Soundgarden's Epic Finale: Chris Cornell's Vocals Unearthed for Band's Last Album!

Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron has revealed that the surviving members of the band are currently mixing the last recordings made with their late singer, Chris Cornell. These tracks, produced by Terry Date who previously helmed "Louder Than Love" (1989) and "Badmotorfinger" (1991), are destined for an eight-track LP. Cameron shared these details on the "Let There Be Talk" podcast with Dean Delray.

The genesis of these recordings dates back to 2013-2014, with band members exchanging demos. Cameron recounted sending instrumental tracks to Cornell, who would then rearrange them and add vocals. By 2015-2016, the band, including guitarist Kim Thayil and bassist Ben Shepherd, began collaborating in studios, actively preparing for a new album before their final tour in 2017. Their rehearsals were recorded, and they wrote a significant amount of material together.

The current mixing process involves combining Cornell's vocals from these earlier demos with the music the band had collectively written. Cameron noted that some material from their live rehearsals, where Cornell also played guitar, would be featured. The album's mixing is currently being handled by Joe Barresi, known for his work with bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Bad Religion. Cameron explained that the eight-track list comprises "pretty much all there is with vocals," though Thayil might develop some leftover instrumentals in the future.

While no release date has been set, the band's immediate goal is to complete the project. Cameron acknowledged the long and emotionally challenging process, stating that he and his bandmates have developed a "callus" to the emotional aspect of listening to these recordings repeatedly since they were made. He expressed anticipation for the album's release, noting that there are three or four "really, really strong songs," and confirming that it "sounds like Soundgarden."

Earlier reports from Blabbermouth quoted Kim Thayil describing the album's creation as a "very untraditional" and "forensic" process. Thayil explained that they are working to fill in gaps and complete songs using Cornell's existing vocal and guitar parts. He highlighted the challenge of working "down a man" but affirmed that the process is yielding great results by building upon what Cornell had completed. Chris Cornell tragically died by suicide in May 2017 in a Detroit hotel room, shortly after a Soundgarden performance, marking an end to the band's second phase which began with their reunion in 2010 after a 13-year hiatus.