Alice In Chains - The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here review
| Band: | Alice In Chains |
| Album: | The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here |
| Style: | Grunge, Heavy metal |
| Release date: | May 28, 2013 |
| A review by: | Nosurper |
01. Hollow
02. Pretty Done
03. Stone
04. Voices
05. The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
06. Lab Monkey
07. Low Ceiling
08. Breath On A Window
09. Scalpel
10. Phantom Limb
11. Hung On A Hook
12. Choke
Vocal harmonies were and still are one of Alice In Chains' defining characteristics. They are featured throughout every track on The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, William DuVall's second album under the Alice In Chains moniker. Are there distinguishable differences between Layne Staley era and William DuVall era vocals? Sure. We heard similar differences on the band's last release, Black Gives Way To Blue. William DuVall predominately accompanies Jerry Cantrell with harmonies and only occasionally will you hear DuVall or Mr. Cantrell singing solo. Gone is that roaring, emotive croon of yesteryear. But, there is still a semi-hypnotic quality about the harmonies today. It's a quality that existed with the harmonies when Layne Staley was singing, and it's nice to hear that same quality carry over into the new era. You could say that William DuVall is a serviceable addition to the Alice In Chains legacy.
The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here careens effortlessly through riffs and occasional sing-along choruses with the support of said harmonies. Little variation in the vocal presentation on this album does leave things a bit stale by the close, however. Hypnotic as the harmonies are at times, the current amalgamation of the band relies on their presence so much that they condition numbness to their impact. This is a minor grievance, all things considered. The harmonies still really do have a presence about them that provide palpability to some of the thoughts on this album. A more relevant gripe with this album is the lack of focus on Jerry Cantrell's guitar solos. They certainly don't cut through the music like they have in the past. Like euphoric hurrahs, Jerry Cantrell's gripping, bluesy solos are essential in supporting the expression of those elusive, but relatable, imperfections that are so often voiced in AIC lyrics. Although, the lyrics on this record don't always strike with the same poignancy as they have in the past.
And thus, there are a few weak tracks present. The title track is a little dramatic and the final two tracks "Hung On A Hook" and "Choke" seem recycled by the album's close. Fortunately, there is a bit more going right on this album than wrong. "Hollow", "Stone," and "Phantom Limb" provide the necessary heaviness, with "Phantom Limb" being the closest you'll come to hearing a classic Jerry Cantrell solo. "Scalpel" and particularly "Voices" will have you singing along. "Voices" contains introspective and mildly depressive lyrics that you expect from Alice In Chains. The hypnotic tones coupled with the lyrics make "Voices" a homerun.
This album has some flaws. But, there are still moments that are at the very least redeemable. Fans of the band will likely find this album worthwhile.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 7 |
| Songwriting: | 6 |
| Originality: | 6 |
| Production: | 8 |
Written by Nosurper | 02.06.2013
Comments
Comments: 21
Visited by: 354 users
| Jiri Posts: 710  |
I haven't heard it yet; but I will agree with your review based on the singles and the overall ethos of what AIC has "evolved" into 
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| RottingDeathHead kingnothing_92@yahoo.com Posts: 212  |
The band died with its singer.. Rest In Piece Layne Staley
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| Diverge Posts: 1334 |
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| The Voyager The Table Posts: 152  |
Written by RottingDeathHead on 02.06.2013 at 05:59 I think you mean peace, otherwise his rest wouldn't be too comfortable.
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| RottingDeathHead kingnothing_92@yahoo.com Posts: 212 |
Written by The Voyager on 02.06.2013 at 07:03 Honest mistake, I'm used to saying "Rest In Pieces"
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| pazuzuovbabel Pazuzu Posts: 303  |
As much as I love Layne Staley vocals, but AiC is doing pretty good job since they reformed with Duvall, yeah they cant recreate their classic atmosphere, but IMO, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, despite being little bit below BGWTB, still a solid album, with great musicianship, and way better than 90% of the music produced these days (metal or not metal)
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| Ace Frawley The Spaceman Posts: 1459  |
A bit surprised at the low rating and then reading the review, which seems a bit more glowing. As a fan of the original line-up back in the day, I have been very pleasantly surprised with how good the previous comeback album was and then this one. My personal rating has this closer to 8. My view is that "Phantom Limb" is the standout track. I also like the two singles released thus far. Not sure if this is as strong as the previous release but it's still great and as a fan of the band, I'm thrilled that they are still releasing solid albums and not destroying their legacy. Bravo Alice in Chains.
---- The sun shines over The Fool...
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| Unhealer Eclecticist Posts: 2311  |
Really, with that score I was expecting a harsher review similar to the one for Super Collider, but your words don't reflect that. I really like the record, step down from the previous one but it's ok. I like Duvall and it's a shame that he and Cantrell don't get solo spots, but then again I think relying on harmonization is the best way to keep the Layne-or-nothing guys at bay.
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| D.T. Metal Staff Posts: 4193  |
Written by Unhealer on 02.06.2013 at 17:03 Agree.
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| Diverge Posts: 1334 |
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| Ace Frawley The Spaceman Posts: 1459 |
Written by Diverge on 03.06.2013 at 07:54 Yep, fair enough with the interpretation of the rating. You're right, he didn't really like the vocal harmonising on the album, but I have no problems with it. We'll have to agree to disagree about the album being boring because I think there is plenty of merit and enjoyment to be had. I don't think there is anything stale about the track "Phantom Limb" and there are parts of that song that are unlike anything AiC have done before. It's difficult for a band like this to have a big impact now after all these years and after the big surprise of the comeback album in 2009. I concede that the album could seem a bit stale in this context but perhaps I'm what they call a fanboy? Doesn't worry me though, I love being a fanboy - of any band.
---- The sun shines over The Fool...
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| Diverge Posts: 1334 |
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| Papa_Ray Posts: 46 |
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| TheBloodyNine Posts: 8  |
I really started to appreciate this album after the second listen through. I picked it up yesterday and have listened to it maybe 6 times. I've been a fan of AiC since 1994 or so and I think that some of the songs on this album are as good as anything the band has ever put out. Very good album. I'd give it an 8.
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| Introspekrieg Totemic Lust Elite Posts: 2749  |
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| Cunt_Destructor Posts: 14  |
Written by RottingDeathHead on 02.06.2013 at 05:59 --------------------------------------------- By no MEANS!!!! I really can't stand such words, as they have nothing in common with real state of things! The band has been alive, it is and it will be! Great album, by the way! 
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| effjay Posts: 1 |
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| JD Account deleted |
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| Ace Frawley The Spaceman Posts: 1459 |
Written by effjay on 15.06.2013 at 03:36 Good point. I really started to love this album after about the fourth or fifth listen through. I've probably played it at least twenty times now and it just gets better and better. I'm in the 40 club now as well - a new member and very proud to be!
---- The sun shines over The Fool...
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| Ace Frawley The Spaceman Posts: 1459 |
Written by deadone on 22.01.2015 at 00:48 Harsh and, in my opinion, unfair. Oh well, not for you.
---- The sun shines over The Fool...
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| BlankFile Posts: 705 |
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