It’s been a long, hard road for the Alice in Chains icon. But 30 years in with his first solo album in nearly two decades, the star-studded Brighten he’s finding more light than darkness. You hope that your music has that sort of staying power, but you have no idea, Cantrell tells us in our new cover story. Youre starting from fucking thin air every time. Im always surprised and amazed that it even gets done in the first place, because its an effort. Its never been easy for me.

ALSO FEATURING: Converge // Turnstile // Death // Every Time I Die // Dying Wish // Cradle of Filth // Scowl // Poorstacy // Heriot // Brand of Sacrifice // Vulvodynia