Alice In Chains Dirt CD (Jewel Case, 1992, Sony)

Alice In Chains' Dirt is the landmark 1992 second album from Alice in Chains and one of the darkest, heaviest and most influential releases of the grunge era. Blending crushing riffs, bleak atmosphere and unforgettable vocal harmonies, Dirt pushed the band beyond the success of Facelift and cemented them as one of the defining heavy bands of the 1990s. Originally released by Sony Music Entertainment in a standard jewel case edition, Dirt reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and went on to become the band’s biggest-selling album, earning five-times platinum certification in the United States. It remains the essential Alice In Chains album and a cornerstone release for fans of grunge, alternative metal, sludge and heavy rock.

Driven by the songwriting of Jerry Cantrell and the haunting vocals of Layne Staley, Dirt explores themes of depression, anger, addiction, isolation, war and personal destruction with a level of honesty few albums have ever matched. For the first time, Staley also contributed two songs entirely on his own, “Angry Chair” and “Hate To Feel”, both of which rank among the most intense moments in the band’s catalogue.

The album features some of Alice In Chains’ most iconic songs, including “Would?”, “Them Bones”, “Rooster”, “Angry Chair” and “Down In A Hole”. “Would?” gained further recognition after appearing on the soundtrack to Singles, while “Rooster” became one of the band’s signature tracks thanks to its unforgettable chorus and powerful lyrics inspired by the Vietnam War experiences of Cantrell’s father.

For heavier listeners, Dirt delivers some of the most crushing material ever released under the grunge banner. Tracks such as “Them Bones”, “Dam That River”, “Rain When I Die” and “Junkhead” hit with a metallic intensity that will appeal to fans of Slayer, especially with the appearance of Tom Araya on the eerie interlude “Iron Gland”.

Dirt was also the final Alice In Chains studio album recorded with the band’s original lineup, making it an essential piece of heavy music history. Over the years, it has been recognised as one of the greatest 90's era albums ever made, ranked No. 26 in Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest metal albums of all time, included in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and celebrated by publications including Kerrang!, Guitar World and Loudwire.

If you only own one Alice In Chains album, Dirt is the one to have. Essential for any collection of grunge, heavy metal, alternative rock or 90s hard rock CDs.

Recommended if you like: Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Jerry Cantrell, Mother Love Bone, Jane's Addiction, Audioslave

Artist: Alice In Chains
Title: Dirt
Label: Columbia
Catalogue Number: CR52475
UPC: 074645247526
Release Year: 1992
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Factory Sealed

Tracklist:
1. Them Bones
2. Dam That River
3. Rain When I Die
4. Sickman
5. Rooster
6. Junkhead
7. Dirt
8. God Smack
9. Iron Gland
10. Hate To Feel
11. Angry Chair
12. Down In A Hole
13. Would?