Alice in Chains Release New Song + Video, “The One You Know”

Your beloved MetalSucks co-founders were recently discussing the reunion sophomore slump, of which I’d cite Alice in Chains’ 2013 album, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, as a solid example. The reunion sophomore slump exists for the same reason that regular sophomore exists: the band has years, or decades even, to write their debut/initial reunion album, but considerably less time to craft its follow-up.

But is there such a thing as a reunion second wind? Like the way some bands release a killer debut, suffer the sophomore slump, and then have… uh… I don’t think there’s a name for it… the junior jump? I’m hard pressed to think of a reunited band who nailed their reconciliation record, blew their reconciliation follow-up, and then stuck the landing on the next album after that. Comments section, distribute and proceed to throw rotten vegetables.

Why am I talking about this? Because, as promised, this morning Alice in Chains have released a new song, “The One You Know.” It’s an exemplary post-Dirt Alice in Chains song: a dragging pace fit for a junkie trying not to nod off, 70s-by-way-of-the-90s-style guitars, harmonized vocals morosely reciting depressing lyrics (“Tell me, does it matter if I’m still here or I’m gone?”), an irritatingly catchy chorus, a wah-heavy Jerry Cantrell solo, and Mike Inez being pure sex on the bass. Basically, it’s immediately better than anything from Dinosaurs, if maybe still not quite as good as the best material from 2009’s Black Gives Way to Blue (which a most triumphant return). The band still hasn’t announced a title or release date for their new album, on which “The One You Know” will appear, but the song will very likely increase your anticipation for said release at least tenfold.

Check out “The One You Know” via the below music video. Alice in Chains are on tour now. Get dates here.