After more than three years since their last studio album, the platinum Seattle

grunge/metal band Alice in Chains reconvened in an L.A. studio last weekend to work on

several new songs toward a possible new record, according to a source close to the

group.

"The process has begun," said the source, who requested anonymity. "But it's hard to say

if the stuff they're working on will be for a new album, or the box set, or what."

A multi-CD box set with the working title of Men in a Box was touted by the band's

label, Columbia, last year, in an ad in Billboard magazine. But Alice in Chains'

handlers quickly squashed speculation about the set, saying that the ad was very

premature.

Meanwhile, the group's lead singer, Layne Staley, who has been public about his

continuing battle with drugs, and who has addressed the subject in songs such as

"Sludge Factory" (RealAudio excerpt), from the band's third and most recent full-length studio album, 1995's

Alice in Chains, is said to be ready to get back to the business of making music.

The group entered the unnamed L.A. studio last weekend, with all members present.

That included guitarist Jerry Cantrell, who -- along with drummer Sean Kinney -- is

currently on the road in support of his recently released solo debut, Boggy Depot.

Cantrell is touring as a support act for heavy-metal superstars Metallica. Alice in Chains

also feature bass player Mike Inez.

The source said that, in addition to working on two new songs, the band rehearsed some

of its old material, although there are currently no plans for any live appearances. "We

don't know the destination of these songs," the source said. "We'll see what spawns out

of this."

The band's Columbia Records label said it was not aware of the group doing any

recording or rehearsing. "We haven't heard anything," said a representative, who also

requested anonymity. "There's always the thought of doing the box set, but we don't

know when, or if, that would be."

Alice in Chains formed in 1987 and released their debut, Face Lift, in 1990. That

album featured the group's signature hit, "Man in a Box," which was nominated for a

Grammy.