Soundgarden's Final Album: Honoring Chris Cornell's Legacy
Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil recently shared that the band's upcoming final album, which will feature recordings of the late singer Chris Cornell, is expected to be released in 2027. Thayil mentioned that they have been working on the project for several years and did not rule out the possibility of touring to support the album. Despite the challenges of working with the material left by Cornell after his passing in 2017, the band is determined to ensure everything is done right.
Thayil revealed that he had written the music for at least two songs on the album, with one of them also featuring his lyrics. He explained the collaborative process with Cornell, where he would submit music for Chris to write lyrics, and they would adjust the song structure to fit both the lyrics and the instrumental dynamics. The album is expected to contain around eight or nine songs, with the final number to be decided by the band members and the producer.
The band members are balancing work on the album with their other commitments, aiming for a release date in the coming year. Thayil mentioned the challenges of scheduling studio time around their busy schedules, including his book release, Matt Cameron's Pearl Jam activities, and previous Soundgarden engagements. The possibility of touring with a guest vocalist or multiple guest vocalists to promote the album is being considered, as the band wants to honor the collaborative nature of the songs they created together.
Thayil emphasized the significance of the album in the band's and Chris Cornell's legacies, acknowledging the heightened interest surrounding the release. They are focused on ensuring that the album is of the highest quality, as it will be their final studio album. The band's dedication to the material and their desire to honor their legacy and that of Chris Cornell is evident in their approach to completing the album.