How Alice In Chains’ “Check My Brain” Became Their First Big Hit In Years

March 20, 2025

In the summer of 2009, a band was about to make a striking comeback, one that would change their journey forever. Alice in Chains, a name synonymous with the heavy grunge sound of the early ’90s, had faced a turbulent decade. After the tragic death of their original lead singer, Layne Staley, in 2002, the band found itself lost in sadness and uncertainty. It felt like the weight of the world was pressing down, but deep within them flickered a spark of resilience. They decided to rise from the ashes, and that’s when “Check My Brain” was born.

The song was part of their album “Black Gives Way to Blue,” released in September 2009. When the band wrote “Check My Brain,” it was infused with a mix of raw honesty and grit, reflecting the struggles of addiction and recovery that all the band members had faced at one point or another. Jerry Cantrell, the band’s guitarist and co-lead vocalist, poured his emotions into every lyric, transforming his personal battles into a powerful anthem. The sound was a perfect blend of heavy guitars and haunting harmonies, reminding everyone of their roots while also signaling a refreshing new chapter.

As summer turned to fall, the music world began to take notice. When “Check My Brain” hit the airwaves, it grabbed listeners from the first note. The song soared to the top of the charts, becoming a major hit and marking their first significant success in years. Fans old and new turned up to hear the band again, feeling the connection that had always existed but had dimmed over time. The release of this song breathed fresh air into Alice in Chains and reinvigorated their place in rock history.

The success of “Check My Brain” didn’t just revive the band’s career; it also reignited the spirits of the members. They embarked on a tour that filled stadiums with cheering fans, each concert a testament to their journey and survival. As they played, they could see the joy on the faces of their audience, a reminder of how music can bring people together even in the darkest times. For many, the song was a personal anthem of struggle and triumph, and the band felt honored to be a part of that experience.

With every note they played, it was clear that Alice in Chains had not just returned but announced their presence with a fierce determination. Their journey showed that even after profound loss and hardship, a new dawn could rise. “Check My Brain” became more than just a song, it became a symbol of hope and resilience for the band and their fans alike. Alice in Chains was back, showing the world that they still had so many stories to tell, and that the power of music can heal, revive, and inspire.