ALICE IN CHAINS entered a Los Angeles studio in October with producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, RUSH, STONE SOUR, TRIVIUM, SHADOWS FALL, DEATH ANGEL) to begin recording its first all-new studio effort since 1995's self-titled third album. According to an online posting by The Baldy — whose job is "to travel the world with ALICE IN CHAINS and send photos, videos and blog entries back to [the webmasters] at AliceInChains.com" — "William [DuVall; lead vocals, rhythm guitar] and Jerry [Cantrell; lead guitar, vocals] are just a few days away from recording vocals. Guitars and bass are heading down the home stretch, and although the drums are done, Sean [Kinney; drums] is coming in almost every day to provide input and give full body massages to anyone he can get his hands on.

"There's not a lot to report because it's pretty much like the movie Groundhog Day in here, just with a different soundtrack each day. Recording an album can be a long and laborious process. Play the song. Tune the guitar or bass. Play the song again. Tune again. Play a different part of the song with a different guitar. Tune again. Try something different on the bridge. Tune. Play a 12 string on the chorus. Tune. And so on and so on and so on…

"Are you bored yet? Try doing it 'til two or three A.M. six days a week for three months and you'll be amazed that the upcoming album isn't just the sound of four guys smashing their heads against the wall in beautiful Dolby Surround Sound.

"Although I'm still under a gag order concerning the material, I think I can get away with saying that this album will run the stylistic gamut as far as the songs are concerned.

"A couple of uptempo crushers? Check. A few droning mid-tempo head trips? Check. A couple of radio friendly super catchy tunes? Check. A pair of straight up white-knuckle mind-f*%# sonic roller coaster rides? Check.

"Lyrically speaking, it's going to be more of what you've come to expect from ALICE IN CHAINS: rainbows, kitty cats, bubble gum, and skateboards. Words and songs that make you want to go to the mall and buy hair care products.

"The further we get into this process, the more excited I get for it to see the light of day. The economy is a mess, record stores are closing down all over the country, and the music industry is a disaster, but I know a good song when I hear it, and this album is gonna be full of them.

"Hopefully that, along with the support of all of you guys, will be enough to put this band back on top where it so rightfully belongs."

ALICE IN CHAINS' manager, David Benveniste (Beno) of Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group, previously stated, "Our collective vision is to extend ALICE IN CHAINS into phase two of their career worldwide. They have tremendous heritage, having sold some 15 million records, and an amazing repertoire of new material that they've written. Most importantly, ALICE IN CHAINS will be on the road in 2009 bringing new music to fans everywhere."

The new disc will mark the recording debut with ALICE IN CHAINS of frontman William DuVall, who has been singing with the group since they officially reunited in 2006. Original vocalist Layne Staley died in April 2002.

ALICE IN CHAINS will kick off 2009 with a main-stage slot on Australia's Soundwave Festival (February 21 - March 1) alongside such acts as NINE INCH NAILS, LAMB OF GOD, ALKALINE TRIO, THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS and more.

ALICE IN CHAINS has mostly stayed off the road since last year, but played at a radio station festival in Peoria, Arizona on September 20.

Watch ALICE IN CHAINS performing "Them Bones" live at Germany's Rock Am Ring 2006: