Founding Alice In Chains guitarist and solo artist Jerry Cantrell brought his ‘I Want Blood’ tour to the House of Blues Anaheim on August 17, delivering an experience rich in grit, grunge, and the exceptional artistry that a legendary figure embodies.
From the raw, electric synergy of Alice in Chains to his extensive solo catalog, Jerry Cantrell's career has spanned three decades, balancing moments of darkness and light. His music carries the weight of deep human emotion while managing to uplift listeners, providing an evocative and stirring experience that feels deeply personal. It's challenging to listen to any track Cantrell has infused with his spirit without feeling a connection to it yourself.
On August 17, Cantrell brought his latest solo album, I Want Blood, alive at House of Blues Anaheim, delighting audiences with a well-selected mix of iconic classics and an array of songs from the new album. The set navigated through decades and styles, brilliantly showcasing the musician's journey thus far.
“Every time I stand up here in a packed room and see you all ready to rock, it just fills my f*in’ heart,” Cantrell expressed, taking a moment to introduce bassist Eliot Lorango, guitarist Zach Throne, and drummer Roy Mayorga. “I appreciate you all being here. I’m here for you. This is our night together. Let’s have fun until the very end.”
The opening track “Psychotic Break,” from Cantrell’s 2002 album Degradation Trip, set the stage with its edge and precision. “Adrift, I curse this gift / And hope you never know,” he sang, kicking off the night with the track’s captivating riff while gazing at the audience behind his sunglasses. Thousands of fans lined up between the venue’s doors and the stage, eager for the artistic expression Cantrell is celebrated for, and “Psychotic Break” served as an ideal introduction to a remarkable evening.
“I’d trade my dad for a pick?’ Is he that bad?” Cantrell joked, reading a fan-made sign and laughing. He then personally handed a pick to the fan in the front row: “Here, now you don’t have to trade your dad.”
While the first track was well-placed, it was Alice in Chains’ iconic 1992 hit “Them Bones” that elicited the loudest cheers from the crowd. It's no surprise Cantrell chose two album openers to kick off this tour, as both represent a significant evolution from prior works. “Them Bones” debuted as the first track on the band’s sophomore album Dirt, showcasing what Cantrell describes as the “jagged, abrasive” instrumentation paired with direct lead vocals, reflecting the sonic transformation they underwent since their debut, Facelift, two years earlier.
Guitarist Zach Throne contributed lead vocals on select Alice in Chains songs, supporting Cantrell and allowing his guitar work to shine. Throughout the night, however, Cantrell’s voice remained central; he flawlessly hit every note while singing lead on his solo tracks and blended harmonies with Throne perfectly when revisiting the Alice In Chains repertoire.
In keeping with the night's energy, Cantrell launched directly into the lead single from I Want Blood, “Vilified,” which delves into the darker aspects of artificial intelligence. “It’s just like any tool – you can take a hammer and use it to harm, or you can use it to create. It’s all about the user,” Cantrell explained to Kerrang! about the song's lyrics last year. “It still has a human aspect to it, concerning intention and responsibility.” Together with the album’s second single, “Afterglow,” key tracks from I Want Blood made the first half of the set unforgettable.
Soon after, the classic “Man In The Box,” sparked loud applause, with fans singing along to every word. Since its release as part of the band's 1990 debut album Facelift, this song has evolved into a cult classic and an inspiration for numerous grunge bands influenced by Cantrell, Layne Staley, Mike Starr, and Sean Kinney. “Man In The Box” is a quintessential rock piece, showcasing Cantrell's prowess as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
“What it’s fundamentally about is how government and media shape the public’s perception of world events,” Cantrell explained during the song’s release. “They construct a box for you by feeding you information in your home, and the song speaks to breaking that box and looking beyond it.”
“Cut You In” was another electrifying moment in the set. Cantrell’s debut solo album, Boggy Depot, established his identity as a solo artist, and its lead single encapsulates what makes him a compelling songwriter – addressing disloyalty among friends with a necessary frankness he has carried throughout his writing career. “It's about those who are with you in good times but vanish when things get tough,” he shared with Billboard.
Lydia Luce turns struggles into music and survival into peace on her third album, ‘Mammoth,’ which is an expansive yet personal work inspired by chronic pain, resilience, and the acceptance of new beginnings. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter spoke with Atwood Magazine about the experiences that inspired the gentle title track, her path to healing and motherhood, and the insights she plans to take into the next phase of her life.
For Port Ross, dying resembles a visit to the DMV; it's something he has to face eventually, but it’s likely to be unenjoyable. While he lingers in the lengthy line of life’s DMV, Port Ross shares with us his final will and testament: “For My Young Death.” Delving into the perpetual specter of 'the end,' he conveys his whimsical skillfulness and highlights the significance of human relationships.
Jerry Cantrell, the founding guitarist of Alice In Chains and a solo artist, brought his ‘I Want Blood’ tour to the House of Blues Anaheim on August 17. Every moment was filled with grit, grunge, and the exceptional quality that only a legendary figure can deliver.