Matt Cameron: Soundgarden’s Final Album Is Being Mixed

Soundgarden is approaching the final stages of completing their last studio album, a project that spans nearly a decade and features the late Chris Cornell's recorded vocals. Drummer Matt Cameron recently disclosed that the band is actively mixing this anticipated record, which comprises eight tracks showcasing Cornell’s voice prior to his death in 2017.

The mixing process is being handled by Joe Barresi, who also worked on Soundgarden's previous studio effort, King Animal, released in 2012. This continuity in production personnel suggests an effort to maintain the sonic integrity and identity associated with the band's later work. However, as Cameron indicated, the album's release date has yet to be determined, with the band focusing primarily on finalizing the mixing phase before making further announcements.

This forthcoming collection represents the culmination of an extended creative process that began with the exchange of demos as early as 2013 or 2014. During this period, Cameron and Cornell collaborated remotely, with Cornell restructuring and layering vocals atop the developing instrumental tracks. Their collaborative efforts intensified around 2015 and 2016, when they convened in various studios to advance the project in preparation for a tour scheduled in 2017.

Cameron elaborated that the material being incorporated includes recordings from rehearsals, some of which feature Cornell on guitar, alongside vocal takes from the demos constructed by Cornell himself. This melding of rehearsal sessions and demo vocals illustrates a unique approach to posthumous production, aiming to respect the original artistic intent while completing unfinished work.

The album consists of eight songs containing vocals, though additional instrumental pieces remain in the pipeline. Guitarist Kim Thayil has expressed interest in refining these remaining instrumentals, opening the possibility of future collaborations or new material emerging from this creative foundation.

In parallel with the mixing, Soundgarden enlisted producer Terry Date late last year to assist in completing the recording process. Date's involvement adds historical resonance, as he previously worked on pivotal Soundgarden albums such as Louder Than Love and Badmotorfinger, anchoring the new work within the band’s established legacy.

Prior to this recent progress, the project was delayed due to legal disputes involving Cornell’s widow, Vicky Cornell. These issues have since been resolved by 2023, allowing the surviving band members to move forward with the finalization of the album.

While specifics on the release timeline remain scarce, the band is taking a measured approach, prioritizing the completion of mixing and assessing subsequent steps. This cautious progression underscores the sensitivity surrounding the project and the desire to honor Cornell's memory through a carefully crafted final statement.

As Soundgarden navigates this complex creative and emotional terrain, fans anticipate the opportunity to experience one last chapter from a band that helped define grunge and alternative rock. The forthcoming album not only serves as a tribute to Cornell's enduring influence but also as a testament to the collaborative spirit that persisted among the band members despite profound loss.

Further details about the album’s release and potential additional projects stemming from leftover material are expected once the mixing concludes. Until then, the music community watches closely as Soundgarden prepares to close this significant chapter in their storied career.