In a gripping interview with KOMO News, SOUNDGARDEN's axe-slinger Kim Thayil divulged the painstaking process behind the band’s forthcoming album, which is set to feature unreleased tracks recorded during the final days of the iconic Chris Cornell. Thayil, along with drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd, is collaborating with the legendary producer Terry Date, a name synonymous with the band’s earlier masterpieces like "Louder Than Love" and "Badmotorfinger." This isn't just another studio session; it’s a deep dive into a legacy that still reverberates through the metal landscape.
Thayil described the recording process as nothing short of forensic, noting, "We had to tear it all apart and kind of piece it back together." Unlike conventional album-making, where song ideas are mapped out and fleshed out in a linear fashion, this project demands a unique approach. The songs may have been penned, but the performances required a delicate touch to honor the work of their fallen comrade while navigating the emotional weight of creating without him. It’s a balancing act that’s both exhilarating and daunting, as they grapple with the responsibility to deliver a product worthy of Cornell’s extraordinary talent.
When asked about his favorite track from the new material, Thayil admitted, "That's always changing." This fluidity speaks to the evolution of their sound and the complexity of their emotional landscape as they sift through years of unreleased gems. The guitarist hints at an introspective journey that blends the ethereal with the raw, likening the sound to a "lullaby paired with psychedelia." It’s a tantalizing preview of what fans can expect – a SOUNDGARDEN that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
As for the timeline, the band remains in a legal labyrinth, negotiating with their record label to iron out contractual hurdles before they can unveil this much-anticipated opus. Thayil revealed, "We don’t have a release date yet," emphasizing the nuanced challenges they face while coordinating their collective efforts. It’s a reminder that even rock legends must navigate the treacherous waters of the music industry.
The mixing sessions are already underway with Joe Barresi at the helm, a producer known for his work with heavyweights like AVENGED SEVENFOLD and SLIPKNOT. This collaboration signals a commitment to sonic excellence and a tribute to the band’s storied past as they forge ahead.
With the ghosts of their history and the memory of Chris Cornell looming large, Thayil and his bandmates are determined to do justice to this new material. As they work to finalize what could be one of the most significant chapters in SOUNDGARDEN's legacy, fans are left eagerly anticipating a sound that promises to bridge the gap between the past and the future.