Three whole years after the surprisingly strong comeback album Black Gives Way to Blue, it’s about time we get some more information on new material from ALICE IN CHAINS.

Scarce reports regarding the groups’  fifth studio album started coming in earlier this year, with the writing process postponed from 2011 because guitarist Jerry Cantrell underwent shoulder surgery; later, early 2013 was reported as a likely release date for their fifth album, and that seems to be the case now.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Jerry Cantrell shared a few words regarding the band’s new LP.

With the recording reportedly finished, the guitarist stated that making the follow-up to their first record with singer William Duvall was “like having to deal with the sophomore jinx for the second time in our career.”

The guitarist added, comparing the new,  Nick Raskulinecz-produced effort to Black Gives Way to Blue:

“In my opinion, that record stood up to anything else we’ve put out in our career. And this new one is right up there as well.”

Stay tuned for more news on ALICE IN CHAINS’ upcoming fifth record in the near future. The band are currently set to tour at least a few festival next year.