5 Essential Alice In Chains Songs

By Ben Timpson /

2. Sludge Factory - Alice In Chains 1995

Probably the most 'Dirt' like track from the eponymous album. This seems to be Staley talking about himself from a third person viewpoint. A highly unsettling track musically, it really sets the tone for the uncomfortable lyric matter. The third studio album was one that was hard going and according to Cantrell, "Like pulling hair out" with the singers addiction in full swing. They muddled through and released a record that was difficult to get into but with time invested in persistent listens, proves very rewarding. This was very much Layne's album with the words to all but three of the twelve songs, being his, when in the past, Cantrell was the main lyricist. 'Sludge Factory' is often what the band referred to themselves as, and is a perfect title for this seven minute plus, crawling behemoth. Devoid of any real hooks and featuring only the vocals of Staley, harmonizing with himself. This is one messed up song and like 'Hate To Feel', if you enjoy this then, you're a real Alice fan.