Alice in Chains ‘Jar of Flies’ is a classic album that showcased the band’s unique sound and songwriting abilities. The 1994 EP, released between ‘Dirt’ and the self-titled album, became the first EP to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. To celebrate the album’s legacy, we’ve compiled a list of 9 facts about ‘Jar of Flies’ that only super fans would know.

1. Recorded in a week.
‘Jar of Flies’ was recorded in just seven days, which was an impressive feat for an album that went on to become a chart-topper.

2. It was meant to be a demo.
Initially, the songs on ‘Jar of Flies’ were intended to be a demo, but the band liked the rawness of the recordings so much that they released them as an EP.

3. The album was a departure from their usual sound.
‘Jar of Flies’ was a significant departure from the band’s usual heavy metal and grunge sound. The album featured a more stripped-down and acoustic sound, with instruments like the harmonica and the sitar.

4. The album’s title has a dark meaning.
‘Jar of Flies’ is a reference to the phrase “like a fly in a jar,” which describes feeling trapped and helpless. It was inspired by a science experiment in which a group of flies were trapped in a jar and eventually turned on each other.

5. Billboard chart.
‘Jar of Flies’ made history by becoming the first EP to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

6. It features guest musicians.
The album features guest musicians, including cellist Justine Foy and percussionist Rick Davies.

7. “No Excuses” in just 10 minutes.
The hit single “No Excuses” was written in just 10 minutes, according to the band.

8. The album’s artwork is symbolic.
The album’s artwork features a pair of wings, which are meant to represent the freedom and escape that the band found in making the album.

9. The EP was followed by a tour.
Following the release of ‘Jar of Flies,’ Alice in Chains embarked on an acoustic tour, which helped to solidify the band’s reputation as one of the most versatile and talented in the grunge scene.