The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
Alice in Chains · 2013
67 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics that reflect deep existential themes in a somber atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hollow Start here — This lead single establishes the album's tone with its heavy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics about emptiness and longing. Its haunting melody captures the essence of the band's struggle with loss.
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The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here — The title track serves as a powerful commentary on societal ignorance and skepticism, combining heavy instrumentation with thought-provoking lyrics that challenge listeners' perceptions.
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Voices — This track features layered harmonies and complex rhythms, highlighting the band's signature sound while addressing inner turmoil and mental conflict, making it a standout piece in the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends heavy riffs with introspective lyrics, maintaining a strong thematic focus throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features heavier instrumentation with a consistent use of distorted guitars and layered harmonies.
- Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from quiet verses to explosive choruses, particularly in 'Hollow' and 'Voices'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- steady, consistent energy levels
- dark, reflective mood exploration
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues the band's evolution with strong themes and musicianship after their reunion.
- Themes
- societal skepticism· internal struggles
- Career context
- Alice in Chains released The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here as their second album since reuniting in 2005, following the critically acclaimed Black Gives Way to Blue. This record marked a continued evolution for the band, showcasing their resilience and creativity after the tragic loss of original frontman Layne Staley. It signified a mature phase in their career, solidifying their return to the rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soundgarden· Stone Temple Pilots· Pearl Jam
Tracklist
- 1 Hollow Start here 5:43
- 2 Pretty Done 4:35
- 3 Stone 4:22
- 4 Voices 5:42
- 5 The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here 6:38
- 6 Lab Monkey 5:58
- 7 Low Ceiling 5:15
- 8 Breath on a Window 5:19
- 9 Scalpel 5:21
- 10 Phantom Limb 7:07
- 11 Hung on a Hook 5:34
- 12 Choke 5:44
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
King Animal
Soundgarden
Shares a similar heavy riff-driven sound with introspective lyrics exploring personal and societal themes.
Koi No Yokan
Deftones
Combines dark, brooding atmospheres with existential themes and layered, haunting guitar work.
Lateralus
Tool
Explores deep philosophical themes with complex arrangements and a dark, immersive sonic landscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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