Not every songwriter strives to create a timeless masterpiece. Simply inquire with the countless rock stars who embraced disco or the individuals who delved into dubstep during the 2010s. They will likely confess that they aimed to create music that was in line with the prevailing trends at the time of its release. James Hetfield has always regarded Alice in Chains as one of the all-time greats in the music industry. He believes that the true measure of an artist lies in their enduring legacy over time.
For numerous fans of heavy metal, Alice in Chains marked the conclusion of a glorious era in the genre. While grunge is often associated with the decline of hair metal, it also had a significant impact on the thrash metal legends. Metallica and Megadeth may have entered the 1990s earlier. Nirvana’s rise in popularity overshadowed the era of metal dominance.
It appeared as though Metallica had lost their enthusiasm for their current position. When considering their direction after the rise of grunge, the band decided to exchange their heavy metal sound for a more mellow vibe on Load. This resulted in a shift towards hard rock, which is quite interesting for a band with ‘metal‘ in their name.
Alice in Chains actively defied the label of “just another alternative act” by consistently demonstrating their impressive metal skills. Their initial headlining performances included supporting Slayer, indicating their willingness to adapt and create music that would meet Tony Iommi’s standards.
Hetfield expressed his admiration for the director who aligned with Metallica’s vision, stating, “I thoroughly enjoy listening to those songs.” These songs are amazing and deserve to be heard, don’t you think? They had a truly one-of-a-kind quality. Truly ahead of their time. And among all the things in Seattle, that particular thing has a timeless quality.
It’s quite evident what Alice accomplished as soon as you start listening to an album such as Load. In addition to employing a trademark Alice move of tuning down a half step on their guitars, Hetfield’s melodies bear a striking resemblance. They echo what Layne Staley would have sung during their prime. Take, for example, the slow groove of ‘The House That Jack Built‘ or the introspective moodiness of ‘Until It Sleeps’.
Jerry Cantrell’s remarkable ability to harmonize with Staley couldn’t be recreated through overdubs. The unique vocal delivery, reminiscent of a choir, added a distinct touch to the song. While Hetfield may have experimented with it on ‘2X4‘, it’s best to allow the band to showcase their true strengths rather than imitate their style.
As the members of Alice in Chains formed a friendship with Metallica, they had a great time together. This led to a playful moment when they performed on MTV Unplugged, where they cleverly referenced their recent makeovers. Despite the ongoing tension between grunge and heavy metal in the 1990s, Hetfield maintained a positive relationship. It’s reassuring to see that he connected with one of Seattle’s most talented musicians.
