Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue (2009)

Since the fantastic new single Hollow from AiC's upcoming 5th album was released today, I figured it's a good time to review their masterpiece of a 4th album. Proving that they could still write strong music after Layne's death, AiC was able to create a dark, doomy outpouring of emotion in the form of Black Gives Way to Blue. The stylistic gamut runs from the sludgey, Sabbath-esque "A Looking in View" to the gorgeous title track. Will DuVall fits in amazingly as the band's new lead singer, and perfectly complements Jerry Cantrell's vocals as well as the mood of the music. It's unusual for AiC fans to say this, but I would have to say that I like this album slightly more than Dirt. But however it ranks within their discography, it is one of my all-time favorite records of any genre.
10/10