Alice in Chains, 'Black Gives Way to Blue' - Metareview

The long-awaited Alice in Chains' fourth studio album, 'Black Gives Way to Blue,' will be out in stores Sept. 29. The first album in 14 years includes new material from the Seattle-grunge band, who have been working on the album with lead singer William DuVall since 2006. This will be Alice in Chains' first album without the late Layne Staley, to whom the title track (with Elton John on piano) is a tribute. The album is produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who also worked with Foo Fighters, Rush, Death Angel, Stone Sour, and Trivium. Be sure to check out favorable album reviews after the jump and listen to the whole album on AOL Music's Free Free Full CD Listening Party (Please note- this listening party expires Oct. 4).

The Times (4/5): "While they still bludgeon with hard-edged chugs and drones, there are also majestic choruses ('Check My Brain') darkly atmospheric ballads ('Your Decision'; or the title track, with help from Elton John of all people) and plenty of classic-rock guitar flourishes, courtesy of Jerry Cantrell."

Spin (2.5/5): "'Alice in Chains still have an appealing outcast aura on their first studio album in 14 years...And while William DuVall is a serviceable Staley impressionist, this comeback would register with more purpose had guitarist Jerry Cantrell assumed the vocal lead. Instead, DuVall warbles misanthropically over too many muddy, grunge-era grind-a-thons (even Elton John's piano cameo on the poignant title track feels '90s retro)."

The Skinny (4/5): "But there's an overriding sense of survival in their [Cantrell and DuVall's] couplets, where bluesy shards of metal like 'Last of My Kind' etch a picture of a battle-hardened band plunging their tattered flag deeper into the dirt...AIC go vintage as often as they surprise with this fourth LP. Against some odds, it's a compelling start to a second act."