Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle in 1987 and widely regarded as one of the defining acts of the 1990s grunge movement. The band was founded by guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney, later joined by vocalist Layne Staley and bassist Mike Starr.
Although often associated with grunge, their sound is deeply rooted in heavy metal, setting them apart from many of their Seattle contemporaries. They are especially known for their distinctive vocal harmonies, particularly the interplay between Staley and Cantrell.
The band rose to international prominence with their debut album Facelift (1990), followed by the critically and commercially successful Dirt (1992), featuring songs such as “Rooster” and “Would?”. Their subsequent releases, including Jar of Flies (1994) and the self-titled Alice in Chains (1995), both topped the Billboard 200 chart and further solidified their status.
Despite their success, the band experienced extended inactivity due largely to Staley’s struggles with substance abuse, which ultimately led to his death in 2002. The band reunited in 2005, with William DuVall joining in 2006 as co-lead vocalist and guitarist alongside Cantrell.
Since their reunion, they have released several albums, including Black Gives Way to Blue (2009), The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013), and Rainier Fog (2018), maintaining their relevance in the modern rock landscape.
With over 30 million records sold in the United States and numerous chart successes, Alice in Chains remains one of the most influential bands of its era, known for its dark themes, powerful songwriting, and distinctive blend of melody and heaviness.
