Well, here's the band I was least expecting to release anything after the death of Layne Staley in 2002. I've always had sort of a fascination with this band, and even though they are a grungy, stonerish mess sometimes, hell, they make me more nostalgic then any other band, especially with this new album.
Jerry Cantrell picks up a LOT of the singing, especially on "Check My Brain", the second single from the album. His voice really fits with William DuVall, who replaced Layne. I was surprised how much their voices together sounded like the Staley/Cantrell combo of the 90's. Jerry's solos have become more atmospheric and a lot heavier too, giving BGWTB a really heavy, grungy atmosphere.
The drums are a lot more blues oriented in this release then in any other, which followed traditional rock/metal style, but on "Your Decision" (the third single) among others, you can hear a bluesier tempo and atmosphere to the rhythm. Some songs are relatively heavy, such as "Acid Bubble", "A Looking in View" (first single), and "Private Hell", while others are soothing, such as "Your Decision" and the title song, "Black Gives Way To Blue".
My favorite track had to be "Acid Bubble" because it was so crushing and filled with rifftastic nonsense squealing around, making all other songs on the album feel obsolete when compared. I mean, the song is almost crushing, almost like an Electric Wizard feel without the Sabbath influences.
"Black Gives Way To Blue" features a piano performance by none other then Elton John, who did a beautiful combination of his classic sounds with Cantrell's dark and moody riffs.
All in all, I was so impressed, I'd say that other then Facelift from 1990, this is my favorite Alice album, which makes me feel like shit, because I feel like I'm betraying Layne for all the good songs he gave us - "Them Bones", "Down In A Hole", "Would?" - all great, but this album tops them. Oh well...he's dead and there's no looking back. Buy the album...Not on ITunes, Not on fucking Napster, not online...go to your local store (Best Buy or Target has it cheapest around here), and purchase it. If they're sold out, then cockslap the clerk and start demanding that they order new ones.
TL;DR: 98.9/100
