ALICE IN CHAINS Drummer: 'We've Made A Record That We're Really Proud Of'

Legendary rock band ALICE IN CHAINS has signed an exclusive worldwide deal with EMI's Virgin Records and are gearing up for the release of their first new studio album in more than 10 years. The band and producer Nick Raskulinecz (RUSH, FOO FIGHTERS) began recording last October at Studio 606 in Northridge, California and recently finished mixing at Henson Studios in Hollywood. The highly anticipated album is scheduled for release this September.

Guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez reunited in 2005 at a benefit for victims of the tsunami in Indonesia. They began touring with new guitarist/vocalist William DuVall the following year.

"It's been a meaningful journey and a hell of a story," says Cantrell. "We're very excited to have a home at Virgin/EMI and are looking forward to writing new chapters in the book of ALICE."

"We're in a good place," adds Kinney. "We've made a record that we're really proud of, we've got a team in place that's passionate about the music and we're excited for the fans to hear the new songs."

"ALICE IN CHAINS has had a big hand in the evolution of music and I still can't believe we get to work with them," says Rob Stevenson, President of Virgin Records. "This music is going to remind people what we've all been missing."

"There is a tremendous sense of excitement and dedication within EMI around the world as we head into this album release," added Jeff Kempler, EMI's COO of New Music for North America and the U.K. "ALICE IN CHAINS' place in rock history is undeniable and when people hear this remarkable new work it will be clear how timeless, potent and visionary this band is."

ALICE IN CHAINS were among the headliners at the recent Rock on the Range festival in Columbus, OH. Next up is a July 18 show with KID ROCK at Comerica Park in Detroit, to be followed by festival shows with METALLICA overseas, including an August 1 date at Marlay Park in Dublin and an August 2 show at the Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth. Earlier this year, the quartet took a break from recording to perform a string of shows in Australia with NINE INCH NAILS.

Over the course of their remarkable career, ALICE IN CHAINS has garnered multiple Grammy nominations, sold more than 17 million albums worldwide and achieved 11 top 10 hit singles.

Video footage of ALICE IN CHAINS' February 28, 2009 performance at the Soundwave Festival in Adelaide, Australia can be viewed below (clip uploaded by "backpackdave08").