The surviving members of Soundgarden are continuing work on the long-awaited posthumous album built around unreleased recordings made with Chris Cornell before the singer\u2019s death in 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a new interview with LifeMinute, guitarist Kim Thayil discussed the ongoing process behind the material, confirming that he, drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd are still collaborating with producer Terry Date, who previously worked on classic Soundgarden albums such as Louder Than Love (1989) and Badmotorfinger (1991).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Thayil, some of the songs have existed for more than a decade and were developed in various stages before Cornell\u2019s passing. \u201cThis material has been in existence for over 10 years in some cases, 14, 15 years,\u201d the guitarist explained. \u201cIt was in various stages of writing, sharing, learning and recording.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The musician added that most of the songwriting had already been completed and that the current work is mainly focused on finishing recordings and expanding ideas that originally existed as rough demos and sketches. \u201cThere were things demoed by me, Matt, Chris and Ben. But they were very rough demos, sketches,\u201d he said. \u201cNow we need to finish those sketches.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thayil also emphasized that the process has been very different from previous Soundgarden albums, largely because there is no traditional label pressure or strict production schedule involved. \u201cThere isn\u2019t a record label budgeting time and money,\u201d he explained. \u201cWith everyone\u2019s professional and family obligations, we have to coordinate and find the time to work on it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the complexity surrounding the project, the guitarist stated that completing the album carries enormous emotional and artistic importance for the remaining members of the band. \u201cIt\u2019s very, very important to all of us,\u201d Thayil said. \u201cIt\u2019s important for the legacy of Soundgarden. It\u2019s important for the legacy of Chris Cornell. It\u2019s about doing right by our collective work and our friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since Chris Cornell\u2019s death in May 2017, the future of Soundgarden has remained uncertain. Over the years, the band and Cornell\u2019s estate were involved in legal disputes concerning unreleased recordings and ownership of unfinished material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While there is still no official release date or confirmed details surrounding the album, Thayil\u2019s latest comments make it clear that work continues on what could become the final musical chapter of Soundgarden alongside the voice of Chris Cornell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n