35 years ago today (August 21, 1990), Alice in Chains released their debut album Facelift—widely regarded as the first grunge record to break into the mainstream, arriving a full year before Nevermind and Ten. With Jerry Cantrell’s crushing yet melodic guitar riffs paired with Layne Staley’s haunting, unmistakable vocals, the band quickly stood out from their peers. Facelift earned them opening slots with Van Halen and a spot on the Clash of the Titans tour alongside Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer. Singles like “We Die Young,” “Man in the Box,” “Sea of Sorrow,” and “Bleed the Freak” became staples, setting the stage for the landmark releases Dirt and Jar of Flies. Watch Alice in Chains tear through “Man in the Box” live at Seattle’s Moore Theatre in 1990…