1. Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue (2009)

Just like Anthrax’s Worship Music, Alice In Chains’ first album in fourteen years had every reason to not work. The real reason, though, is because the idea of an Alice In Chains without the late Layne Staley seemed implausible. And even though Jerry Cantrell and crew won many over with several reunion tours since 2006 (with former Comes With the Fall singer William DuVall assuming the mic), there were still many skeptical of a new album. Yet in 2009, Alice In Chains released what was by many considered to be the comeback (if not the) album of the year, debuting on the charts at #5. Black Gives Way To Blue made no attempt to replace or replicate Staley’s presence, but instead emphasized the haunting, heavy and melodic sound fans loved about the band. The album has been so well received that it has everyone (including us) excited its follow up.

Favorite Track: “Check My Brain”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBcADQziQWY[/youtube]