Uncovering the Transformation: How Facelift propelled Alice In Chains from regional hair metal stars to grunge titans, supported by Soundgarden's influence
In the early 90s, a new wave of darker rock music was sweeping across the United States, and one band that played a significant role in this movement was Alice In Chains. The band's debut album, Facelift, released on August 28, 1990, became the first mega-selling grunge record, with "Man In The Box" serving as its signature tune. But the origins of Facelift can be traced back to the tour to support it, and the ideas for their second album, Dirt, were also gathered during this period.
Before Facelift, the band was known as Alice N' Chains and had a more poppier, hair-metal-y sound. However, a pivotal moment came when guitarist Jerry Cantrell learned drop D tuning from Soundgarden's Kim Thayil. This tuning, which lowers the pitch of the guitar's lowest string (typically tuning the sixth string down one whole step from E to D), significantly impacted their sound. It provided a menacing low-end growl and thunderous riffs that shaped their heavy, sludgy feel.
Drop D tuning contributed to the distinctive sound of early Soundgarden tracks "Nothing To Say" and "Beyond The Wheel," and it was key to Alice In Chains' transition to a heavier, grunge-oriented sound that helped launch their successful career. This tuning change marked a transition from their initial lighter image as Alice N’ Chains to the darker, weightier style that defined their career, emphasizing heavier riffs and a grungier sonic identity aligned with Soundgarden’s innovative approach.
During the recording of Facelift, drummer Sean Kinney broke his hand and had to play with a cast on. Despite this setback, he persevered, and his contributions were essential to the band's sound. Jerden, the producer, was a key figure in the success of Facelift, encouraging the band to slow down their tempos to make Cantrell's riffs hit harder.
Greg Gilmore from Mother Love Bone was drafted as a replacement for Kinney during recording, but Jerden was against using Gilmore, believing an essential part of the band's sound had been lost. Kinney removed his cast and played with a broken hand during the recording of Facelift.
Facelift helped shine a light on the Seattle disruptors who changed the face of 90s music. The success of Facelift paved the way for a new wave of darker rock bands, including Nirvana, who took advantage of this new wave a year later. Dirt, released in 1992, is considered Alice In Chains' masterpiece second album. By the time Dirt was released, grunge had become a worldwide phenomenon.
In conclusion, drop D tuning was key to Soundgarden’s powerful, distinctive riffing on "Nothing To Say" and "Beyond The Wheel." It also influenced Alice In Chains’ transition to a heavier, grunge-oriented sound that helped launch their successful career and contributed significantly to the rise of grunge music. The tour to support Facelift lasted for approximately 18 months, and the band continued to gather ideas for their second album during this period. The success of Facelift paved the way for a new wave of darker rock bands, including Nirvana, and Dirt is considered Alice In Chains' masterpiece second album.
- Alice In Chains, a significant contributor to the new wave of darker rock music in the early 90s, made a crucial shift in their sound, thanks to guitarist Jerry Cantrell learning drop D tuning from Kim Thayil of Soundgarden.
- The album Facelift, released by Alice In Chains on August 28, 1990, was the first mega-selling grunge record, with "Man In The Box" serving as its signature tune.
- During the recording of Facelift, drummer Sean Kinney broke his hand and played with a cast on, but his contributions were essential to the band's sound.
- The band Alice In Chains transitioned from a lighter, poppier image as Alice N’ Chains to the darker, heavier style that defined their career, emphasizing heavier riffs and a grungier sonic identity.
- The tour to support Facelift lasted for approximately 18 months, and the band continued to gather ideas for their second album during this period.
- before Facelift, the band was known as Alice N' Chains and had a more poppier, hair-metal-y sound, but a pivotal moment came when Cantrell learned drop D tuning from Thayil.
- Dirt, released in 1992, is considered Alice In Chains' masterpiece second album, and it solidified their status as a major player in the grunge scene.
- The success of Facelift paved the way for a new wave of darker rock bands, including Nirvana, who took advantage of this new wave a year later.
- In an interview, Alice In Chains' bassist, guitarist, drummer, and vocalist discussed the impact of drop D tuning on their sound and the evolution of their music within the alternative and entertainment industry.
