The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here

present for son, he loves it

Brilliant album

I don’t know how many people believe that dinosaurs never existed and that the devil planted their bones into the earth to test the faithful, I wish them a healthy recovery though. What I do know, is that a few thought that the comeback of Alice in Chains after fourteen years would be as good as 2009’s‘Black Gives Way to Blue’. The new chapter that the band opens with ‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here’ is less immediate, less Sabbath-y and has more variety.After the riff based start with ‘Hollow’, the record goes through many changes and explores different musical paths, from metal to country. Do yourselves a favor and listen to it repeatedly, to really get the atmosphere of ‘Voices’, the beautiful Jerry Cantrell solo in ‘Low Ceiling’, the vocal melodies of ‘Breath on a Window’, epic song ‘Phantom Limb’, pitch black tune ‘Hung on a Hook’ and the touching ending with ‘Choke’. I purposely left the magical title track for last, because I consider it to be one of the finest moments of the band’s career, both musically and lyrically. Even the tracks I didn’t mention have unique traits; while at the same time remain absolutely trademark Alice in Chains pieces thanks to the otherworldly double vocals and the emotional weight and depth they give off.My only remark has to do with William DuVall’s role; he rarely is the protagonist compared to Cantrell, though whenever he does, he’s really good at it.It’s an amazing achievement for the Alice in Chains of today to have created two consecutive albums that can stand beside the monument which is ‘Dirt’. Lastly, those of you that still wander whether they should even continue as a band, let me assure you that the unforgettable Layne Staley, as well as Mike Starr, are very proud with what they hear and see from above.Romanos Terzis

As other reviewers pointed out, the new post-Layne AiC studio album has a less commercial, less heavy metal sound than its predecessor. It takes a few listens but what gradually emerges is a sound more reminiscent of old-school AiC, a more natural follow-up to `Dirt' and the album universally known among fans as `Tripod'. The new songs have a dirtier, grimier feel to them - less Metallica, more early 1990s. The unmistakable trademark AiC harmonies are still there, beautifully showcased in tracks like `Voices' and the title-track 'The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here'.Although we know that this band will never be the same band we once knew and loved, this is a very good `rebooted' effort, and I am full of respect for the new singer, William DuVall, who respects Staley's legacy by embracing the AiC sound without ever mimicking Layne's style. "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here' is a good album and certainly a `grower', and I am really looking forward to seeing this band playing it live this autumn.

This album manages to follow what AIC did on Black Gives Way To Blue, yet they have evolved. Rarely any single vocal. Heavy sound yet songs that feel really slow - AIC create a sound landscape, they create atmosphere. Some great riffs, although not as memorable or prominent as on BGWTB.The difference between TDPDH and BGWTB is that this album feels fuller, you really get a thick supply of sound whereas on BGWTB there was more space within the songs. Maybe, individually the songs on this album are not as strong as on BGWTB. Yet as an album, it is very coherent, it's got a great fluency to it and it just pulls you in. That's where I see the evolution. It's very engaging.

Following the sad loss of Layne Staley in 2002, it would not have been unreasonable to suspect that Alice in Chains were never to release any more music. Fortunately, William DuVall (previously of several bands) was brought into the fold and contributed, with original AiC members Jerry Cantrell, Sean Kinney and Mike Inez, to the excellent 2009 album 'Black Gives Way To Blue'. This new offering shows a nice stylistic continuity- both from the previous album and what DuVall brought to the table and the 'original' AiC sound/ feel- whilst representing also a growth in confidence and innovation. Heavy, atmospheric instrumentation and the customary intertwining vocals combine to make for another great album from this great band.

Solid AiC album coming smack back on form with this more upbeat album.Not as good overall as their previous offering - Black to Blue but with more upbeat tempo and some stand out tracks - one being Stone.All heavy rock/ grunge fans will like this offering and if your not into AiC then you can't go wrong then buying this.Monster Rocking!

I loved the Layne Staley era of Alice in Chains and therefore for years I have not bothered to listen to their music with their replacement lead singer. Having bought tickets to see them in May 2019, I thought I would catch up on what I have missed of their albums since Layne and I must say I absolutely love this album. There isn't a bad track on it! If you haven't listened to Alice in Chains since Layne, I highly recommend that you get this album!