Is anyone as psyched to hear this album as I am? I saw the band play live last month and all the new songs they played were awesome. Also, I've said it many times, William DuVall is the perfect replacement for Layne. All the info for the album can be found here as well as a youtube video giving 30 second samples of all the songs on the album. I'm particularly keen to hear the albums title track. Apparently it's a tribute to Layne and Elton John plays piano on the track. I certainly think this will be one of this years highlights music-wise.
I actually liked their new single, 'Check Your Brain'. I didn't grow up with Alice In Chains, so it doesn't hurt me or anything just because Layne isn't singing (Not saying he's a bad singer or anything, but I have no sentimental value towards this band having only one singer).
I've only heard one of the songs off the album so far. It sounded pretty good, my expectations aren't tooo high though. Alice In Chains were a great band though, i was lucky enough to see Would? performed at a festival, even though my friends made me go see DevilDriver with them at the same time as AIC were playing.
I'm stoked, they blew me away at Soundwave this year. Even considering NIN were playing too, AIC still seemed awesome.
The piano fits in with the title track pretty well, and definitely doesn't scream Elton John. It's pretty cool, but I think I prefer the live acoustic version.