Soundgarden’s Final Songs Featuring Chris Cornell Reach Mixing Stage

Update from Matt Cameron

Soundgarden’s drummer Matt Cameron has announced that the band’s final songs featuring the late Chris Cornell are currently in the mixing stage. This development comes as a relief to fans who have eagerly awaited new music from the iconic band since Cornell’s tragic passing in May 2017.

Collaborative Efforts

The surviving members of Soundgarden have been diligently working to complete the tracks that were in progress at the time of Cornell’s death. They are collaborating with producer Terry Date, known for his work on albums like Deftones’ Around The Fur. The project comprises eight songs, all featuring Cornell’s distinct vocals, which are now being mixed by renowned sound engineer Joe Barresi, whose credits include work with bands like Tool and Avenged Sevenfold.

Legal Disputes and Delays

The journey to this mixing stage has not been without its challenges. The band faced an extensive legal battle with Chris Cornell’s widow, Vicky, which significantly delayed the release of new music. Fortunately, this dispute was resolved in 2023, allowing the band to move forward with their project.

Revealed Song Titles

During the legal proceedings, seven song titles were revealed, hinting at the thematic depth and creative direction of the upcoming release. The titles include:

• Road Less Traveled
• Orphans
• At Ophians Door
• Cancer
• Ahead Of The Dog
• Merrmas
• Stone Age Mind

Emotional Journey

In a recent appearance on the Let There Be Talk podcast, Cameron shared insights about the emotional journey of working on these tracks. He expressed, “I’d been listening to those demos since we recorded them together. And I always thought there’s three or four really, really strong songs. So, I’m really looking forward to getting it done and putting it out there.”

Expectations from Fans

Cameron also acknowledged the emotional weight that the music carries, saying, “I’m hoping the reaction won’t be too intense for people, but I know that it will be because it has been for us.” He noted that after spending so much time with the tracks, the band has developed a “callus” to the emotional aspects, focusing on completing the album, which he assures sounds distinctly like Soundgarden.

Future Release Plans

As for the release of the new music, Cameron stated, “We don’t really have a [release] date yet. We’re just gonna try to get this thing mixed, get it over the finish line, and then hopefully we’ll have a better idea what’s gonna come next. We’re just taking it one step at a time ’cause it’s been kind of a long process just to get to here.”

Conclusion

As Soundgarden takes this significant step towards releasing new music featuring Chris Cornell, fans remain hopeful and excited for what’s to come. The emotional journey, coupled with the band’s dedication to honoring Cornell’s legacy, promises to deliver a powerful musical experience.

FAQs

When did Chris Cornell pass away?

Chris Cornell passed away in May 2017.

How many songs are being released?

There are eight songs featuring Chris Cornell’s vocals that are currently being mixed.

Who is producing the new music?

The new music is being produced by Terry Date, a notable producer known for his work with several prominent bands.

When can fans expect the release of the new songs?

As of now, there is no specific release date. The band is focused on completing the mixing process before announcing a release timeline.