https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6YQ8VBusQI Sometimes there exists a riff so pummelling, so instantly face-contortingly PERFECT that it'll get you every time, whether it be on a random few-thousand track iPod-shuffle or in the live arena. Any Chains' fan will know of the departure of ex-lead vocals icon Layne Staley (a man who had Alice in Chains put out a song as mainstream-baiting as Smells Like Teen Spirit would be remembered in the same vein as Kurt Cobain), yet it was with the bands' sophomore effort Dirt that Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell were firing on all cylinders, with then-bassist Mike Starr and skin-smasher Sean Kinney all coming together to create one of grunge's finest works, yet with enough attitude powering proceedings to easily cross into metal territory. You need only listen to the first few seconds of Dam That River to feel a band operating at the top of their game, and although replacement singer William DuVall easily carries off the vocal duties left behind by Staley, the Alice in Chains of today are a much different beast because of it. Back in '92 however, with youthful attitudes in abundance and the inner-demons of Staley allowing for some truly unmatched vocal delivery, River remains a stalwart of a Chains' set to this day, whipping up any longtime fan into a nostalgic horn-throwing trance and instantly converting those in attendance who were ever curious as to how their name became part of The Big Four of Grunge.