Chained Saint
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Band Timeline
1987
Formation of Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains formed in Seattle in 1987, originating from an earlier band named Alice N' Chains. The band's early formation included Layne Staley as the vocalist, who was initially a drummer in his previous band, and Jerry Cantrell, whom Staley met in 1987. Cantrell soon joined the group, sharing lead guitar duties and vocals. The band's name inspired by the phrase "Alice in Chains" was a twist on "Alice in Wonderland," suggesting bondage themes. This Seattle band would become a major player in the grunge movement of the early 1990s, blending heavy metal with distinctive harmonized vocals.
1990
Release of Debut Album Facelift
In 1990, Alice in Chains released their debut studio album, Facelift. This album marked the band's breakthrough into the broader rock scene, featuring a heavy metal and grunge-infused sound that distinguished them from contemporaries. The album included successful singles that garnered attention on mainstream rock radio and MTV. Facelift played a crucial role in establishing Alice in Chains as a significant act during the emerging Seattle grunge movement, setting the stage for their influential role in alternative metal and grunge.
1992
Release of Dirt and Growing Recognition
Alice in Chains released their critically acclaimed second album, Dirt, in 1992. This album further solidified their reputation with its darker themes, raw emotion, and intricate songwriting. Dirt produced multiple hit singles and is often considered one of the landmark albums of 1990s rock and grunge music. The album's heavy sound, combined with Staley's haunting vocal style and Cantrell's guitar work, created a powerful dynamic that resonated with fans and critics alike, securing the band's place as pioneers within the grunge movement.
1994
Jar of Flies EP and Musical Experimentation
In 1994, Alice in Chains released the Jar of Flies EP, an acoustic collection showcasing a more somber, introspective side of the band. This recording highlighted their versatility and musical evolution, with lush arrangements and melancholy melodies that contrasted with their heavier earlier work. Jar of Flies debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, a rare achievement for an EP, and received widespread acclaim. This release expanded the band's artistic range and continued their influential presence in the 1990s rock scene.
1995
Self-titled Album and Lineup Changes
Alice in Chains released their third studio album, the self-titled Alice in Chains, in 1995. The album incorporated both heavy and acoustic tracks, demonstrating the band's continued innovation. This period was marked by increasing struggles with substance abuse, particularly from lead vocalist Layne Staley, which began impacting the band's activity. The album received positive reviews but was released during a challenging phase for the group, foreshadowing a period of inactivity and personal difficulties for members that would soon follow.
2002
Death of Layne Staley and Hiatus
In 2002, lead vocalist Layne Staley tragically passed away after years battling substance abuse. His death profoundly affected the band and its fanbase, leading to an extended hiatus. Staley's unique vocal style and presence had been central to the band's identity and success, making his loss a significant moment in the history of Alice in Chains and the grunge genre. The band ceased regular activity, leaving a legacy of influential music while members dealt with the personal and professional impact of this loss.
2006
Reunion with William DuVall and New Era
Alice in Chains reunited in 2005 and in 2006 welcomed William DuVall as the new rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist. This marked a new era for the band, revitalizing their ability to tour and record. DuVall's presence helped the band continue their legacy while respecting the memory of Layne Staley. This lineup change was crucial for Alice in Chains to adapt and persist in the evolving rock landscape, leading to new albums and ongoing influence.
2009
Release of Black Gives Way to Blue
In 2009, Alice in Chains released Black Gives Way to Blue, their first studio album with William DuVall. This album marked a successful comeback with a sound that honored the band's roots while exploring new directions. The album received critical acclaim for its songwriting and performances, solidifying the band's status in the modern rock scene. It was a significant milestone demonstrating Alice in Chains' resilience and ability to evolve past tragedy into a productive and creative phase.
2013
Release of The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
The band released The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here in 2013, continuing to build on their revived presence in rock music. The album featured a heavy yet contemporary sound, energetic performances, and thematic depth. It reinforced Alice in Chains' relevance in the 21st century and showcased the strengths of their lineup with DuVall and Cantrell's vocal harmonies. The release further cemented their comeback and their continued contribution to alternative metal and hard rock genres.
2018
Release of Rainier Fog and Continuing Legacy
In 2018, Alice in Chains released Rainier Fog, their sixth studio album. This album was a tribute to their Seattle roots and included reflective lyrics and a mature sound. Rainier Fog was well-received and demonstrated the band's continued creativity and ability to produce compelling music decades after their formation. The album contributed to maintaining their legacy as pioneering figures in grunge and hard rock, appealing to both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.
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Story of Chained Saint
Picture this: a rock-solid library, not your average mellow acoustic set. From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, most libraries – think massive, sprawling venues – were chained libraries. This wasn't some punk rock rebellion, but a practical, albeit expensive, anti-theft system. Valuable tomes – the heavy hitters, the reference albums, the oversized concept pieces – were chained to their shelves. Think of it as a librarian's ultimate security system, a hefty chain acting as the ultimate gatekeeper.
The chains weren’t just haphazardly slapped on; they were strategically attached to corners or covers, protecting the spines from wear and tear – preventing the equivalent of a record skipping during a crucial guitar solo. This meant the books were displayed spine-out, fore-edges facing the reader—a unique presentation that facilitated easy access without tangling the chains. It was a carefully orchestrated system, preventing theft and maximizing accessibility. Librarians even added extra protection, invoking curses on any would-be book thieves, adding a bit of gothic metal to the whole operation.
Removing a book required the librarian's key, making them the exclusive DJs of these literary archives. It was a high-security system, and a testament to the value placed on knowledge, a powerful riff in the history of information access.
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