Alice in Chains Reflect on Past, Future in New Interview

"It was a series of small steps. We never had a 'grand scheme' or a big master plan. [New vocalist William DuVall] came along, and it was just such a blessing," Alice in Chains bassist Mike Inez explains in a recent interview regarding the band's amazing comeback. "Looking back on the last three or four years, it's been a mind blower."

"This hasn't been some task we've taken lightly. You have to do what feels right for you at the time. We've always done that, and obviously we've gotten through a ton of change," adds guitarist/singer Jerry Cantrell.

When Alice in Chains lead singer Layne Staley died in 2002, fans thought the band was done. Even the remaining band members knew it would be impossible to replicate Staley's unique voice and style -- so they didn't.

"It's never been about William coming in to replace Layne. There's no replacing that dude, and that music lives," asserts Cantrell. "What we are is a band who has gone through an unfortunate thing in life which is losing a friend who was not only tied to you personally, but also a partner in your life's work. For William to come in and do it with the class he has and respect for Layne's legacy and also respect for himself and for us, that we would even taken on this kind of a challenge."

Alice in Chains performed three acoustic songs as part of Yahoo! Music's Maximum Performance series: 'Black Gives Way to Blue,' 'Your Decision' and 'Check My Brain.' The band recently released 'Black Gives Way to Blue,' featuring DuVall on lyrics.

Alice in Chains kicks off a short north American tour this month in Las Vegas.