Kim Thayil Discusses Influential Metal Bands of the ’80s

In a recent interview on the Turned Out a Punk podcast, Kim Thayil, the iconic guitarist of Soundgarden, reflected on the metal bands that shaped his musical journey during the ’80s, a crucial period for his band as they were establishing their identity. Thayil’s forthcoming memoir, A Screaming Life: Into The Superunknown With Soundgarden and Beyond, serves as a backdrop for this enlightening conversation.

Soundgarden’s Early Days

Formed in 1984, Soundgarden emerged in a time before the term “grunge” had been coined. Their sound was characterized by its eccentricity and progressive elements, setting them apart from the mainstream rock that dominated the era. Thayil noted that despite being labeled a metal band, this classification did not resonate with the band members themselves.

Influences from the Metal Scene

During the podcast, Thayil shared his admiration for several influential metal bands of the time. “We liked Metallica, but that was different,” he remarked, highlighting the thrash metal scene’s crossover with punk. He noted that it was more independent and less oriented towards radio or MTV. Thayil mentioned being drawn to bands like Metal Church, Trouble, and Exodus, which played pivotal roles in shaping his musical tastes.

Interestingly, it was Mark Arm, a member of Green River and later Mudhoney, who introduced Thayil to Metallica’s groundbreaking debut album, Kill ‘Em All, and Exodus’ Bonded by Blood. Thayil recalled Arm’s excitement over Kirk Hammett’s rapid guitar work, which left a lasting impression on him.

Diverse Musical Influences

Thayil elaborated on the eclectic nature of Soundgarden’s sound, mentioning bands like Trouble and Saint Vitus, which both had a doom-oriented style. He acknowledged the stoner rock and doom influences present in their music, emphasizing the band’s versatility and willingness to explore various genres.

The Struggles with Categorization

Despite their unique sound, Thayil expressed frustration at the industry’s attempts to categorize Soundgarden. Record labels often failed to recognize the distinct sound that the band was cultivating, which diverged from traditional rock and metal. “And really it was Nirvana’s success that got that shit off of our back. Thank you, Nirvana,” Thayil acknowledged, appreciating the shift in perception that Nirvana’s rise brought to the Seattle music scene.

Nirvana and Industry Insights

Thayil also shared an interesting anecdote about his efforts to persuade Soundgarden’s label, A&M, to sign Nirvana when they were emerging. However, the label was hesitant, believing that two Seattle bands may not be necessary. This decision ultimately left Nirvana to find their own path to success.

Reflecting on the image of Soundgarden, Thayil mentioned that Chris Cornell’s striking looks could have led to a more commercial approach. He recalled discussions about possibly marketing Cornell with spandex and hairspray, but the band remained steadfast in their commitment to authenticity over commercial viability.

Conclusion

Soundgarden’s journey is a testament to the power of staying true to one’s artistic vision. Despite the challenges they faced in the early years, the band ultimately found massive success while remaining authentic to their sound. Kim Thayil’s reflections provide a fascinating insight into the influences and struggles that shaped one of the most iconic bands of the ’90s, and his memoir promises to shed even more light on this captivating story.

FAQs

What is Kim Thayil’s new memoir about?

Kim Thayil’s memoir, A Screaming Life: Into The Superunknown With Soundgarden and Beyond, discusses his experiences with Soundgarden and the broader music scene, detailing the band’s evolution and influences.

Which metal bands influenced Soundgarden in the ’80s?

Kim Thayil mentioned several influential metal bands, including Metallica, Metal Church, Trouble, and Exodus, which shaped Soundgarden’s musical style during their formative years.

How did Nirvana impact Soundgarden’s career?

Nirvana’s success helped shift the industry’s perception of Soundgarden, allowing them to escape the restrictive labels placed upon them and ultimately achieve recognition for their unique sound.