Alice in Chains is an influential heavy metal/ hard rockgroup that emerged from the seattlescene of the late 80’s and early 90’s. Along with Nirvana, Pearl Jamand Soundgarden, they formed the core of the so-called grungemovement epitomized by distorted guitars, introspective lyrics, and a Northwest Pacific fashion sense of flannel shirts, denim jeans, and Dr. Marten boots. Unlike many of their peers, Alice in Chains owed more to heavy metalthan to punkor '70s rock, and often dwelled in more morbid subject matter, especially when their lyrics addressed the drug addiction of lead singer Layne Staley Formed in 1987 by Staley, guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist MIKE STARR, and drummer Sean Kinney, the band performed under the names “Diamond Lie” and “Fuck” before adapting the name of Staley’s former band “Alice N’ Chainz” a speed metal outfit that performed in drag. Combining the unique voice and intense delivery of Staley with the evocative songwriting and vocal harmonies of Cantrell, Alice in Chains created an immediately identifiable sound that also proved to be quite versatile as their repertoire grew to include both driving, angry rock songs and mellow acoustic compositions.
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