In support of his new record titled “Brighten,” Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell’s Brighten tour stopped at The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey.

The Wellmont Theatre is such a beautiful venue and it’s where I saw one of my first concerts, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators on their Living The Dream Tour back in 2018.

Before Cantrell hit the stage, the all-female Thunderpussy warmed up the chilly Jersey crowd.

I had never heard of Thunderpussy before and was not sure what to make of them before they hit the stage.

Once they performed, they commanded the state from the very beginning. They really have a cool vibe about them and they are a no hold barred, take no prisoners band that could very well be headlining their own shows very soon.

Following Thunderpussy was the man that everyone was waiting for, Jerry Cantrell.

The opening act didn’t fill the entire room with fans since they were the openers but it became very obvious that everyone was excited to see Cantrel.

There was a sort of mini push forward toward the stage as Cantrell appeared and played through his first song which was “Atone” which is also the first song off his brand-new solo record.

I was surprised to see how many fans already knew every word of his new material from the new record. He played five different songs from the new album. The already mentioned “Atone,” “Black Hearts and Evil Done,” Brighten,” Had to Know” and “Siren Song” all were mixed in the setlist with other Alice In Chains hits.

I was so happy to hear that the band played my two all-time favorite AIC songs, “Check My Brain,” off of 2009’s “Black Gives Way to Blue,” and the fan favorite “Man In The Box” off of the 1990 debut record titled “Facelift.”

Jerry Cantrell has some presence about him while he’s on stage and everyone takes notice. After my three songs to do photography were up, I was watching Cantrell prowl across the stage and he gives off such a badass rock and roll vibe that not many can mimic.

As someone who, before coming to the show wasn’t a big AIC fan and didn’t know their music that well, really opened my eyes up to not only AIC songs but also Cantrell songs.

With Cantrell as a solo artist, his voice is just so cool and it’s just different than what you would think a normal lead singer would sound like. It’s a lower, heavier voice but at the same time, it has that smooth sound to it that gives it its soul.

I am really glad I was able to catch this tour over spring break. It cracked my top 20 concerts I’ve seen, ever. It’s not an easy feat to do so if it is able to reach my top 20 then you know it must have been a good show.

The tour continues through the east coast until the end of March when it slowly starts to head out west so go see Cantrell while you still can.