“Dirt” is Alice In Chains’ biggest, most critically acclaimed LP. Selling over five million copies, the album includes a majority of the band’s top hits.

Alice In Chains (AIC) was an influential band of the ‘90s grunge movement in Seattle. Formed in 1987, AIC was founded by vocalist and guitarist Jerry Cantrell, and drummer Sean Kinney; both of whom are still active members of the band today. 

The “Dirt” record highlights an overall attitude of feeling like dirt towards oneself and how others perceive an individual. 

On Sept. 29, 1992, AIC delivered a gut-wrenching 13-track record that plummets into themes of addiction, relationships, nihilism, and death⎯ to name a few. However, the overall ominous feeling provides a sense of optimism through its honest undertones.   

The relationship between two people is a significant topic incorporated into the record. Tracks such as “Rain When I Die” is written about the relationships between Cantrell’s and singer Layne Staley’s girlfriends (respectively), and “Rooster” was composed for Cantrell’s father who served in the Vietnam War. Titled after his father’s childhood nickname, “Rooster” narrates a soldier’s perspective and the events on a battlefield. 

The album erupts into improvised vocalise and punchy instrumentation in “Them Bones”; a track that emphasizes nihilistic views and keeps listeners alert with the inconsistent time signature. 

The title track of “Dirt” incorporates a heavy metal subgenre, doom metal, with its sluggish and portentous riffs, exploding drums, chorus harmonies courtesy of Cantrell and Staley, and additional themes of self-loathing, suicide, and violent animosity. 

Although their sophomore release is not a concept album, AIC illustrates a narration of heroin use most notably in “Sickman”, “Junkhead”, and “God Smack”. Alice In Chains included these storylines not to promote the usage of drugs and alcohol, but as a warning to their audience of the consequences of abusing substances. 

The 13th song “Would?” concludes the LP with its anthem-like tone and ultimately ends the record with a vague question, “If I would, could you?”. The terminal song was written about the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, Andrew Wood, who overdosed on heroin in 1990. 

Alice in Chains obtained their commercial success following the debut album”Facelift” (1990), which was made possible by the second single and biggest hit “Man In The Box”, peaking at number 18 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock in the US and number two at the end of the decade (201o-2019) US Mainstream Rock charts. 

Following the immediate exposure from “Facelift”, members of AIC departed Seattle and headed to Los Angeles to record what would later develop into their second album. Coincidentally, the recording sessions began at the same time as the events of the 1992 Los Angeles riots; adding an even more dark ambiance to the LP.

“Dirt” would later become known as the final studio album featuring all four original members of the band. Sean Kinney’s pulsating drum beats, Mike Starr’s canorous bass, and Jerry Cantrell’s evocative riffs and staggering solos, all provide a platform that further elevates the late Staley’s transcendent vocals. 

Staley sang with endless power. His vocals can often be described as dynamic, hauntingly beautiful, and raw through his ability to effortlessly switch between mellow tracks like “Down In A Hole” to the aggressive, harrowing wails of “God Smack”. 

In addition to his preeminent range, “Hate to Feel” and “Angry Chair” features Staley with a rhythm guitar on the grunge-infused tracks of overlapped vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. 

Staley and Cantrell also created an effortless blend of harmonies heard in every track excluding “Untitled”. Parodying Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”, “Untitled” (also known as “Iron Gland”, “Intro [Dream Sequence]” or sometimes left unlisted) is a 43-second track composed by Cantrell and sung by Slayer’s Tom Araya.

Many tracks on “Dirt” have a profound history behind composing and writing. 

After an altercation between founding members Cantrell and Kinney (following Kinney breaking a coffee table upon Cantrell’s head) Cantrell wrote “Dam That River”. The revenge-seeking track can be seen as a metaphor for stopping the bleeding from Cantrell’s head. 

“Dirt” built an overpass that dove ‘80s hair metal into the ‘90s grunge “Seattle sound” that was reliant on angst and introspection. Along with other grunge essential albums like Nirvana’s “Nevermind” and Pearl Jam’s “Ten”, Alice in Chains brought new expectations to the grunge sound and music industry.

As music continues to progress, albums of the past remain iconic for the impression that they left on music listeners at the time.

To commemorate the album, Alice In Chains announced on their social media platforms that “Dirt” anniversary merchandise is available for pre-order. 

Items for purchase include an exclusive double LP vinyl available in orange or black, Funko Pops! of the original band members, and a limited edition deluxe box set that includes never before seen photos, vinyl, and other various merchandise.  

Present members of Alice in Chains include Cantrell, Kinney, bassist Mike Inez (who joined after Starr’s departure in 1993), and co-lead vocalist William Duvall (who joined in 2006). AIC is currently on their American tour alongside Bush and Breaking Benjamin. 

The 30th anniversary brings both long-time and new fans reflection on the esteemed band; nostalgia for some, and a glimpse at the progression to what Alice In Chains are today as artists. 

Stream “Dirt” now!