Soundgarden Confirms New Album Production Presenting Vocal Chris Cornell Is Almost Complete

Soundgarden (Instagram @instagram)

JAKARTA - Soundgarden fans can breathe a little relief. The legendary Seattle rock band confirms that they are very close to completing a new album, which will feature vocals of the late Chris Cornell.

This good news follows speculation and long-waiting after the band commemorated Cornell's eight-year departure in May.

At that time, the remaining personnel hinted that they were working on song material that had been written ahead of the vocalist's death.

What has been done is also a follow-up to a 2023 report that says Soundgarden has settled legal disputes with Cornell's heirs, including the rights to some unreleased songs.

Regarding the record status for the upcoming new songs, the personnel revealed that they are back in collaboration with Terry Date, the figure who produced the second and third albums Soundgarden, "Louder Than Love" and "Badmotorfinger".

This collaboration, according to them, produces footage that focuses heavily on the classic aesthetics of Soundgarden.

Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron said there are elements that are very familiar with some new musical material.

"There are some songs that feel like a new chapter or could be a new chapter. So, it's really nice to hear about it. Of course, this is sweet bitter," said Cameron, quoted by Blabbermouth, Sunday, November 23.

"I'm so excited that people hear it, our fans hear it. It's fun for us to work on it. And sometimes when we listen to it, it feels really strong," added the drummer. But, yes, I'm very proud of the music we've collected. And we're very close (to finish it). And, yes, it's great to have Terry in our team.

Previously, the Ben Shepherd base had talked about the extraordinary strength it felt when it heard Cornell's vocals being revived.

"I can say, it feels comfortable and refreshing to hear Chris sing from behind the horizon and hear a strong life... a strong life, from the sharing souls," said Shepherd.

Cameron also expressed a similar sentiment. "For me, hearing a sound (Cornell) on these powerful hard rock songs is the most empowering thing in the world. Then I listen to his solo voice while I'm working on the material, or if Kim or Ben is working on something, and it all goes back to the fact that he's not with us and he leaves us in a way that raises so many questions. It feels heart-stabbing, but at the same time it's very empowering."

The production of the new album further strengthens Soundgarden's eternal status, especially after early November, they have just been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

At the peak of the award, the surviving members performed with Cornell's daughter on the award night.

Outside of the new album project, last July, Soundgarden personnel along with musicians from Alice In Chains, Mastodon, and several other musicians, formed a new collective called King Ultramega. This collective was specially formed to play Chris Cornell' songs confirm that his musical legacy will continue to live.