Full Breakdown
Soundgarden Nears Completion of Final Album Featuring Chris Cornell
11/23/2025, 1:14:42 PM
Progress on the Album
Soundgarden has announced that they are “pretty close” to finishing their new album, which features vocals from the late Chris Cornell. This update comes as the band reflects on the eight-year anniversary of Cornell’s passing, during which they hinted at working on a collection of songs written before his death. In 2023, the band resolved a legal dispute with Cornell’s estate, which included rights to several unreleased tracks. The band is collaborating with producer Terry Date, known for his work on their earlier albums, “Louder Than Love” and “Badmotorfinger.” Drummer Matt Cameron described the new recordings as reminiscent of the classic Soundgarden sound, stating, “There’s very familiar elements in some of this new music.”
Emotional Reflections
Cameron expressed a mix of excitement and bittersweet feelings about the project, noting that hearing Cornell’s voice again is both empowering and gut-wrenching. Bassist Ben Shepherd shared similar sentiments, describing the experience of bringing Cornell’s previously recorded songs to life as invigorating. He remarked, “To hear… a song or two Chris brought in a few years ago turn before my very ears… is like feeling a glacier fall away off your chest.” This emotional connection to Cornell’s legacy is a driving force behind the album's completion.
Recent Recognition
In addition to their album progress, Soundgarden was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony featured a performance by the surviving members alongside Cornell’s daughter, highlighting the band's enduring impact on the music scene. Jim Carrey, who inducted the band, humorously recalled the excitement of discovering Soundgarden during the Seattle music explosion, emphasizing their significant role in revitalizing rock music.
New Collective Formation
In July, members of Soundgarden, along with musicians from Alice In Chains and Mastodon, formed a new collective named King Ultramega. This group aims to perform songs by Chris Cornell, further celebrating his contributions to music and keeping his legacy alive.
Official Statements & Responses
The band members have expressed their pride in the music they are creating, with Cameron stating, “I’m super proud of the music that we did put together.” The collaborative effort with Date has been described as a rewarding experience, as they navigate the complexities of working without Cornell while honoring his memory through their music.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s very familiar elements in some of this new music,” — Matt Cameron, Drummer
- “To hear, as a fan… and band member, a song or two Chris brought in a few years ago turn before my very ears and finger blisters into a full blown Soundgarden tune is like feeling a glacier fall away off your chest.” — Ben Shepherd, Bassist
- “ Recommended Cameron made similar comments in September, saying: “Hearing [Cornell’s] voice on these powerful hard rock songs is the most empowering thing in the world for me.” — Matt Cameron, Drummer
- “Jim Carrey inducted them, quipping: “When the Seattle music scene exploded, it resurrected rock and roll for me.” — Jim Carrey, Actor and Comedian
As Soundgarden approaches the completion of their final album, the band continues to navigate the emotional landscape of creating music that honors Chris Cornell's legacy while also celebrating their own artistic journey.
