Nearly eight years after the tragic loss of Chris Cornell, Soundgarden is set to honor the legacy of their iconic frontman with one last album. Known for shaping the grunge movement alongside bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, the group is preparing to release a long-anticipated studio project that will include Cornell’s previously unreleased vocals.
Guitarist Kim Thayil confirmed in a recent interview with Rolling Stone that the new album has been in the works for years. The recordings, laid down by Chris before his passing in 2017, have remained close to the hearts of his bandmates, who were determined to see the project through.
“We always intended to finish this album,” Kim said. “Maybe it’s my OCD, but I can’t leave something like that unfinished. It’s not just about my work—it’s about the band’s collective legacy, and especially Chris’ contributions.”
The album carries deep emotional weight for the band, serving both as a tribute to Cornell and a closing chapter in their decades-long journey together. “There’s pride in what we created, and it’s a reflection of all of us—Matt [Cameron], Ben [Shepherd], and Chris,” Kim added. “We want to do it justice, especially knowing what it represents.”
The band’s core lineup—Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, and bassist Ben Shepherd—reunited with Cornell in 2010 after years apart. Their last album with him, King Animal, came out in 2012, marking their first studio release in 16 years at the time.
Kim emphasized that completing this final record isn’t just about closure, but about giving something meaningful to fans and to Chris himself. “In a way, this feels like a gift. A gift to the fans, and a gift to Chris,” he said.
In addition to the upcoming release, Soundgarden will be inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. The honor includes recognition of founding bassist Hiro Yamamoto, who played on the band’s early albums. They join a class of inductees that features Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, the White Stripes, Bad Company, Salt-N-Pepa, Joe Cocker, and Chubby Checker.
Kim reflected on how much the Hall of Fame honor would have meant to Chris. After Cornell inducted Heart into the Hall in 2013, he gained a newfound respect for the recognition, which he later shared with his bandmates.
“He helped us understand what it actually represents,” Kim said. “We talked about it a few times, and he probably would’ve appreciated this moment more than anyone else. I think he would’ve been very proud.”
