Alice in Chains – The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in May 2013, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here is Alice in Chains’ seventh studio album and their second album with vocalist William DuVall, following Black Gives Way to Blue (2009). The album continues the band’s legacy of dark, heavy, and atmospheric rock, blending grunge, alternative metal, and haunting harmonies with introspective and socially reflective lyrics.
Album Overview
Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, the album features a signature Alice in Chains sound: crushing guitar riffs, layered vocal harmonies, and somber lyrical themes. The lyrics tackle topics such as addiction, religion, personal struggle, and social commentary, reflecting the band’s continued maturity and willingness to explore challenging themes.
The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here received positive reviews for its dark, brooding atmosphere and strong songwriting, reaffirming Alice in Chains’ position as one of the most influential rock bands of the post-grunge era.
Tracklist – Alice in Chains: The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013)
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Hollow
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Stone
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Voices
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Hung on a Hook
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Low Ceiling
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Hung on a Hook (Reprise)
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The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
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Phantom Limb
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Lab Monkey
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Breath on a Window
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Hung on a Hook (Acoustic)
Album Review
The album opens with “Hollow,” a slow-building, atmospheric track featuring haunting guitar riffs and layered vocals that immediately set a dark and introspective tone. “Stone” and “Voices” deliver heavier, riff-driven energy while maintaining the melodic sensibility that defines Alice in Chains’ sound.
The title track, “The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here,” blends heavy riffs with dark humor and social commentary, showcasing the band’s lyrical depth and playful edge. “Lab Monkey” is a groove-heavy, aggressive track, highlighting the band’s ability to combine raw power with intricate harmonies.
Slower tracks like “Low Ceiling” and “Breath on a Window” provide introspective and emotional moments, with DuVall and Cantrell’s harmonies creating a haunting, almost spiritual atmosphere. Overall, the album balances heavy, brooding rock with melodic and acoustic passages, demonstrating the band’s continued evolution while staying true to their roots.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: The album title, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, was inspired by Jerry Cantrell’s sarcastic view of creationist propaganda.
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• Trivia: Hollow and Stone were released as singles and received significant airplay on rock radio.
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• Did You Know? The album features William DuVall’s strongest vocal contributions, further solidifying his role in the band.
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• Fun Fact: Critics praised the album for its darker, more atmospheric production, reminiscent of Alice in Chains’ 1990s work.
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• Did You Know? The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, marking one of the band’s highest-charting releases of the modern era.
The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here is a haunting, powerful album that balances dark thematic content with signature heavy riffs and harmonies. It reinforces Alice in Chains’ reputation as a band that can evolve musically while maintaining the intensity and emotional depth that define their sound.
