Soundgarden Hint at Unreleased Album with Lost Songs

Soundgarden have stirred anticipation with whispers of a potential album brimming with unreleased tracks. The band shared the tantalizing prospect on social media on May 18, marking the eighth anniversary of the passing of their iconic frontman, Chris Cornell.

The post came from bassist Ben Shepherd, who reflected on the band’s final days with Cornell. Just before the singer’s death, Soundgarden were crafting new material, and one song in particular has lingered in Shepherd’s mind. He wrote:

«It’s ‘The Road Less Traveled,’ penned by Chris and Matt [drummer Matt Cameron] for an album still without a name. Just hearing Chris’s voice lifts me—it’s like he’s still reaching out to everyone he knew, offering solace. He did that for me when I was drowning in debt and self-doubt. His voice carried a knowing tone, as if he saw my struggles and forgave me, as he always did, even as the elder among us.»

Shepherd revealed that those recording sessions were charged with «a staggering rush of awe, camaraderie, and creative fire» from the music and his bandmates. When he hears Cornell’s voice «from beyond the horizon,» it’s as if he feels «a mighty pulse of life.»

As early as 2023, reports surfaced that Soundgarden were preparing to release seven unheard tracks featuring Cornell. The band had been navigating legal matters with Vicky Cornell, the musician’s widow, to make this possible. The titles of the songs were unveiled then: «Cancer,» «Stone Age Mind,» «The Road Less Traveled,» «Orphans,» «At Ophians Door,» «Ahead of the Dog,» and «Merrmas.» Cornell wrote «Cancer» and «Stone Age Mind» solo, collaborated with Matt Cameron on «The Road Less Traveled,» «Orphans,» and «At Ophians Door,» teamed up with guitarist Kim Thayil for «Ahead of the Dog,» and worked with Shepherd on «Merrmas.» Yet, a release date for this long-awaited collection remains elusive.

In April, it was announced that Soundgarden will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. The ceremony, set for November 8 in Los Angeles, will also honor The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, and Joe Cocker.