Columbia Records/Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is abuzz with the announcement of a multi-format 30th-anniversary reissue of ALICE IN CHAINS’ acclaimed “Jar Of Flies”
Released exactly 30 years ago today (January 25, 1994), the “Jar Of Flies” EP made history as the first of its format to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in its first week of sales.
In addition to a standard black 12″ vinyl release available from all retailers, the band’s official webstore will offer a number of D2C variants of “Jar Of Flies”, including tri-colored vinyl, cassette, a clear variant with “flies” embedded in the vinyl, and a deluxe box set featuring the EP on tri-colored vinyl, a logo-embossed jar with touch-activated red LED and faux flies, a 60-page hardcover book, and a double-sided poster, all housed in a screen-printed, UV coated shadowbox. Additionally, an exclusive merch capsule collection is available now, featuring limited edition apparel, a poker set, a skate deck in collaboration with Welcome Skateboards, and a “Whale & Wasp” plush toy.
Following an exhausting and transformative tour in support of the group’s sophomore album “Dirt” (1992),“Jar Of Flies” offered the Seattle grunge icons a chance to record music in a more relaxed environment and intimate, acoustic style. For the first time in the studio, singer Layne Staley, guitarist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney were joined by bassist Mike Inez, who joined ALICE IN CHAINS midway through their 1993 tour.
“After playing loud music for a year, we’d come home and the last thing we wanted to do was crank up the amps right away,” Kinney later told Guitar World about the sessions that became “Jar Of Flies”. “We just went into the studio with no songs written, to check out the chemistry. It all fell into place…We thought it would be a waste not to put that material out.”
The independently produced EP acted as a spiritual sequel to the group’s last EP “Sap” (1992),which also featured a more acoustic-driven sound. Tracks like “I Stay Away”, “No Excuses” and “Don’t Follow” showcased the range of ALICE IN CHAINS, further establishing them as one of the most unique and engaging rock bands of the decade.
It garnered the group two Grammy Award nominations for “Best Hard Rock Performance” (“I Stay Away”) and “Best Recording Package”. “Jar Of Flies” made retrospective year-end lists from both Rolling Stone and Guitar World, and in 2022 was certified four times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
ALICE IN CHAINS, hailing from Seattle, Washington, stands as one of the pioneering forces in the grunge movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for their distinctive blend of heavy metal, alternative rock, and dark, introspective lyrics, the band has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music.
Formed in 1987, ALICE IN CHAINS initially consisted of vocalist Layne Staley, guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Starr, and drummer Sean Kinney. Drawing inspiration from the burgeoning Seattle music scene, the band quickly gained attention for their raw sound and emotionally charged performances.
ALICE IN CHAINS achieved mainstream success with their debut album, “Facelift,” released in 1990. The album featured hits like “Man in the Box” and “We Die Young,” showcasing the band’s powerful sound and Staley‘s distinctive vocal style. “Facelift” laid the foundation for their unique approach, blending heavy riffs with haunting melodies.
The band solidified their status as grunge icons with the release of “Dirt” in 1992. Anchored by tracks such as “Rooster” and “Would?,” the album delved into themes of addiction and darkness. Layne Staley‘s poignant lyrics and the band’s musical prowess garnered critical acclaim, establishing ALICE IN CHAINS as leaders of the alternative rock movement.
The mid-’90s brought challenges, with Staley‘s well-documented struggles with addiction impacting the band’s dynamics. Despite the difficulties, ALICE IN CHAINS released the self-titled album in 1995, showcasing a darker and more introspective sound.
Tragically, despite multiple attempts at rehab and periods of sobriety, Staley‘s addiction ultimately overpowered him. On April 19, 2002, he was found dead in his Seattle apartment, after having been dead for approximately two weeks. The music world mourned the loss of a true talent, and the haunting melodies Staley left behind became even more poignant.
William DuVall joined the band as co-vocalist and guitarist in the 2000s, bringing a fresh dynamic to the band.
In 2009, ALICE IN CHAINS made a triumphant return with “Black Gives Way to Blue,” their first album in over a decade. The album paid tribute to Layne Staley, featured new vocalist William DuVall, and marked a resurgence for the band. “The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here” followed in 2013, solidifying their enduring impact on rock music.
ALICE IN CHAINS‘ legacy extends beyond their chart-topping hits, influencing countless bands with their distinctive sound. Their ability to fuse heavy metal with melodic sensibilities and delve into profound lyrical themes has left an enduring imprint on the alternative rock genre.
Despite the challenges and losses faced along their journey, ALICE IN CHAINS continues to tour and create music, showcasing their resilience and commitment to their craft. With a rich discography and a place in the pantheon of rock legends, ALICE IN CHAINS remains a vital force in shaping the sound and spirit of alternative rock.
To commemorate 30 years of #JarOfFlies, the #JOF30 limited edition box set is available now for pre-order – including tri-color vinyl, 3D lenticular cover art, a double-sided poster, and a 60-page hardcover book with never-before-seen photos. Grab the box set, exclusive merch,… pic.twitter.com/XYI3jmJ1GP
— Alice in Chains (@AliceInChains) January 25, 2024
