Alice In Chains - Rainier Fog (2018)

[Grunge Rock]

Alice In Chains are one of those bands that are able to make an album that is immediately obvious as them, and yet every album is distinctly different from the ones prior. From the opening notes of 'The One You Know' this is obviously them, but this one is nastier and darker than the last (The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here). Jerry Cantrell again shows his amazing ability to weave heavy riffs into a fabric that also allows brighter moments to seamlessly stand alongside. 'Rainer Fog' and 'So Far Under' sound like vintage AIC, whereas 'Red Giant' and 'Drone' grind along in ways only the post-Layne version of the band can. The Cantrell / DuVall vocal harmonies are used heavily again, but not as extensively and obviously as previously, giving the songs some more breathing room. 'Maybe' sounds like it is straight off a Cantrell solo album, whereas 'Never Fade' is DuVall's chance to vocally shine. Overall, this is possibly the best 'reunion' album Alice In Chains have released to date. As a side note, this was the last album recorded at Studio X, previously Bad Animals, in Seattle before its doors closed. Not only had AIC recorded there previously themselves (their self-titled album in 1995), but other legendary albums from the alternative rock genre were also recorded there by Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., TAD, Hole and even Jerry Cantrell solo during the 90s.

Slipknot - Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses) (2004)

[Nu Metal]

This marks the 3rd release from the Iowa band. Following on from the first 2 full-lengths, the band had the confidence to move on from the shock-metal (yeah I made that up) years that had them belting their instruments (all 8 of them) as hard as they can, questionable song titles and Corey growling like the devil. On this record, you need not look further than listening to the first minute of the opening track to be aware you were in for a treat. A new experience that had the band growing the balls to start off with an emotional, but angry ballad. Absolutely brilliant. But don't let that fool you - they drop right back into the aggressive pit, which gave us such gems as Duality and Vermillion. Add in the genius of dedication a song to their fans (the Maggots) with Pulse Of The Maggots and you have an incredibly attractive and mature release from the band. Still to this day their best release.