10 Rock Bands That Had More Than One Lead Singer

There wasn't much focus on vocal technique in the early days of grunge. With the dubious exception of Soundgarden belter Chris Cornell, bands like Mudhoney and Nirvana had vocalists that had a lot of character in their voice but no real technical expertise to really bring them over the top. Vocals may have been an afterthought in the rainy city of Seattle, but Alice in Chains turned it into another world overnight.

While AIC's riffs were the draw for many mainstream metal fans, what really separated them from the pack was the harmony work going on between Layne Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell. Growing up singing in choir at school, Cantrell always found the perfect melodic lines to go with the song, whether it was the counterpoint on Man in the Box or the close opening vocals of Rooster. Even when Layne was falling apart due to drug problems, Jerry was still able to carry the band on songs like Heaven Beside You.

As opposed to other grunge titans relying on a bunch of effects pedals, the dual vocal work by both of these men held your attention just as much as any guitar solo could. Even though Layne isn't with us anymore, there will always be some spiritual energy in every one of Alice in Chains' early vocal showcases.