Alice in Chains reissue ‘Jar of Flies’ with dead flies pressed into vinyl
To celebrate 30 years of the release, grunge heroes Alice in Chains have reissued a version of their 1994 EP Jar of Flies, which features real dead flies pressed into it.
The record was written after the intense tour of the group’s 1992 album, Dirt. A drug-fuelled experience, this ultimately saw original bassist Mike Starr dismissed due to his heavy narcotic abuse. Due to being primarily written on tour buses, their reluctance to play through loud amps, and difficulties embedding new bassist Mike Inez, Jar of Flies draws heavily on acoustic guitars.
Furthermore, the condition of frontman Layne Staley deteriorated during this period, and despite its success, Alice in Chains opted not to tour it. Instead, Staley entered a rehab clinic after it was completed, then not long after, linked up with the grunge supergroup Mad Season.
To coincide with the 30 year anniversary of their third studio EP, Alice in Chains have collaborated with Romanus Records to bring a limited edition clear vinyl with dead flies pressed into it to life. Only 150 units were made and sold at $100 (£79) each, which sold-out immediately.
On social media, Romanus’ Chris Banta wrote: “Actually pretty difficult to get a hold of real dead flies”. He added: “Absolutely iconic band, album, and more. Video and more behind-the-scenes content to come!”
Luckily for fans, it’s not just the fly-themed pressings Alice in Chains are releasing. They’ve also arrived with a limited edition, 30th-anniversary box set of the record. This collection contains a logo-featuring jar with a touch-activated red LED light and faux flies, 3D lenticular cover art, a Jar Of Flies tri-colour vinyl, a 60-page hardcover book and a 24″ x 24″ double-sided poster. It is packaged in a screen-printed, UV-coated 4.5″ H shadow box.
Listen to the EP below.
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