Hey, there’s a new album from Alice In Chains on the way; the band is going to enter the studio next month, after “polishing and spit-shining” some new material in August. Of course, the lead singer role will be played by a different person, what with original frontman Layne Staley dying in 2002; that man is Atlanta punk lifer William DuVall, who’s been fronting the band since 2006. How does DuVall hold up? Compare his take on the Alice In Chains classic “Man In The Box,” which I’ve placed after the jump, with the original version above.
The YouTube commentariat is, somewhat predictably, divided on the relative merits. But I think DuVall acquits himself fairly decently.
ALICE IN CHAINS To Enter Studio In October [Blabbermouth]
Saw them live at Jones Beach last summer opening for Velvet Revolver. The guy sounds almost identical to Staley.
It’s interesting — I wouldn’t call him a ringer for Staley exactly, but his take on the vocals works fine. It’s subtly different without being jarring.
Besides, let’s be honest…had Staley lived, given his addled condition, would his voice have sounded this good anytime after 1996 or so?
(Al?)
Did they ever have credibility? They are probably the band most responsible for the horrible Creed/Nickelback/Staind-style of singing that–God forbid–plagues us to this day.
I guess your not to familiar with grudge from the 90′s or you wouldn’t compare AIC to Nickleback or any of your other references for that matter. Too funny!!!!
@Big Gray.: They had (and have) plenty of credibility. The difference between AIC and all those bands you mentioned is that when AIC does it, it’s not an imitation.
@loudersoft: Hmm. The only time I ever liked them was when they were trying not to sound like AIC. I think they were/are pretty much crap and shall stand by that statement.
@Captain Wrong: for their time, they were pretty damn good. me thinks.. they were purely an in the now type of band. they definitely served some kind of purpose, at least for me, from 90-93.
Still works for me. But then, I’m still pretty angsty.
@loudersoft: Any time someone sneaks dissonance into the Top 40, they should be commended. The progressions in Would has many things that should not be.
Let’s be honest; if Staley had managed to clean up, they’d probably be on an STP-style reunion tour right now, with the same predictable hand-wringing about whether or not he was going to fall off the wagon. And folks going to the shows would probably be disappointed.
As a fan of AIC, I’m glad that the remaining band members are able to write new songs and tour. I doubt I’ll like their new stuff, but what else are they going to do?
I wish they would have found a replacement sooner, then they could have pulled an AC/DC-like upset, instead of people assuming reunion tour worst.
@LostTurntable: Despite what you might think or know about Layne Staley, his presence loomed large over the band, both in his absence and his death.
@Captain Wrong: Well ok, you’re right. But I would like to defend AIC by pointing out the song “Would” from the soundtrack to Singles which, in a roundabout way, legitimizes them as part of an important movement in the history of American music (along with Screaming Trees, Smashing Pumpkins and….uh….Citizen Dick). Look, I always liked that soundtrack.
Let the floodgates of dissent open.
Since Jerry Cantrell was the main songwriter in the band (and the lone one of most of their biggest hits), why shouldn’t he be able to write new material under the AiC name? Can’t say I’ve listened to them much in the last ten years, but that self-titled album is definitely an underrated gem…
People seem to think that finding replacement for someone irreplaceable happens overnight…they never could have got back on track ASAP. loudersoft has it right… he was quite a presence. Bless the poor guy…addiction happens to us all in one shape or another. He was amazing. But these guys deserve support and another chance. They are that good.
the sap ep is still pretty killer. still listen to it fairly often, everything else, while good for its time, has not held up very well at all.
@loudersoft: Doesn’t mean it’s good though.
@Big Gray.:
Hell yes they were credible. Listen to Dirt. A classic album in every sense.
Maybe they were influenced by Alice In Chains, but Creed/Nickelback/Staind are responsible for their own shitty singing.
This guy sucks not because of his voice but because he is singing for cover
band now alice could continue with new stuff but the second he sings for
Layne Staley that’s all it is a crapy cover band respect Layne Staley and
just do new songs with this guy but he couldn’t shine Layne Staley shoes not
because of his voice but his lack charisma if you don’t think so just watch
the mtv unplugged and put this new guy in place of Layne Staley see if it
feel right or half as good that s way jerry was always in the shadow no
charisma
Here is my take on it. My nake is Josh Gibson, I song for an AIC tribute band called “junkhead” http://www.myspace.com/junkheadsf (these recordings are 4 years old, and were done live..)
I have met William, he was very nice, and an amazing singer, he even let me and my date stay in his hotel room. But he does not have the Layne Staley growl, tone and pitch control.
You must realize, the reason he was selected by Jerry, is because he is a great singer, NOT becuase he sounds like Layne Staley, trust me, I’m his biggest critic. Even if he is an amazing musician though.. him and Jerry are complete oppostied in personality.
I will say Williams chops are great.. as he did the scream in “love hate love” better than I could have expected, but they opened up with “Sludge factory” and it sounded, like absolute crap.. (sorry William!.. just being honest?)
William is more of a Lenny Kravitz type vocalist, and the creepy Layne vibe, is JUST NOT THERE! However William, is a tremendous musician, and why should he worry if he doesn;t sound like Layne, that is the whole reason why Jerry hires him.. though, I admit, I could do better.. I promise..
Josh Gibson
Wow Lucas – they were amazing, can’t believe u made that comment. Haven’t heard the new lp but will check it out
not even close. i think he's got a lil too much sugar in the pants.
screw this p o s, Layne Staley is crapping himself in disbelief at this very moment. “Yeah Yeah Yeah, Yeah Yeah Yeah, …. ” <—are you SERIOUS?! just because Layne sang those literal words doesn't mean they should be pronounced as precise. The lead singer position in Alice in Chains is a HEAVY spot to fill. Personally, as a musician, even I could do better, AND I can find 10 heroin addicts who can do JUST as good. Jerry Cantrell should have stepped up and said something about this new douchebag.
They need to put DuVall in the box and bury his sorry ass for slaughtering Layne's music
I agree. If this was a new band starting out, he's great! Trying to fill LS's shoes is not going to happen. The performance they put on here is lacking. This kind of song a better performance and a different kind of singer.
*deserves a better performance.
Its ok but he isnt nothing close to Mr.Llayne Stayley,but if it pays the bills,he is an good lead singer but to me totally diffrent by far to staley thewy shouoldnt even be compared,but i do like there new album!!!!
I was at the Seattle show last night. Was absolutely floored by the amazing performance from DuVall. Almost identical to Staley. And for a live show… the second best vocal/musical I think I've ever seen! Holy crap! They rocked the house!
DuVall is a rockstar in his own right based on last night.
There still is no voice like Staleys but the new singer does AIC justice.
all im gonna say is rename the band this guys not bad but no where near layne staley no one will ever be that good his voice was to unique
RIGHT ON! I guess i'm not the only one who thinks so.
Eh William is ok…But he will NEVER be able to compare to Layne Staley!!! He needs to stop trying to sound like Layne and do his own thing. I love AIC, but after they booted Mike Starr outta the band and with the death of Layne in '02, they should have just left it all alone. (IMO)
He's OK, but the voice talent can only post as my opinion) doesn't have the power that Stanley had. He's a bit like rough cut lumber. Nut quite smooth enough.
you suck lucas
It is shamefull that they are calling themselves Alice in Chains.. Layne was the only reason I even liked that band.. Mad Season was the shit!!!!!!
Look people. NOONE will ever replace Layne. However if this guys intent is to help the rest of the band members make money to support their families or lifestyles, and it is done as a tribute to Layne then let em have this band.
I myself, can not bring myself to go to any AIC show now that Laynes gone. Thats just me. I wish the band couldve formed another band with a new name but they didnt, so lets respect them and listen often to the original:)
In the now band doesnt do them justice. Most people have only heard their MTV famous songs like Man In The Box and Heaven Beside you.
I think u have to be a certain type of person to really get AIC. The words are heavy and the music is haunting., I am not an addict and yet somehow I get these songs. Maybe im just a bit crazy but they all make perfect sense to me:) And are sooo amazing beyond belief. Thanx for your comments:)
I for one don’t really like any AIC album other than Jar of Flies. I however enjoy a few tracks from the new album with the new singer. I think he did a fine job and doesn’t sound unlike the original.
I dont know about their credibility but I know you have none. Your parents are responsible for creating an even worse piece of crap.
Personally, that comment just compells me to think you’re an idiot. Fortunately for you, that may not be true.
Layne cannot be replaced. This dude completely butchered Man in the Box. I’m a chic and I could have mimicked Layne better.
Layne had that tortured, twisted voice and it was reflected in the lyrics of the songs.
He sounded like a man in pain even when the song was gentle. William seems like a happy, well adjusted person and his voice, though similar, doesn’t have that warped record quality that fit the older songs so well. Having said that, I think he’s the right man for the job. The new album is fantastic. He sounds just like Layne when he harmonizes with Jerry and adds another guitar to the mix. Maybe they should have changed the name slightly or should mostly play the new songs. Whatever they decide to do, I’m still a fan, and I’m glad they’re still around. I think wherever Layne is he’s probably glad that his friends carried on and wishes them well. Too bad most people can’t do the same.
Actually Staley wrote most of the lyrics for their self titled album.
blasphemy. u suck. he may not do the old stuff justice, but sure as hell beats james hetfield’s performance with them. the new album kicks ass, and u suck ass. respectfully not yours,
me