Cantrell’s highly anticipated solo album doesn’t disappoint.
Alice in Chain’s guitarist and vocalist, Jerry Cantrell, released his fourth solo album, I Want Blood, which has a heavy sound with plenty of distortion and aggressive guitar riffs. Cantrell’s vocals are on full display from the album’s onset, each track exploring his multifaceted musical gifts and songwriting capabilities. He once again offers listeners a generous helping of talent, incorporating big names such as Robert Trujillo, Duff McKagan, Greg Puciato, and more, all coming together to create a project with equal parts bite and punch — in that order.
The entire album is expeditious and fun, packed with one quick-paced tune after the next. However, each track has its unique sound, an undeniable quality that blends from one song to the next — a quality that’s intrinsically Cantrell’s musical style. It’s a sound reminiscent of the 90s, which the AIC veteran embodies throughout this album, albeit infusing plenty of modern rock elements.
“Afterglow” offers a more melodic quality with plenty of depth and poignancy, the guitar solos ebbing and flowing throughout the song. It’s a pretty track that couples the perfect blend of vocals and instrumentals, with no one stepping on the other’s toes while they curate a cohesive project of sound and exploration. There’s no showboating — infectious music and talented musicians delivering the goods.
“I Want Blood,” the album’s title track, is laced with aggression and distorted, raspy vocals. Once again, embodying a more melodic undertone, “I Want Blood” infuses a relentless pace that keeps up with the rest of the album. The entire album is the best of Cantrell as a solo artist, and his infusion of other talented musicians lends the album velvety quality laced with talent. Suffice it to say, I Want Blood is inherently Cantrell. It’s raw, dynamic, and perfect for heavy metal enthusiasts and alt-rock lovers.
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