This is definitely the follow-up to Jerry Cantrell’s former band’s album “Alice In Chains”. Dark heavy guitar riffs, strange twists, emotional moody songs and typical Alice In Chains voices (without passed away Layne Staley). “Degradation Trip” needs time to evolve. At first you can’t catch all the songs, but when you take some time to listen carefully you will find the brilliance in them all. This album is darker and moodier than his first solo attempt (“Boggy Depot”); probably because he doesn’t feel the need to have a distance from his earlier work. The best part of “Degradation Trip” is that the songs range from ‘difficult’ work (like ‘Psychotic Break’ and ‘Bargain Basement Howard Hughes’) to easier rock songs (‘Angel Eyes’ and ballad ‘Solitude’).

This way you don’t have to constantly put your mind to the album, but you can enjoy some quiet – dream away – moments as well. It makes “Degradation Trip” a complete album that can’t be denied by rock fans or AIC lovers. Most remarkable song is probably ‘Locked On’ with the lyrics: ‘…faded rock star pushing needle. You don’t know, well it’s all right. You do your thing I live my live…’ It shows once again, the king (AIC) is dead, long live the new king (Jerry Cantrell).