, 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> and over 14 million in the US alone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=3&table=tblTopArt&action= |title=Recording Industry Association of America |publisher=RIAA |date= |accessdate=2011-07-14}}</ref> In 1992, the band released their album ''[[Dirt]]'', which was critically acclaimed and has been certified quadruple platinum. The band has had two consecutive No. 1 ''Billboard'' 200 releases; ''[[Jar of Flies]]'' and ''[[Alice in Chains (album)|Alice in Chains]]''. They have also had 16 top ten songs on theMainstream Rock Tracks chart and nine Grammy Award nominations.

Although never officially disbanding, Alice in Chains was plagued by extended inactivity from 1996 onwards due to Staley's substance abuse, which resulted in his death in 2002. The band reunited in 2005 with new lead vocalist [[William DuVall]], and released their fourth studio album, ''[[Black Gives Way to Blue]]'', in 2009. The album was a success, being certified gold by the RIAA in 2010. Alice in Chains released their fifth studio album, ''[[The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here]]'', on May 28, 2013.<ref name="fifthalbum">{{cite web| url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=160902 |title=Alice in Chains Is Working On New Music, Says HEART's Ann Wilson |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=July 20, 2011 |accessdate=2011-07-20}}</ref> Alice in Chains is currently working on their sixth studio album, tentatively set for release in early 2018.<ref name="2018 album">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-to-re-team-with-producer-nick-raskulinecz-for-new-album/|title=Alice in Chains To Re-Team With Producer Nick Raskulinecz For New Album|work=Blabbermouth |date=6 June 2017 |accessdate=25 July 2017}}</ref>

==History==

===Formation and early years (1984–1989)===
Before the formation of Alice in Chains, then-drummer<ref name="How Alice in Chains Found the Most Memorable Voice in Grunge">{{cite web|author =de Sola, David |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/04/how-alice-in-chains-found-the-most-memorable-voice-in-grunge/255469/ |title=How Alice in Chains Found the Most Memorable Voice in Grunge |publisher=[[The Atlantic]] |date=April 5, 2012 |accessdate=2012-04-16}}</ref> 
Layne Staley landed his first gig as a vocalist when he auditioned to sing for a local [[glam metal]] band known as [[Sleze]] after receiving some encouragement from his stepbrother Ken Elmer.<ref name="How Alice in Chains Found the Most Memorable Voice in Grunge"/> Other members of this group at that time were guitarists [[Johnny Bacolas]] and Zoli Semanate, drummer [[James Bergstrom]], and bassist Byron Hansen.<ref name="How Alice in Chains Found the Most Memorable Voice in Grunge"/> This band went through several lineup changes culminating with [[Nick Pollock]] as their sole guitarist and Bacolas switching to bass before discussions arose about changing their name to ''Alice in Chains''.<ref name="Grunge is Dead p.211-212">Prato, Greg (2009). pp. [https://books.google.com/books?id=eTg4whS9ClUC&pg=PT211 211-212].</ref> This was prompted by a conversation that Bacolas had with a singer from another band about backstage passes.<ref name="Grunge is Dead p.211-212"/> Due to concerns over the reference to female bondage], the group ultimately chose to spell it differently as [[Alice N' Chains]] to allay any parental concerns, though Staley's mother Nancy McCallum has said she was still not happy with this name at first.<ref name="Grunge is Dead p.211-212"/>

Staley met guitarist [[Jerry Cantrell]] at a party in Seattle around August 1987.<ref name="Layne Staley 1996 Interview">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALAJkqgGgVM|title=Layne Staley Interview Alice in Chains 1996 part 1 of 2|accessdate=14 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Untold">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUonBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA57&lpg=PA57&dq=introducing+layne+and+jerry&source=bl&ots=9zq8nxvM3Q&sig=bHHGcJb-KHPoW1KB5zxlI4Ms51g&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=introducing%20layne%20and%20jerry&f=false|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story by David de Sola|accessdate=14 July 2017}}</ref> A few months before that, Cantrell had watched a concert of Staley's then-band, ''Alice N' Chains'', in his hometown at the Tacoma Little Theatre and was impressed by his voice.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0WLlAx6PpE&feature=youtu.be&t=10m20s|title=Intimate interview with Alice in Chains|accessdate=6 August 2017}}</ref> Cantrell was homeless after being kicked out of his family's house, so Staley invited Cantrell to live with him at the rehearsal studio Music Bank, and the two struggling musicians became roommates.<ref name="Layne Staley 1996 Interview"/><ref name="origin">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJW77uMEHdI|title=Interview Alice In Chains - Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney about Layne Staley|work=YouTube|date=12 January 2010|accessdate=14 July 2017}}</ref> Alice N' Chains soon disbanded, and Staley joined a funk band. Cantrell's band, Diamond Lie, broke up and he wanted to form a new band, so Staley gave him the phone number of Melinda Starr, the girlfriend of drummer [[Sean Kinney]], so that Cantrell could talk to him.<ref name="origin"/> Cantrell called the number and set up a meeting with Kinney.<ref name="origin"/> Kinney and his girlfriend went to the Music Bank and listened to Cantrell's demos, who mentioned that they needed a bass player to jam with them, and he had someone in mind: [[Mike Starr]], with whom Cantrell had played in a band in Burien called Gypsy Rose.<ref name="origin"/> Kinney then mentioned that his girlfriend was actually Mike Starr's sister, and that he had been playing in bands together with Starr since they were kids.<ref name="origin"/> Kinney called Starr and a few days later he started jamming with him and Cantrell at the Music Bank, but they didn't have a singer.<ref name="origin"/> Staley's funk band also required a guitarist at the time, and Staley asked Cantrell to join as a sideman.<ref name="Layne Staley 1996 Interview"/><ref name="origin"/> Cantrell agreed on condition that Staley join his band, because Cantrell, Starr and Kinney wanted Staley to be their lead singer, so they started auditioning terrible lead singers in front of Staley to send a hint.<ref name="Layne Staley 1996 Interview"/><ref name="origin"/> The last straw for Staley was when they auditioned a male stripper – he decided to join the band after that.<ref name="origin"/> Eventually, the funk project broke up, and in 1987 Staley joined Cantrell's band on a full-time basis.  

The band played a couple of gigs in clubs around the Pacific Northwest, calling themselves different monikers, including Diamond Lie,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bacus.net/alice/images/diamond.htm|title=Diamond Lie Press Kit|accessdate=14 July 2017}}</ref> the name of Cantrell's previous band,<ref name="Interview Alice In Chains - Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney (part 2)">{{YouTube|WOZjcOCrepk|Interview Alice In Chains - Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney (part 2)}}.</ref> and "Fuck",<ref name="origin"/> before eventually adopting the name that Staley's previous band had initially flirted with, ''Alice in Chains''.<ref name="origin"/> 

===''Facelift'' and ''Sap'' (1990–1992)===
In 1990, Columbia Records released Alice in Chains' first official recording, a promotional EP titled ''[[We Die Young]]''. The EP's lead single, "[[We Die Young]]", became a hit on metal radio. After its success, the label rushed Alice in Chains' debut album into production with producer Dave Jerden.<ref name="AiC Dirt">{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/dirt.aspx| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060703145800/http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/dirt.aspx| archivedate=July 3, 2006 |title=Discography – ''Dirt'' |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref> 

The resulting album, ''[[Facelift]]'', was released on August 21, 1990, peaking at number 42 in the summer of 1991 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref name="AM3">{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains – Awards : Allmusic (''Billboard'' Albums) |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/alice-in-chains-mn0000007920/awards|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]] |accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> ''Facelift'' was not an instant success, selling under 40,000 copies in the first six months of release, until [[MTV]] added "[[Man in the Box]]" to regular daytime rotation.<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World">{{cite web|url=http://aic.gsg2007.de/Artikel/Dirt.html |title=Dirt |publisher=''[[Guitar World]]'' |author=Gill, Chris |date=September 1999 |accessdate=2012-09-26 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130120807/http://aic.gsg2007.de/Artikel/Dirt.html |archivedate=November 30, 2011 }}</ref> The single hit number 18 on the Mainstream rock charts, with the album's follow up single, "[[Sea of Sorrow]]", reaching number 27,<ref name="AM2">{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains - Awards: Allmusic (''Billboard'' Singles)|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/alice-in-chains-mn0000007920/awards|work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> and in six weeks ''Facelift'' sold 400,000 copies in the US.<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> The album was a critical success, with Steve Huey of [[AllMusic]] citing ''Facelift'' as "one of the most important records in establishing an audience for grunge and alternative rock among hard rock and heavy metal listeners."<ref name="AMG Facelift">{{cite web| author=Huey, Steve |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r264|pure_url=yes}} |title=Facelift |work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref>

''Facelift'' was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) by the end of 1990, while the band continued to hone its audience, opening for such artists as [[Iggy Pop]],<ref name="Alice in Chains eNotes Biography">{{cite web| author=Glickman, Simon |url=http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/alice-chains-biography |title=Enotes – Alice in Chains |publisher=Enotes.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> [[Van Halen]], [[Poison]], and [[Extreme]].<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> In early 1991, Alice in Chains landed the opening slot for the [[Clash of the Titans (tour)|Clash of the Titans tour]] with [[Anthrax]], [[Megadeth]], and [[Slayer]], exposing the band to a wide metal audience but receiving mainly poor reception.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59909 |title=Alice in Chains Guitarist Discusses 1990 Clash of the Titans tour, Touring With Ozzy |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=October 7, 2007 |accessdate=2008-02-09 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108155844/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59909 |archivedate=January 8, 2009 |df= }}</ref> Alice in Chains was nominated for a Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy Award in 1992 for "Man in the Box" but lost to Van Halen for their 1991 album ''[[For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge]]''.<ref name="First Grammy">{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1992/grammys.htm |title=34th Grammy Awards – 1992 |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080105140804/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1992/grammys.htm| archivedate= January 5, 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

Following the tour, Alice in Chains entered the studio to record demos for its next album, but ended up recording five acoustic songs instead.<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> While in the studio, drummer Sean Kinney had a dream about "making an EP called ''Sap''".<ref name="Alice in Chains eNotes Biography"/> The band decided "not to mess with fate", and on March 21, 1992, Alice in Chains released their second EP, ''[[Sap]]'', which was certified gold within two weeks. The EP features guest vocals by Ann Wilson from the band Heart, who joined Staley and Cantrell for the choruses of "Brother", "Am I Inside", and "Love Song". The EP also features [[Mark Arm]] of [[Mudhoney]] and [[Chris Cornell]] of [[Soundgarden]], who appeared together on the song "Right Turn", credited to "Alice Mudgarden" in the liner notes. 

In 1992, Alice in Chains appeared in the Cameron Crowe film ''Singles'', performing as a "bar band".<ref name="Singles film">{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_singles.aspx| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061125070118/http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_singles.aspx| archivedate=November 25, 2006 |title=Singles – Soundtracks and music scores |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> The band also contributed the song "[[Would?]]" to the film's soundtrack, whose video received an award for Best Video from a Film at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards.<ref name="MTV AWARD">{{cite web| url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1993/mtvvmas.htm |title=1993 MTV Video Music Awards |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2007-12-08| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071207102814/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1993/mtvvmas.htm| archivedate= December 7, 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

===''Dirt'' (1992–1993)===

On September 29, 1992, Alice in Chains released its second album, ''[[Dirt (Alice in Chains album)|Dirt]]''. The album peaked at number six on the ''Billboard'' 200 and since its release has been certified quadruple [[RIAA certification|platinum]] by the RIAA, making ''Dirt'' the band's highest selling album to date. The album was a critical success, with Steve Huey of Allmusic praising the album as a "major artistic statement, and the closest they ever came to recording a flat-out masterpiece".<ref name="AMG Dirt">{{cite web |author =Huey, Steve |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r70661|pure_url=yes}} |title=Dirt |work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation |accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref> Chris Gill of ''[[Guitar World]]'' called ''Dirt'' "huge and foreboding, yet eerie and intimate", and "sublimely dark and brutally honest".<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> ''Dirt'' spawned five top 30 singles, "[[Would?]]", [[Rooster (song)|"Rooster"]], "[[Them Bones]]", "[[Angry Chair]]", and "[[Down in a Hole]]",<ref name="AM2"/> and remained on the charts for nearly two years.<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley" >{{cite web| author=Wiederhorn, Jon |date=April 6, 2004 |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1486206/20040406/alice_in_chains.jhtml |title=Remembering Layne Staley: The Other Great Seattle Musician To Die On April 5 |publisher=[[VH1]] |accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref> Alice in Chains was added as openers to [[Ozzy Osbourne]]'s ''No More Tours'' tour. Days before the tour began, Layne Staley broke his foot in an [[All-terrain vehicle|ATV]] accident, forcing him to use crutches on stage.<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World"/> 

Starr left the band shortly after the [[Hollywood Rock]] concert in [[Rio de Janeiro]] in January 1993,<ref>{{cite web|title=20 Years Later: Looking Back At Alice In Chains’ 1993 European Tour And Mike Inez Replacing Mike Starr|url=http://archive.alternativenation.net/20-years-later-looking-back-at-alice-in-chains-1993-european-tour-and-mike-inez-replacing-mike-starr/|website=Alternative Nation|accessdate=August 6, 2017|date=January 22, 2013}}</ref> stating that he wanted to spend more time with his family.<ref>{{cite web|title=Especial MTV+ Alice in Chains (2007)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3XFnNiNpPI&feature=youtu.be&t=9m27s|accessdate=August 6, 2017}}</ref> Staley told ''Rolling Stone'' in 1994 about Starr leaving the band, "It was just a difference in priorities. We wanted to continue intense touring and press. Mike was ready to go home."<ref name="Rolling Stone 1994">{{cite web|title=Alice In Chains Bassist Mike Starr Dies At 44|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-in-chains-bassist-mike-starr-dies-at-44-20110309|work=Rolling Stone|date=March 9, 2011|accessdate=August 6, 2017}}</ref> Years later, Starr claimed that he was fired due to his drug addiction.<ref name="Rolling Stone 1994"/><ref>{{cite book|last1=de Sola|first1=David|title=Alice in Chains: The Untold Story|date=August 4, 2015|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|isbn=1250048079|page=191–194}}</ref> Starr was replaced by former Ozzy Osbourne bassist [[Mike Inez]].<ref name="Starr leave">{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/biography/default.aspx| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719150353/http://www.aliceinchains.com/biography/default.aspx| archivedate=July 19, 2006 |title=2006 band bio – Aliceinchains.com |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref>

In 1993, the band recorded two songs with Inez, "[[What the Hell Have I]]" and "A Little Bitter", for the ''[[Last Action Hero]]'' soundtrack.<ref name="Last Action Hero">{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_lastAction.aspx| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308215905/http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_lastAction.aspx| archivedate=March 8, 2007 |title=Last Action Hero – Soundtracks and music scores |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-11-24}}</ref> During the summer of 1993, Alice in Chains toured with the [[alternative rock|alternative music]] festival [[Lollapalooza]], their last major tour with Staley.<ref name="Billboard">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/480569/20-years-of-lollapalooza|title=20 years of Lollapalooza|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] | accessdate=2012-11-19}}</ref>

===''Jar of Flies'' (1993–1994)===

Following Alice in Chains' extensive 1993 world tour, Staley said the band "just wanted to go into the studio for a few days with our acoustic guitars and see what happened".<ref name="Layne talks Jar of Flies">{{cite journal| author=Andrews, Rob |date=August 1994 |title=A Step Beyond Layne's World |publisher=''[[Hit Parader]]''}}</ref> "We never really planned on the music we made at that time to be released. But the record label heard it and they really liked it. For us, it was just the experience of four guys getting together in the studio and making some music."<ref name="Layne talks Jar of Flies"/>

Columbia Records released Alice in Chains' second acoustic-based EP, ''[[Jar of Flies]]'', on January 25, 1994. Written and recorded in one week,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://aliceinchains.com/discography/JarOfFlies.aspx| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208170925/http://aliceinchains.com/discography/JarOfFlies.aspx| archivedate=December 8, 2006 |title=Jar of Flies – Discography |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> ''Jar of Flies'' debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, becoming the first ever EP—and first Alice in Chains release—to top the charts.<ref name="AM3"/> 

Paul Evans of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called the EP "darkly gorgeous",<ref name="Rolling Stone - Jar of Flies">{{cite web|author =Evans, Paul |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/jar-of-flies-19940324 |title=Jar of Flies |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> and Steve Huey stated "''Jar of Flies'' is a low-key stunner, achingly gorgeous and harrowingly sorrowful all at once".<ref name="AMG Jar of Flies">{{cite web|author =Huey, Steve |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r191391|pure_url=yes}} |title=Jar of Flies |work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation |accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref> ''Jar of Flies'' features Alice in Chains' first number-one single on the [[Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks|Mainstream Rock charts]], "[[No Excuses]]". The second single, "[[I Stay Away]]", reached number ten on the Mainstream rock charts, while the final single "[[Don't Follow]]", reached number 25.<ref name="AM2"/> ''Jar of Flies'' has been certified triple platinum by the RIAA, with over 2 million copies sold in the United Sates during its first year.<ref name="Jar">{{cite web| url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Alice+in+Chains&ti=Jar+of+Flies#search_section |title=American album certifications – Alice in Chains – Jar of Flies| work=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=July 27, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043814/ask-billboard-alice-in-chains-anthony-hamilton-jay-z |title=Ask Billboard: Alice In Chains, Anthony Hamilton, Jay-Z| work=Billboard |date=October 10, 2008|access-date=July 27, 2017}}</ref>

After the release of ''Jar of Flies'', Staley entered [[drug rehabilitation|rehab]] for [[heroin]] addiction.<ref name="To Hell and Back">{{cite web|author =Wiederhorn, Jon |date=February 8, 1996 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-in-chains-to-hell-and-back-rolling-stones-1996-feature-20110405 |title=To Hell and Back |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> The band was scheduled to tour during the summer of 1994 with [[Metallica]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]], [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]], and [[Fight (band)|Fight]], as well as a slot during [[Woodstock '94]], but while in rehearsal for the tour, Staley began using heroin again.<ref name="Rolling Stones on Staley's death">{{cite web|author =Rothman, Robin |date=22 April 2002 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/layne-staley-found-dead-20020422 |title=Layne Staley Found Dead |work=Rolling Stone |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> Staley's condition prompted the other band members to cancel all scheduled dates one day before the start of the tour, putting the band on hiatus.<ref name="Rolling Stones on Staley's death"/>

===''Alice in Chains'' (1995–1996)===

In April 1995, Alice in Chains entered [[Bad Animals Studio]] in Seattle with producer [[Toby Wright]], who had previously worked with [[Corrosion of Conformity]] and [[Slayer]].<ref name="Toby Wright">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51361 |title=Meldrum Working With Producer Toby Wright |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=April 26, 2006 |accessdate=2007-12-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123193521/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51361 |archivedate=January 23, 2008 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> While in the studio, an inferior version of the song "Grind" was leaked to radio, and received major airplay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacyrecordings.com/alice-in-chains.aspx |title=Alice in Chains timeline |publisher=Sonymusic.com |accessdate=2008-02-01 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222064518/http://www.legacyrecordings.com/Alice-in-chains.aspx |archivedate=February 22, 2008 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy }}</ref> On October 6, 1995, the band released the studio version of the song to radio via satellite uplink. On November 7, 1995, Columbia Records released the eponymous album, ''[[Alice in Chains (album)|Alice in Chains]]'',<ref name="Toby Wright"/> which debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200<ref name="AM3"/> and has since been certified double platinum. Of the album's four singles, "[[Grind (song)|Grind]]", "[[Again (Alice in Chains song)|Again]]", "[[Over Now]]", and "[[Heaven Beside You]]", three feature Cantrell on lead vocals. Jon Wiederhorn of ''Rolling Stone'' called the album "liberating and enlightening, the songs achieve a startling, staggering and palpable impact."<ref>{{cite web |author =Wiederhorn, Jon |date=November 30, 1995 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/179804/review/5943047/aliceinchains |title=Alice in Chains: Alice in Chains review |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |accessdate=2008-01-01}}</ref> 

The song "[[Got Me Wrong]]" unexpectedly charted three years after its release on the ''Sap'' EP. The song was re-released as a single on the soundtrack for the [[independent film]] ''[[Clerks]]'' in 1995, reaching number seven on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_clerks.aspx| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061116034920/http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/st_clerks.aspx| archivedate=November 16, 2006 |title=Clerks – Soundtracks and movie scores |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> The band opted not to tour in support of ''Alice in Chains'', adding to the rumors of drug abuse.<ref name="Rolling Stones on Staley's death"/><ref name="Malice in Chains">{{cite web| url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/malice-in-chains-19980904|title=Malice in Chains? |work=Rolling Stone |author =Fischer, Blair R |date=September 4, 1998|accessdate=2012-04-08}}</ref>

Alice in Chains resurfaced on April 10, 1996, to perform their first concert in two and a half years for ''[[MTV Unplugged]]'', a program featuring all-acoustic set lists.<ref name="Unplugged show">{{cite web|people=Perota, Joe (Director)|date=April 15, 1996|url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/unplugged.aspx |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217083456/http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/unplugged.aspx |archivedate=February 17, 2007 | title=Unplugged – Alice in Chains | medium=Television production | location=New York City | publisher=[[MTV]]}}</ref><ref name="Alice In Chains Concert Chronology">{{cite web| url=http://www.bacus.net/alice/aicshows/960410.htm |title=Alice in Chains Concert Chronology: MTV Unplugged Session |publisher=John Bacus |accessdate=2007-12-12| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071211090109/http://www.bacus.net/alice/aicshows/960410.htm| archivedate= December 11, 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The performance featured some of the band's highest charting singles, including "[[Down in a Hole]]", "[[Heaven Beside You]]", "[[No Excuses]]" and "[[Would?]]", and introduced a new song, "Killer Is Me", with Cantrell on lead vocals.<ref name="Unplugged show"/> The show marked Alice in Chains' only appearance as a five-piece band, adding second guitarist [[Scott Olson]].<ref name="Unplugged show"/> A [[Unplugged (Alice in Chains album)|live album]] of the performance was released in July 1996, debuting at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="AM3"/> and was accompanied by a home video release, both of which received platinum certification by the RIAA. Alice in Chains performed four shows supporting the reunited original [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] lineup on their 1996/97 [[Alive/Worldwide Tour]], including the final live appearance of Layne Staley on July 3, 1996, in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], Missouri. Shortly after the show, Staley was found unresponsive after he overdosed on heroin and was taken to the hospital. Although he recovered, the band was forced to go on hiatus.<ref name="Casino Ballroom">{{cite web| url=http://www.casinoballroom.com/event-detail.php?event=94 |title=Alice in Chains – Sold Out |publisher=[[Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom]] |accessdate=2007-11-25| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071130054834/http://www.casinoballroom.com/event-detail.php?event=94| archivedate= November 30, 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

===Hiatus and death of Layne Staley (1996–2002)===

Although Alice in Chains never officially disbanded, Staley became a recluse, rarely leaving his Seattle condominium following the death of his ex-fiancée Demri Parrott due to [[infective endocarditis]].<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley" /> After a decade of battling drug addiction, Layne Staley was found dead in his condominium in Seattle on April 19, 2002. The autopsy and toxicology report on Staley's body revealed that he died from a mixture of heroin and cocaine, known as "[[Speedball (drug)|speedball]]". The autopsy concluded that Staley died on April 5, two weeks before his body was found.<ref name="report">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1453818/layne-staley-died-from-mix-of-heroin-cocaine-report-says/ |title=Layne Staley Died From Mix Of Heroin, Cocaine, Report Says |publisher=MTV |date=7 May 2002|accessdate=6 August 2017}}</ref> 

===Reunion shows (2005–2008)===

In February 2005, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, and Sean Kinney reunited to perform a benefit concert in Seattle for victims of the tsunami disaster that struck South Asia in 2004.<ref name="Benefit concert">{{cite web| author=Hay, Travis |date=February 21, 2005 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/pop/212872_alice21q.html |title=Alice in Chains owns stage in tsunami-relief show full of surprises |publisher=Seattlepi.com|accessdate=2007-11-25}}</ref> The band featured [[Damageplan]] vocalist [[Pat Lachman]], as well as other special guests including [[Maynard James Keenan]] of [[Tool]] and Ann Wilson of Heart.<ref name="Benefit concert"/><ref name="AIC guests">{{cite web| url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10518215/latest_news_jayz_the_strokes_r_kelly_and_more |title=Metallica man joins Alice in Chains |publisher=''Rolling Stone'' |date=June 9, 2006 |accessdate=2007-11-25| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071120124207/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10518215/latest_news_jayz_the_strokes_r_kelly_and_more| archivedate= November 20, 2007 | deadurl=yes}}</ref> On March 10, 2006, the surviving members performed at [[VH1]]'s [[Decades Rock Live]] concert, honoring fellow Seattle musicians Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. They played "[[Would?]]" with vocalist [[Phil Anselmo]] of [[Pantera]] and [[Down (band)|Down]] and bass player [[Duff McKagan]] of [[Guns N' Roses]] and [[Velvet Revolver]], then they played "[[Rooster (song)|Rooster]]" with Comes with the Fall vocalist [[William DuVall]] and Ann Wilson.<ref name="AIC guests"/> The band followed the concert with a short United States club tour, several festival dates in Europe, and a brief tour in Japan. To coincide with the band's reunion, [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Music]] released the long-delayed third Alice in Chains compilation, ''[[The Essential Alice in Chains]]'', a [[double album]] that includes 28 songs.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/essentials.aspx| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011024536/http://www.aliceinchains.com/discography/essentials.aspx| archivedate=October 11, 2007 |title=The Essential Alice in Chains |publisher=Aliceinchains.com |accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> In 2006, DuVall officially became the fourth member of Alice in Chains, serving as co-lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and occasional lead guitarist. 

===''Black Gives Way to Blue'' and death of Mike Starr (2008–2011)===
[[Blabbermouth.net]] reported in September 2008 that Alice in Chains would enter the studio that October to begin recording a new album for a summer 2009 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=104110 |title=Alice in Chains To Enter Studio In October |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=September 5, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-05 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908001221/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=104110 |archivedate=September  8, 2008 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> In October 2008, Alice in Chains began recording its fourth studio album at the [[Foo Fighters]]' Studio 606 in Los Angeles with producer [[Nick Raskulinecz]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=107501 |title=Alice in Chains Working With Rush/Foo Fighters Producer |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=October 23, 2008 |accessdate=2008-10-23 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525035102/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=107501 |archivedate=May 25, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref> The band didn't have a record label at the time and the album was funded by Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Zina Walschots|first1=Natalie|title=Alice in Chains|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/alice_in_chains|website=Exclaim!|accessdate=July 30, 2017|date=May 30, 2013}}</ref> At the Revolver Golden God Awards, Jerry Cantrell said that the group had finished recording in March 2009 and were mixing the album for a September release.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/video_news/alice_in_chains_set_to_release_first_album_in_14_years.html |title=Alice In Chains Set To Release First Album In 14 Years|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive|Ultimate-Guitar.com]] |date=April 9, 2009 |accessdate=2009-04-09| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090412153240/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/video_news/alice_in_chains_set_to_release_first_album_in_14_years.html| archivedate= April 12, 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> In April 2009, it was reported that the new Alice in Chains album would be released by [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]/[[EMI Records|EMI]],<ref name="newalbum">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=118840 |title=Alice In Chains Signs With Virgin/EMI |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=April 25, 2009 |accessdate=2009-04-25 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427112318/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=118840 |archivedate=April 27, 2009 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> making it the band's first label change in its 20-plus year career. On June 11, 2009, Blabbermouth.net reported that the new album would be titled ''[[Black Gives Way to Blue]]'' and was officially set to be released on September 29, 2009.<ref name="newalbumtitle"/> On June 30, 2009, the song "[[A Looking in View]]" was released as the first single from the album. It was made available for a limited time as a free download through the official Alice in Chains website in early July. The music video for the song debuted via the official website on July 7, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/92233/alice_in_chains|title=Alice In Chains: 'A Looking In View' video available|accessdate=2009-07-27|date=July 8, 2009|publisher=[[idiomag]]}}</ref> The second single, "[[Check My Brain]]", was released to radio stations on August 14, 2009 and was made available for purchase on August 17, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=122629 |title=Alice In Chains: New Single, Video On The Way |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 26, 2009 |accessdate=2009-06-26 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628204749/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=122629 |archivedate=June 28, 2009 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> In addition, it was announced that [[Elton John]] appears on the album's title track.<ref>{{cite web | last=Moody |first=Nekesa Mumbi |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267778/alice-in-chains-scores-elton-john-for-tribute-track |title=Alice In Chains Scores Elton John for Tribute Track | work=Billboard | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | date=August 11, 2009 |accessdate=August 11, 2009}}</ref>

To coincide with the band's European tour, Alice in Chains released its next single, "[[Your Decision]]", on November 16 in the UK and on December 1 in the US.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=128577 |title=Alice In Chains To Release 'Your Decision' Single |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=October 12, 2009 |accessdate=2009-10-16 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015044748/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=128577 |archivedate=October 15, 2009 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases |title=Future Releases on Alternative Radio Stations, Independent Artist Song Releases &#124; |publisher=Allaccess.com |date= |accessdate=2011-07-14| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110710054019/http://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases| archivedate= July 10, 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The fourth single from the album was "[[Lesson Learned]]" and was released to rock radio in mid-June.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16697 |title=Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more! |publisher=FMQB |date= |accessdate=2011-07-14| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110711013858/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16697| archivedate= July 11, 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> 

The album  debuted at No. 5 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>Caulfield, Keith and Herrera, Monica (2009-10-07). [http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267159/barbra-streisand-surprises-with-ninth-no-1-on-billboard-200 "Barbra Streisand Surprises with Ninth No. 1 on Billboard 200"]. [[Billboard.com]].</ref> On May 18, 2010, ''Black Gives Way to Blue'' was certified gold by the [[RIAA]]<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web
| url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Black%20Gives%20Way%20to%20Blue&artist=Alice%20in%20&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2010&sort=Artist&perPage=25
| title=Gold and Platinum Database Search
| accessdate=5 August 2017}}</ref> for selling over 500,000 copies in the U.S.<ref name="gold">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-strikes-gold-with-black-gives-way-to-blue/ |title=Alice In Chains Strikes Gold With 'Black Gives Way To Blue' |date=25 May 2010 |accessdate=5 August 2017}}</ref> The singles "''Check My Brain''" and "''Your Decision''" reached No. 1 on [[Billboard]]'s [[Mainstream Rock Tracks]], while "''Lesson Learned''" reached No. 4.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains - Chart History|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/278597/alice-chains/chart?f=376|website=Billboard|accessdate=August 5, 2017}}</ref> ''"Check My Brain"'' was also the band's first #1 song on the [[Alternative Songs]] chart,<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains - Chart History - Alternative Songs|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/278597/alice-chains/chart?f=377|website=Billboard|accessdate=August 5, 2017}}</ref> and on the [[Hot Rock Songs]] chart,<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains - Chart History - Hot Rock Songs|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/278597/alice-chains/chart?f=902|website=Billboard|accessdate=August 5, 2017}}</ref> it also reached No. 92 on Billboard's [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]], becoming the band's first single to appear on the chart.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains - Chart History - Hot 100|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/278597/alice-chains/chart?f=379|website=Billboard|accessdate=August 5, 2017}}</ref>

On March 8, 2011, former Alice in Chains bassist [[Mike Starr (musician)|Mike Starr]] was found dead at his home in Salt Lake City. Police told Reuters they were called to Starr's home at 1:42&nbsp;pm and found his body; Starr was 44. Reports later surfaced that Starr's roommate had seen him mixing [[methadone]] and anxiety medication hours before he was found dead. Later reports indicated Starr's death may have been linked to two different types of antidepressants prescribed to him by his doctor.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Starr, legendary Alice in Chains bass player, found dead |work=[[The Guardian]] |first=Ben |last=Quinn |date=March 9, 2011 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/09/mike-starr-alice-in-chains-dies }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Former Alice in Chains rocker Mike Starr dies |work=Reuters |first=Dean |last=Goodman |date=March 8, 2011 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/09/us-aliceinchains-idUSTRE72802X20110309}}</ref><ref>Metcalf, Jr. Dan. [http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Former-Alice-in-Chains-Celebrity-Rehab-star-dies/QK3JrtdsEk6Vj1v_O0qhaA.cspx "Former 'Alice in Chains,' 'Celebrity Rehab' star dies in Salt Lake City"] [[ABC News]], March 8, 2011</ref> A public memorial was held for Starr at the Seattle Center's International Fountain on March 20, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Allison |first=Melissa |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2014556157_starr21m.html?syndication=rss |title=Memorial held for Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr |publisher=Seattletimes.nwsource.com |date= March 20, 2011|accessdate=2011-08-17}}</ref> A private memorial was also held, which Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney attended according to Mike Inez.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/thelife/music/news/story?id=6270119 |title=ESPN Music's 2011 bass-ball preview Mike Inez |publisher=Sports.espn.go.com |date=March 31, 2011 |accessdate=2011-08-17 |first=Jim |last=Wilkle}}</ref>

===''The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here'' and next album (2011–present)===

On March 21, 2011, Alice in Chains announced that they were working on a fifth studio album.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alice In Chains To Begin Work On New Album|url=http://metalhammer.teamrock.com/news/alice-in-chains-to-begin-work-on-new-album/ |publisher=Metalhammer.co.uk |date=March 21, 2011 |accessdate=2011-08-17}}</ref><ref name="fifthalbum">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=160902 |title=Alice in Chains Is Working On New Music, Says HEART's Ann Wilson |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=July 20, 2011 |accessdate=2011-07-20 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106092940/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=160902 |archivedate=January 6, 2012 }}</ref> In December 2012, Cantrell confirmed that the new album had been completed,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183202 |title=Guitarist Confirms Completion Of New ALICE IN CHAINS Album |publisher=Blabbermouth.Net |date= |accessdate=2012-12-06}}</ref> and the first single, "[[Hollow (Alice in Chains song)|Hollow]]", debuted online on December 18, available for digital download in January 2013, along with an official music video.<ref>{{cite web|title=ALICE IN CHAINS: New Song 'Hollow' To Make Its Online Debut In Two Weeks|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183271|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=7 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="loudwire">{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/alice-in-chains-new-single-hollow/ |title=Alice in Chains Unleash New Single 'Hollow' |publisher=Loudwire.com |date=2012-12-18 |accessdate=2013-01-02}}</ref><ref>[http://www.theprp.com/2012/12/21/news/alice-in-chains-working-on-hollow-music-video/ ''Alice In Chains Working On “Hollow” Music Video''], ThePRP.com, December 21, 2012.</ref> On February 13, 2013, Alice in Chains posted on [[Facebook]] that their new album title would be an anagram of the letters H V L E N T P S U S D A H I E E O E D T I U R R.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/aliceinchains?ref=stream |title=Alice in Chains |publisher=[[Facebook]] |date= |accessdate=2013-02-21}}</ref> The next day they announced that the album would be called ''[[The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here]]'',<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=186281 |title=Alice in Chains: New Album Title Revealed |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |date=2013-02-14 |accessdate=2013-02-14}}</ref> which was released on May 28, 2013, debuting at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Alice in Chains|chart=Billboard 200}} |title=Alice in Chains – Chart history: ''Billboard'' 200 |work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |accessdate=28 August 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923150541/http://www.cmc.dk/ |archivedate=September 23, 2010 |df= }}</ref> The band released videos for the songs "Stone," "Voices," and the title track later in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-taps-director-roboshobo-for-phantom-limb-video/ |title=Alice in Chains Taps Director ROBOSHOBO For 'Phantom Limb' Video |publisher=lansingstatejournal.com |date=2014-05-19 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> ''"Hollow"''<ref>{{cite web|title=Mainstream Rock Songs - The Week of March 30, 2013|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/2013-03-30|website=Billboard|accessdate=August 1, 2017}}</ref> and ''"Stone"'' reached No. 1 on [[Billboard]]'s [[Mainstream Rock Tracks]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1566936/chart-moves-cassadee-pope-debuts-on-hot-100-hot-country-songs-alicia-keys |title=Chart Moves: Cassadee Pope Debuts On Hot 100, Hot Country Songs; Alicia Keys Reaches Adult R&B Milestone; The Lone Bellow Adds Airplay |first=Gary |last=Trust |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=June 13, 2013|accessdate=August 1, 2017}}</ref> while ''"Voices"'' reached No. 3,<ref>{{cite web|title=Mainstream Rock Songs - The Week of November 23, 2013|accessdate=August 1, 2017|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/2013-11-23|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002093225/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/2013-11-23|archivedate=October 2, 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref> and each one of the three songs stayed on the chart for 20 weeks.<ref name="AIC chart">{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains - Chart History|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/278597/alice-chains/chart?f=376|website=Billboard|accessdate=August 1, 2017}}</ref>

In January 2017, Mike Inez stated in an interview that the band had begun work on a new album.<ref>[http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-is-working-on-follow-up-to-the-devil-put-dinosaurs-here Alice in Chains Is Working On Follow-Up To 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here'], blabbermouth.net, January 24, 2017.</ref> In June 2017, it was reported that the band would return to Studio X in Seattle to record a new album later that month, for a tentative early 2018 release. The sessions will be helmed by [[Nick Raskulinecz]], who produced the band's last two albums.<ref name="2018 album">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-in-chains-to-re-team-with-producer-nick-raskulinecz-for-new-album/|title=Alice in Chains To Re-Team With Producer Nick Raskulinecz For New Album|work=Blabbermouth |date=6 June 2017 |accessdate=25 July 2017}}</ref> Studio X was the studio where Alice in Chains recorded its 1995 self-titled album.<ref name="2018 album"/> According to Inez, the band is not currently signed to a label, having completed its previous two-record contract with the Universal Music Group. "This [upcoming album], we're not sure where it's gonna land... I mean, we financed ['Black Gives Way To Blue'] on our own too, so we're not too worried about that stuff. We've just gotta get it out to ... a significant label [with worldwide distribution]."<ref name="2018 album"/>

==Musical style==

Although Alice in Chains has been labeled [[grunge]] by the mainstream media,<ref>Tim Karan, [http://www.avclub.com/article/jar-flies-alice-chains-unleashed-accidental-master-203922 ''With Jar Of Flies, Alice In Chains unleashed an accidental masterpiece''], A.V. Club, May 6, 2014.</ref> Jerry Cantrell identifies the band as primarily [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]. He told ''[[Guitar World]]'' in 1996, "We're a lot of different things&nbsp;... I don't quite know what the mixture is, but there's definitely metal, [[blues]], [[rock and roll]], maybe a touch of [[punk rock|punk]]. The metal part will never leave, and I never want it to".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adbdesign.com/aic/articles/art004.html |first1=Jeff |last1=Gilbert |first2=Andy |last2=Aledort |title=Go Ask Alice |work=Guitar World |date=January 1996 |accessdate=2012-10-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729233916/http://www.adbdesign.com/aic/articles/art004.html |archivedate=July 29, 2013 }} See also: [https://books.google.com/books?id=4R0xtoz_gQ8C&hl=en&pg=142&dq=%22Guitar+World,+January+1996+Go+Ask+Alice+Jerry+Cantrell+offers+some+entertaining+and+frank+observations+on+the+state+of+Alice+in+Chains,+the+glories+of+the+band%27s+new,+self-titled+album,+and+life+in+the+Seattle+wonderland.+By+Jeff+Gilbert%22 1a], [https://books.google.com/books?id=4R0xtoz_gQ8C&hl=en&pg=147&dq=%22We%27re+a+lot+of+different+things,+too.+I+don%27t+quite+know+what+the+mixture+is,+but+there%27s+definitely+metal,+blues,+rock+and+roll,+maybe+a+touch+of+punk.+The+metal+part+will+never+leave,+and+I+never+want+it+to%22 1b], [http://www.guitarworld.com/1996-guitar-world-interview-jerry-cantrell-alice-chains-discusses-songwriting-and-bands-new-self-titled-album?page=0,1 2].</ref> The ''[[Edmonton Journal]]'' has stated, "Living and playing in Seattle might have got them the grunge tag, but they've always pretty much been a [[classic metal]] band to the core."<ref>{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Murray|url=http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/music/Alice+Chains+stroll+down+memory+lane+enthusiastic/8619032/story.html|title=Alice in Chains stroll down memory lane for enthusiastic Rexall fans|publisher=''[[Edmonton Journal]]''|location=[[Edmonton]]|date=2013-07-05|accessdate=2013-07-05}}</ref> 

Over the course of their career, the band's sound has also been described as [[alternative metal]],<ref name="AM">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/alice-in-chains-mn0000007920|title=Alice in Chains - Music Biography, Credits and Discography|first=Stephen Thomas|last=Erlewine|authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|accessdate=2012-09-22}}</ref> <ref name="Gazette">{{cite web|url=http://sundaygazettemail.com/Entertainment/201004140990 |title=Alice unboud: After a long absence, Alice In Chains is back |first=Bill |last=Lynch |publisher=''The Charleston Gazette'' |accessdate=2012-09-27|archiveurl=http://archive.is/m2zHb|archivedate=February 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QhhXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8fkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5766,270821&dq=alternative-metal+alice-in-chains&hl=en|title='Alice' will rattle some chains|first=Patricia|last=Crean|publisher=''Spokane Chronicle''|accessdate=2012-09-27}}</ref> [[sludge metal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vulturehound.co.uk/2012/07/how-havent-you-heard-alice-in-chains-dirt/|title=How Haven't You Heard&nbsp;... Alice In Chains – Dirt|last=Conway|first=James|publisher=''Vulture Hound Magazine''|accessdate=2012-11-16}}</ref><ref name=Considine>{{cite web|title=Alice in Chains breaks free of a style|first=J.D|last=Considine|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/113518205.html?dids=113518205:113518205&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+23%2C+1992&author=J.D.+Considine&pub=The+Sun&desc=Alice+in+Chains+breaks+free+of+a+style&pqatl=google|newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |location=Baltimore|date=October 23, 1992|accessdate=2012-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAE8F7148A842EF&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=THE METAL'S GONE, BUT THE TUNES AND MOODS REMAIN|first=Unknown|last=Author|publisher=''Press-Telegram (Long Beach, CA)''|accessdate=2012-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/aliceinchains-dirt/|title=Alice in Chains: Dirt|first=Michael|last=Christopher|publisher=[[PopMatters]]|date=September 23, 2003|accessdate=2012-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/136701-music-previews-alice-in-chains-tegan-and-sara-and-will-young/|title=Music previews: Alice in Chains, Tegan and Sara and Will Young|first=Michael|last=MacLennan|publisher=''[[STV (TV channel)|STV]]''|accessdate=2013-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/cd-alice-chains-devil-put-dinosaurs-here|title=CD: Alice in Chains - The Devil put Dinosaurs Here|first=Russ|last=Coffey|publisher=''The Arts Desk''|accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://themusic.com.au/reviews/album/2013/05/23/alice-in-chains-the-devil-put-dinosaurs-here-chris-familton/|title=ALICE IN CHAINS The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here|first=Chris|last=Familton|publisher=The Music.com.au|accessdate=2013-05-24}}</ref> [[doom metal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/204863|title=ALICE IN CHAINS – "It's Not Like We're Trying To Recapture Dirt&nbsp;... We Already Made That Fucking Record!"|author =[[Martin Popoff]]|publisher=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|date=2013-05-30|accessdate=2013-06-12}}</ref><ref name=sputnik>{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/56786/Alice-In-Chains-Alice-in-Chains/|title=Review: Alice in Chains - Alice in Chains|first=Brendan|last=Schroer|publisher=''[[Sputnikmusic]]''|accessdate=2014-03-16}}</ref> [[drone rock]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/duvall-cantrell-keep-alice-in-chains-dronerock-alive-259u8qq-207725381.html|title=DuVall, Cantrell keep Alice in Chains' drone-rock alive|first=Jon M.|last=Gilbertson|publisher=''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]''|accessdate=2013-05-17}}</ref> [[hard rock]],<ref name="AM"/><ref name="About">{{cite web|url=http://rock.about.com/od/aliceinchains/p/Alice.htm|title= Alice in Chains Biography and Profile|first= Tim|last=Grierson|publisher=[[About.com]]|accessdate=2012-09-26}}</ref> and [[alternative rock]].<ref name="AM"/> Regarding the band's constant categorization by the media, Cantrell stated "When we first came out we were metal. Then we started being called alternative metal. Then grunge came out and then we were hard rock. And now, since we've started doing this again I've seen us listed as: hard rock, alternative, alternative metal and just straight metal. I walked into an HMV the other day to check out the placement and see what's on and they've got us relegated back into the metal section. Right back where we started!".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YmocmZU2eJcC&pg=PT42&dq=%22grunge%22+%22alternative+metal%22&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=Alice in Chains: In the Studio - Jake Brown |publisher=Google Books.au |date= |accessdate=2012-11-19}}</ref> Drummer Sean Kinney rejects the grunge label, stating in a 2013 interview "I mean, before we first came out there was no grunge, they hadn’t invented that word. Before they invented the word grunge we were alternative rock and alternative metal and metal and rock, and we didn’t give a shit whatever, we were a rock and roll band!".<ref>http://www.thenationalstudent.com/Music/2013-10-07/Interview_Alice_In_Chains.html</ref> According to [[Mike Inez]], they were always the metal stepchildren of the Seattle scene.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-jerry-cantrell-discusses-alice-chains-2009-comeback-black-gives-way-blue?page=0,2|title=Interview: Jerry Cantrell Discusses Alice in Chain's 2009 Comeback, 'Black Gives Way to Blue'|work=Guitar World|accessdate=2013-04-28}}</ref>

Jerry Cantrell's guitar style combines "pummeling riffs and expansive guitar textures"<ref name="Dirt - Guitar World" /> to create "slow, brooding minor-key grinds".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/degradation-trip-r590407/review |title=Degradation Trip |author =Erlewine, Stephen Thomas |work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|accessdate=2012-03-30}}</ref> He is also recognized for his natural ability to blend acoustic and electric guitars. While down-tuned, distorted guitars mixed with Staley's distinctive "snarl-to-a-scream" vocals appealed to [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] fans, the band also had "a sense of melody that was undeniable", which introduced Alice in Chains to a much wider audience outside of the heavy metal underground.<ref name="AMG Facelift"/>

According to [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] of [[AllMusic]], Alice in Chains' sound has a "[[Black Sabbath]]-style riffing and an unconventional vocal style".<ref name="AM"/> The band has been described by Erlewine as "hard enough for metal fans, yet their dark subject matter and punky attack placed them among the front ranks of the Seattle-based grunge bands".<ref name="AM"/> Three of the band's releases feature acoustic music, and while the band initially kept these releases separate, Alice in Chains' self-titled album combined the styles to form "a bleak, nihilistic sound that balanced grinding hard rock with subtly textured acoustic numbers".<ref name="AM"/>

Alice in Chains is also noted for the unique vocal harmonies of Staley (or DuVall) and Cantrell, which included overlapping passages, dual lead vocals, and trademark harmonies typically separated by a major third.<ref name="AM"/> Cantrell said it was Staley who gave him the self-assurance to sing his own songs. Alyssa Burrows said the band's distinctive sound "came from Staley's vocal style and his lyrics dealing with personal struggles and addiction".<ref>{{cite web| author=Burrows, Alyssa |date=May 17, 2002 |url=http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=3778 |title=Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley dies on April 5, 2002. |publisher=Historylink.com |accessdate=2007-12-08}}</ref> Staley's songs were often considered "dark",<ref name="AM"/> with themes such as drug abuse, depression, and suicide,<ref name="Remembering Layne Staley"/> while Cantrell's lyrics often dealt with personal relationships.

==Legacy==

Alice in Chains has sold over 14 million records in the United States, and over 20 million records worldwide, released two number-one albums, had 23 top 40 singles, and has received nine [[Grammy]] nominations. The band was ranked number 34 on [[VH1]]'s ''100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock''.<ref>{{cite web| year=2000 |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm |title=VH1: 100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists |publisher=Rockonthenet.com |accessdate=2008-01-08| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080108173414/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm| archivedate= January 8, 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Alice in Chains was named 15th greatest live band by ''[[Hit Parader]]'',<ref>"Hard Rock's All-Time Top 100 Live Bands". ''Hit Parader''. February 2008.</ref> with vocalist Layne Staley placing as 27th greatest [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] vocalist of all time.<ref>"Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists". ''Hit Parader''. November 2006.</ref> The band's second album, ''Dirt'', was named 5th best album in the last two decades by ''Close-Up'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/metallica_pantera_top_albums_of_last_17_years.html | title=Metallica, Pantera: Top Albums Of Last 17 Years |publisher=Ultimate-Guitar.com |date=April 30, 2008 |accessdate=}}</ref> In August 2009, Alice in Chains won the ''[[Kerrang!]]'' Icon Award.<ref>[http://blog.kerrangawards.com/2009/2009/08/the_2009_kerrang_awards_winner.shtml "News – The 2009 Kerrang! Awards winners"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806040916/http://blog.kerrangawards.com/2009/2009/08/the_2009_kerrang_awards_winner.shtml |date=August  6, 2009 }}. ''[[Kerrang!]]''. August 3, 2009.</ref> In November 2011, ''Jar of Flies'' was ranked number four on ''[[Guitar World]]'' magazine's top ten list of guitar albums of 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/readers-poll-results-top-10-guitar-albums-1994 |title=Photo Gallery: The Top 10 Guitar Albums of 1994 |author=Grassi, Tony |publisher=[[Guitar World|GuitarWorld.com]] |accessdate=27 July 2017}}</ref> It was also featured in ''Guitar World'' magazine's "Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994" list,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/superunknown-50-iconic-albums-defined-1994 |title=Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994 |date=14 July 2014 |work=[[Guitar World|GuitarWorld.com]] |accessdate=27 July 2017}}</ref> and in May 2014, the EP was placed at number five on [[Loudwire]]'s "10 Best Hard Rock Albums of 1994" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/best-hard-rock-albums-1994/ |title=10 Best Hard Rock Albums of 1994 |date=20 May 2014 |work=[[Loudwire]] |accessdate=27 July 2017}}</ref>

Alice in Chains has also had a significant influence on modern [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]. Their songs were covered by various metal bands such as [[Opeth]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=89988 |title=OPETH Covers ALICE IN CHAINS, ROBIN TROWER During New Album Sessions |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016083830/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=89988 |archivedate=October 16, 2009 }}</ref> [[Dream Theater]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBzzkSRW5n0 |title=Dream Theater - "Would" Alice in chains Cover |publisher=YouTube |date=September 5, 2006 |accessdate=2011-07-14}}</ref> [[Secrets of the Moon]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenewreview.net/news/secrets-of-the-moon-post-cover-of-alice-in-chains-them-bones |title=SECRETS OF THE MOON Post Cover Of ALICE IN CHAINS' "Them Bones" « The NewReview |publisher=Thenewreview.net |date=2010-09-19 |accessdate=2012-11-19 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120220306/http://thenewreview.net/news/secrets-of-the-moon-post-cover-of-alice-in-chains-them-bones |archivedate=November 20, 2012 }}</ref> [[Suicide Silence]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/suicide-silence-cover-alice-in-chains|title=Suicide Silence Cover Alice In Chains}}</ref> and [[Grave (band)|Grave]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51745 |title=GRAVE Cover ALICE IN CHAINS' 'Them Bones' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111210449/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51745 |archivedate=January 11, 2012 }}</ref> [[Pantera]] and [[Damageplan]] guitarist [[Dimebag Darrell]] had expressed his admiration for Jerry Cantrell's guitar work in an interview for ''Guitar International'' saying that "the layering and the honest feel that Jerry Cantrell gets on [Alice in Chains' ''Dirt''] record is worth a lot more than someone who plays five million notes".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guitarinternational.com/wpmu/2010/08/20/diamond-dimebag-darrell-the-pantera-interview/ |title=Dimebag Darrell Interview : Guitar Interviews |publisher=Guitarinternational.com |date= |accessdate=2011-07-14 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111121852/http://guitarinternational.com/wpmu/2010/08/20/diamond-dimebag-darrell-the-pantera-interview/ |archivedate=January 11, 2011 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> Anders Fridén of Swedish melodic death metal band [[In Flames]] cited Layne Staley as an inspiration for his vocals on the band's later albums.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=123481 |title=IN FLAMES Frontman: When I Was A Teenage Headbanger&nbsp;... |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110235658/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=123481 |archivedate=January 10, 2012 }}</ref> In addition to fellow musicians, the band has also received praise from critics, with Steve Huey of [[AllMusic]] calling them "one of the best metal bands of the '90s" upon reviewing the 1999 compilation ''[[Nothing Safe]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Huey |first=Steve |url={{Allmusic|class=album |id=nothing-safe-r422574/review |pure_url=yes}} |title=Nothing Safe - Alice in Chains |work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi corporation |date= |accessdate=2011-08-17}}</ref>

In 2017, ''[[Metal Injection]]'' ranked Alice in Chains at number 1 on their list of "10 Heaviest Grunge Bands".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/lists/10-heaviest-grunge-bands |title=10 Heaviest Grunge Bands |publisher=[[Metal Injection]] |date= |accessdate=2017-06-16}}</ref>

In June 2017, [[Ozzy Osbourne]] ranked ''Facelift'' at number 2 on his list of "10 Favorite Metal Albums".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/ozzy-osbournes-10-favorite-metal-albums-w485479/ |title=Ozzy Osbourne's 10 Favorite Metal Albums |publisher=Rolling Stone |date=26 June 2017 |accessdate=27 June 2017}}</ref>

==Personnel==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
;Current members
* [[Jerry Cantrell]] – lead guitar, lead and backing vocals <small>(1987–2002, 2005–present)</small>
* [[Sean Kinney]] – drums, percussion, piano <small>(1987–2002, 2005–present)</small>
* [[Mike Inez]] – bass, backing vocals <small>(1993–2002, 2005–present)</small>
* [[William DuVall]] – backing and lead vocals, rhythm guitar <small>(2006–present)</small>
{{col-2}}
;Former members
* [[Layne Staley]] – lead and backing vocals, occasional rhythm guitar <small>(1987–2002; died 2002)</small>
* [[Mike Starr]] – bass, backing vocals <small>(1987–1993; died 2011)</small>
{{col-end}}

==Discography==
;Studio albums
* ''[[Facelift]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Dirt]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Alice in Chains (album)|Alice in Chains]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Nothing Safe: Best of the Box]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Black Gives Way to Blue]]'' (2009)
* ''[[The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Rainier Fog]]'' (2018)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.aliceinchains.com Official Website]
[[Category:American bands]]
[[Category:American heavy metal bands]]
[[Category:Heavy metal bands]]