Alice In Chains' "Dirt" vs Faith No More's "Angel Dust"
So I've decided to try a new conversation starter after enjoying Utopia Records' weekly DIS vs DAT thing on Facebook recently. Let's start off with two classic US alternative metal releases from 1992. Which one do you think has the edge & why?
This one is fairly clear to me despite regarding both records as genuine classics. Layne Stayley is one of my all-time favourite singers & Jerry Cantrell's talent for writing ultra-sludgy Sabbath riffs & stunningly dark vocal harmonies is unparalleled. There are absolutely no weak tracks on "Dirt" & in fact most are 5/5 bombs. "Dirt" sits in my top ten metal albums ever released & I regard it as just about perfect. "Angel Dust" had a major impact on my life too but if I'm honest with myself I have to admit that a straighter edged, darker & more brooding band like AIC is simply closer to my sweet spot than the quirkier & more experimental FNM sound. I also slightly prefer "The Real Thing" as my go-to FNM album & I'm not much of a fan of the closing track "Midnight Cowboy". So it's "Dirt" by a clear margin for me.
Dirt 1 - Angel Dust 1
I'll cast another vote for Dirt. Angel Dust is an interesting album, but it never really clicked with me. But Stayley's great vocals and Cantrell's outstanding riff-smithing work wonderfully together.
Dirt 2 - Angel Dust 1