Dirt, released on September 29, 1992, is Alice in Chains second studio album and the final one recorded with all four original members. Written primarily by guitarist Jerry Cantrell, with Layne Staley contributing two of his own compositions, the album confronts themes of addiction, emotional turmoil, war, and mortality with stark honesty. Its creation unfolded during a turbulent period marked by the 1992 Los Angeles riots and escalating personal struggles within the band, particularly Staley’s battle with heroin use. The record also features a brief guest appearance from Slayer’s Tom Araya on Iron Gland, adding to its unsettling, abrasive atmosphere.

Upon release, Dirt earned widespread critical acclaim and became the band’s most commercially successful album, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieving 5× platinum certification in the United States. It produced five major singles: Would?, Them Bones, Angry Chair, Rooster, and Down in a Hole, all supported by music videos that helped cement the band’s prominence in the grunge and alternative metal scenes. Over time, the album has been celebrated as a landmark of the era, frequently appearing on “best of” lists and influencing genres from grunge to sludge metal. Its 30th‑anniversary reissue even returned it to the Billboard Top 10 in 2022, underscoring its enduring cultural impact.

Source: Wikipedia