Jerry Cantrell – I Want Blood
Double J – 2024
Grunge, Hardrock, Stoner
Rated: ****
I Want Blood was on my October list for the Doom Charts. I'm sorry it did not make it. And I'm sorry for what might seem like some minor boasting in the sentence that follows. But I’ve had the honor of talking with Mr. Cantrell a few times, but unfortunately not for this amazing new album. But I recently did have the pleasure of chatting with Mr. McKagan again. Besides his Lighthouse album and all the other stuff we talked about, McKagan also mentioned he was immensely proud and satisfied with the work he had done for the new Jerry Cantrell album I Want Blood. And rightfully so! For the nine songs on this album stand tall and make from his fourth solo record I Want Blood a monolithic listening experience. As the main man for everything Alice In Chains he has been the most important cog in the sound ever since the passing of frontman Layne Staley. Not just because he was always that other voice from the band, but also because of his layered and shifting guitar parts. And those sounds are once again present on the new album. With help from the earlier mentioned Duff McKagan, Robert Trujillo, Mike Bordin, Gil Sharone, Vincent Jones, Greg Puciato and Lola Colette. The result is a complete package, one strong record that shines with emotional vocal parts, whirling guitar work and always personal and provoking lyrics. I Want Blood sounds like the best of Jerry Cantrell, and it might just be the best he’s done. Hard-hitting, cutting and with the title track I Want Blood he shows us that the stoner rock and grunge sound have always been like brothers. Brothers from another mother!
(Written by JK)
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