Often dubbed “Tripod” or the “Dog Album” for its stark sleeve image of a three-legged dog, Alice in Chains ’ 1995 self-titled album is the band’s darkest work, reflective of the semi-fractured state of the group at the time, as well as the collective emotional deterioration resulting from Layne Staley’s well-documented drug addiction.

The album’s origins begin while the band was on hiatus prior to the recording sessions in 1994. Staley had since formed the supergroup Mad Season, while guitarist-singer Jerry Cantrell concocted plans for a solo album. Demo and rehearsal sessions for Cantrell’s solo project eventually blossomed into a new Alice in Chains album after Cantrell and producer Toby Wright convinced Layne, drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Inez to get onboard. Hiatus over.

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