Crawling, grimy, oily, grungy metal. I find the constant harmonization an unusual choice for metal, but it works adding a droning, atmospheric effect to the crunchy guitar and pounding drums. It’s more like the sound of a group of warlocks chanting in the forest than to Crosby, Stills & Nash’s harmonies. Like an old barbershop a capella group but the barbershop they work in doesn’t actually cut hair, they just make you grow it to your shoulders.

Alice in Chains is capable of creating some truly grimy sounds, but they’re such well-rounded musicians. The deep musicianship is an overlooked aspect of many metal bands, but AiC takes it a step further with their acoustic arrangements (not to mention their incredible MTV Unplugged performance where they really showed off their talent). Grunge will never be everyone’s favorite, but this is among the best of the genre.

Jams

“Them Bones”
“Down In A Hole”
“Rooster”
“Would?”

From the roundup Jamwise #40 - Best Albums of 1992, pt. 2.