In a heartfelt new interview with Billboard, SOUNDGARDEN drummer Matt Cameron opened up about the status of the band’s unreleased recordings that feature late frontman Chris Cornell. These tracks, recorded before Cornell’s tragic death in May 2017, have remained highly anticipated among fans—and now there’s a promising update.
“There’s not a set release date or anything as of yet,” Cameron told Billboard.
“There were a couple schools of thought, like, ‘Hey, let’s put out a single.’ I think eventually we decided we want to make sure the whole thing is completed before we start releasing singles. I’m excited for people to hear it.”(Transcribed by Billboard)
This latest update brings hope that a full SOUNDGARDEN album may finally surface, though the timeline remains flexible. According to Cameron, significant progress has already been made.
“We’re definitely over halfway done with it. Kim [Thayil, SOUNDGARDEN guitarist] is in the process of finishing his guitar parts; he wants to make sure they get exactly the way he wants them.”
This suggests that the remaining work lies in perfecting the production and mixing process—ensuring that the final product does justice to Cornell’s iconic voice and the legacy of the band.
A Labor of Love and Loss
Working on the record has not only been technically demanding, but emotionally overwhelming for the surviving members of SOUNDGARDEN—Matt Cameron, Kim Thayil, and Ben Shepherd. In the same interview, Cameron shared how the process has stirred deep emotions and triggered moments of both grief and healing.
“Emotionally it’s been extreme highs and extreme lows,” Cameron admitted.
“Hearing [Cornell’s] voice on these powerful hard rock songs is the most empowering thing in the world for me. Then I listen to his voice soloed up when I’m working on stuff, or if Kim or Ben [Shepherd, SOUNDGARDEN bassist] is working on something, and it all comes back to the fact that he’s not with us and he left us in a way that has so many questions. It’s been gut-wrenching but at the same time very empowering.”(Transcribed by Billboard)
The Legacy of Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell’s voice defined an era of rock music, and the opportunity to hear his previously unreleased material is a gift for fans around the world. While the circumstances of his death continue to raise questions, his influence remains undeniable. These upcoming recordings represent more than just songs—they’re part of a final chapter, a way for both the band and the fans to reconnect with his spirit.
SOUNDGARDEN, known for pioneering the Seattle grunge movement alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains, has always been meticulous about their sound. It’s no surprise that the band is taking their time to ensure these final songs are crafted with the same intensity and precision as their earlier work.
No Rush—Just Respect
While there’s no official release date yet, Cameron’s comments show that the band is more concerned with getting it right than rushing to meet a deadline. This decision reflects a deep respect for Cornell‘s legacy and for the fans who’ve waited patiently for any sign of new music.
Industry insiders and fans alike hope that once the final guitar parts are laid down by Kim Thayil, the rest of the process—mixing, mastering, and release strategy—will follow smoothly. However, as Cameron noted, it’s about completion first, then promotion.
What Fans Can Expect
The sound of this unfinished record is still a mystery, but if Cameron’s words are any indicator, it will be both emotionally powerful and musically intense. With Ben Shepherd on bass, Kim Thayil’s signature guitar work, and Matt Cameron behind the kit, all anchored by Cornell’s unmistakable vocals, this project is shaping up to be a poignant final act for one of rock’s most influential bands.
