Jerry Cantrell

Brighten Jerry Cantrell Alice In Chains man delivers powerful solo album

“I’ve been in the band for almost 34 years now,” Cantrell tells us. “It’s always my first and foremost commitment, but it’s nice to explore different things and add another chapter to a growing body of work.” And so it was that after the last Alice In Chains tour wound up, JC fixed his sights on taking this solo flight. Stylistically, Brighten never wanders too far from the guitar-heavy, anthemic and occasionally doomy fare for which Cantrell’s band is famous, the title track being a case in point. On the first single and album opener, Atone, he channels his fondness for Ennio Morricone movies, telling us, “It’s got a bit of that outlaw vibe…” Black Hearts And Evil Done is splendidly dark and menacing, and Siren Song is emotive and powerful – there is so much here for AIC fans to enjoy. A helter-skelter of an album.

Standout track: Black Hearts And Evil Done For fans of: Alice In Chains, Foo Fighters