 Alice in Chains soon became a top priority of the label , which released the band 's first official recording in July 1990 , a promotional EP called We Die Young . The EP 's lead single , " We Die Young " , became a hit on metal radio . After its success , the label rushed Alice in Chains ' debut album into production with producer Dave <unk> . Cantrell stated the album was intended to have a " moody <unk> " that was a " direct result of the brooding atmosphere and feel of Seattle " . 
