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July 25th 2022
Alice in Chains is known for being one of the bands that made up the iconic grunge sound of the 90s. Together with Layne Staley they released three studio albums and two EPs. On September 29th 2009, the band released their fourth studio album, Black Gives Way to Blue. The opening track, “All Secrets Known,” fully explains to the listeners that they are truly back together. This album was the first material that the band had released following the death of original vocalist Layne Staley in 2002. The last new material released as a band with Staley was the Music Bank box set, which included early demos, some of their songs, unreleased songs and alternate mixes, and the two final tracks the band recorded with Staley, “Died” and “Get Born Again” which were recorded in 1998 and released in 1999. Following Staley’s death, the band had gone silent until 2005 when the remaining members came together to perform a benefit concert for the victims of the tsunami that struck South Asia in 2004. This performance featured special guest vocalists including Ann Wilson, Pat Lachman, Maynard Keenan, and Wes Scantlin. This concert also was the first concert the band played since 1996. This show led to the band deciding to officially reform and William DuVall was made Alice in Chains’ new lead vocalist.
The opening track to Black Gives Way to Blue is “All Secrets Known.” This song is a message to the listener describing the band and where they are now. The track is reminiscent of the original Alice in Chains sound. Jerry Cantrell’s lyrics explain the need for the band to move on after Layne’s death and start “a new beginning.” He also explains how the band had started from “hurt.” Alice in Chains is known for their dark lyrics and sound, many of their songs produced and built on emotions that were developed from hurt. It is fitting that the band returns after suffering a great loss, creating more music that is derived from painful emotions and experiences. “Trust in the feeling there’s something left inside.” This line describes the hope that perhaps the band can come back together, and that there is a motivation to return. “There is no going back to the place we started from” describes how it was not possible for the band members’ lives to continue if they were to stay stuck in the past. In order for them to continue on they needed to take the next step and their way of doing so was to come back together as a band. This song is a letter to the fans to tell them their reasoning for returning, and to let them know they are back and still the same band.
Some fans were confused and upset with the return with a new vocalist, questioning how the band could continue on without Layne. “No Layne No Chains” is a common phrase many fans have said protesting William’s addition in the band. Alice in Chains did not replace Layne. For the band to continue on to this day shows how they continue to honor his name and continue on their legacy. William DuVall is his own unique person, and in no way replacing Layne, but honoring him as well as adding his own special part in the band. Post-Layne Alice in Chains have many songs with Jerry Cantrell’s lead vocals, which is not a new thing for the band, as Jerry has taken lead on some of their 90’s tracks including “Heaven Beside You,” and “Brother.” The band is still the same band that fans adored in the 90s, and they are still able to produce incredible songs with amazing riffs and harmonies.
"All Secrets Known” was the perfect track to begin Alice in Chains’ first album back together. The band perfectly got their message across as to what their reasoning for returning was and most importantly letting the world know that they are back and here to stay. The harmonies between Jerry and William are reminiscent of those on previous Alice in Chains records with Jerry and Layne, which is a major part of what makes Alice in Chains’ signature sound so unique and identifiable. Jerry’s recognizable voice opens this song with the words, “Hope, A new beginning.” The band clearly gets their point across from the start of the song and having Jerry sing lead vocals for this song is comforting for old Alice in Chains fans as they are hearing a familiar voice, almost like seeing an old friend for the first time in a while. This song could easily fit in with one of the Alice songs released in the 90s. They started their return with familiar sounds to ease their fans into the new era.
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