Time to whip out the smack again: Alice In Chains is back in the studio. Of course, many said this day would/should never have come, as Layne Staley, something of an icon during the grunge era, died from a heroin and cocaine overdose in 2002, 8 years to the date after Kurt Cobain offed himself. For better or for worse, Alice In Chains will return to the studio in October to put out their first album since 1995's self-titled affair.

Staley will be replaced by William DuVall, who's been in the Atlanta hardcore scene since before you were probably aware there was an Atlanta hardcore scene. DuVall has been touring with the band since 2006, so this move is not all that unexpected. Idolator linked the following video of DuVall performing "Man in the Box."

It's not Staley, but it's passable.