ALICE IN CHAINS — Facelift (review)

ALICE IN CHAINS — Facelift album cover Album · 1990 · Alternative Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"Facelift" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Seattle based alternative rock/metal act Alice in Chains. The album was released through Columbia Records in August 1990. While the band´s second full-length studio album "Dirt (1992)" was the album that really broke them through, "Facelift" was also quite successful, both in terms of sales and artistic recognition. The early nineties were a fertile breeding ground for alternative thinking rock/metal artists and Alice in Chains prospered from that.

The music on "Facelift" imediately sets the melancholic/depressive tone that is the red thread through the band´s entire discography. The mood is occasionally a bit more "light" than on later releases, but we´re generally dealing with a very dark and brooding rock/metal release. Lead vocalist Layne Staley has a distinct nasal vocal style that´s defining for the band´s sound but the band´s signature harmony vocals are also an important part of the sound. Main composer and guitarist Jerry Cantrell sings the harmonies accompanying the lead vocals. It´s interesting how some voices compliment each other so well that magic is created (simon & Garfunkel and The Beatles come to mind) and that´s certainly the case here too.

While "Facelift" opens with "We Die Young", "Man in the Box", "Sea of Sorrow" and "Bleed the Freak", which are probably the best known tracks from the album, because of their status as singles (the first three mentioned were also released as promotional videos and frequently aired on MTV in those days), the rest of the album is also packed with strong material. The band take a few tours into funky metal territory but otherwise we´re treated to heavy catchy riffing, soulful guitar solos, strong melodies, dark themed lyrics and a tight playing rythm section delivering original sounding alternative rock/metal.

The sound production is strong although it could have done without a little of the chorus effects used. All in all "Facelift" is a strong release though and considering that this is a debut album it´s a VERY strong release. I guess some of the excursions into funk territory are a bit "off" in the bigger picture and the consistency of the album suffers slightly because of that, but other than that I find "Facelift" highly recommendable. A 4 star (80%) rating is fully deserved.
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