Which Rock Album from 1995 Stands Out: Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness or Alice in Chains’ Self-Titled Masterpiece? Both iconic albums are commemorating their 30th anniversaries this year, and for this week’s thrilling installment of Chuck’s Fight Club on Loudwire Nights, we are putting them head-to-head in an exciting musical showdown.

On one side, we have the remarkably ambitious double album by the Smashing Pumpkins, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. This groundbreaking record showcased the band’s heaviest and most profound moments, exemplified by the haunting track “Bullet With Butterfly Wings.” It also evoked feelings of nostalgia with the unforgettable “1979” and displayed orchestral brilliance on “Tonight, Tonight.” Additional standout tracks like “Zero,” “Thirty-Three,” and “Muzzle” solidified the album’s status as a timeless classic. This monumental work not only topped the Billboard 200 charts but has also achieved Diamond certification, confirming its massive impact on the music scene.

Conversely, Alice in Chains delivered a powerful exploration of darkness and melancholy in their self-titled 1995 album. This deeply emotional recording marked the final studio effort featuring the legendary singer Layne Staley, as the band delved into themes of sadness, depression, and personal struggle. The hit singles “Grind” and “Again” received Grammy nominations, highlighting their artistic excellence, while the mid-tempo track “Heaven Beside You” achieved remarkable success as a Top 5 rock radio hit. The song “Over Now” gained renewed attention following its feature on the MTV Unplugged special, further enhancing the album’s legacy. This self-titled collection also topped the Billboard charts and has been certified double platinum, showcasing its significant influence in rock music.

READ MORE: Every Alice in Chains Song Featuring Layne Staley (Ranked)

As is customary with all Chuck’s Fight Club matchups, Loudwire Nights host Chuck Armstrong will kick off the battle during the 8 PM hour of Monday’s show. Each album will be passionately defended on Tuesday and Wednesday’s episodes, allowing listeners to weigh in and rank their favorites using the voting tool provided below. The final votes will be counted on Friday afternoon, and the winning album will be spotlighted in a special Loudwire Nights rock block during the 8 PM hour on Friday’s show.

A quick reminder: Loudwire Nights with Chuck Armstrong airs nightly beginning at 7 PM ET. You can listen live anytime, from anywhere, by visiting right here or by downloading the Loudwire app for your mobile device.