Kim Thayil discusses Soundgarden’s unreleased last album

Soundgarden’s final album, which had been put on hiatus due to the tragic passing of vocalist Chris Cornell in 2017, might finally be released. After years of disputes with Cornell’s widow, Vicky Cornell, Soundgarden reached an agreement with her in April 2023. This agreement allowed for the completion and release of the songs that Soundgarden and Chris Cornell had been working on before his death. The announcement of this agreement was met with enthusiasm from fans, as it would honor Soundgarden’s legacy and Chris Cornell’s lasting impact on music.

However, despite the seeming resolution, drummer Matt Cameron revealed in November of the same year that the band was still embroiled in a dispute with the estate. The progress of the album was put on hold, but there was a silver lining when the names of several new songs and their authors were revealed in court filings. Some of the songs included “Road Less Traveled,” “Orphans,” “At Ophians Door,” and “Ahead Of The Dog,” among others.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil expressed optimism about the eventual release of the album, despite the legal hurdles. Thayil emphasized the band’s commitment to completing the project to honor their work as a collective, paying tribute to Chris Cornell and their shared history since 1984. He acknowledged the significance of releasing the album as a collaboration with his bandmates and paying homage to their collective efforts.

Thayil spoke about the importance of honoring the band’s legacy and the weight of completing the final album to do justice to their body of work. He underscored the collaborative nature of their music and the shared responsibility to see the album through to the finish. Thayil’s dedication to finishing the album was evident in his statement about not wanting to leave anything undone, especially something as meaningful as their final record with Chris Cornell.

In conclusion, while the release of Soundgarden’s final album has been delayed due to legal disputes, the band remains committed to completing the project in honor of their legacy and Chris Cornell’s contributions. The songs they had been working on reflect the collective effort of the band members, and their determination to see the album through highlights their dedication to their music and honoring their shared history. With hopes high for a future release, fans of Soundgarden eagerly anticipate the day when they can finally hear the band’s final songs.