"Jar of Flies" is the third studio EP by the American rock band Alice in Chains, released on January 25, 1994, through Columbia Records. This marks the band's first record featuring bassist Mike Inez. The album has a distinctively moody and acoustic style, which is a departure from the hard rock style of the band's previous albums.
The album was written and recorded in one week, a decision spurred by the band's need to decompress after their extensive, grueling tour for the previous album, "Dirt". Despite the hurried writing process, "Jar of Flies" is often noted for its introspective lyrics and harmonized vocals.
Upon its release, "Jar of Flies" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, becoming the first-ever EP—and the first Alice in Chains release—to top the charts. It was given double-platinum certification, and it has gone on to become one of the band's best-selling releases to date. The album spawned two top 10 hits on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, "No Excuses" and "I Stay Away".
Reception to the album was largely positive, with critics praising the band's experimentation and maturity in their songwriting. Despite its brevity, "Jar of Flies" is often considered one of the defining albums of the 1990s alternative rock movement, highlighting Alice in Chains' unique blend of grunge and heavy metal.
