Soundgarden hints at unfinished album eight years after Chris Cornell’s death

Cornell passed away in May 2017, following a show in Detroit. Since then, the band has been involved in legal disputes with Cornell’s widow, Vicky Cornell, over various royalties and rights to unreleased material. In recent years, both sides have reportedly made progress toward resolving issues, opening the door for a possible posthumous release.

In conversation with Rolling Stone, Guitarist Kim Thayil explained how the band is interested in finishing the album they were working on at the time of Cornell’s death. “It would be a great gift to the fans […] I feel like it’s a gift to Chris too.” Thayil added that any decision must involve bandmates Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd.

Soundgarden’s official Instagram account recently shared a post from Shepherd, who had reflected on the anniversary and mentioned a song titled The Road Less Traveled, co-written by Cornell and Cameron. “It’s a song for our album that has yet to be named,” Shepherd wrote.

The post, including a personal tribute to Cornell, described the emotional experience of hearing his voice again during playback sessions. “To hear, as a fan and band member, a song or two Chris brought in a few years ago turn before my very ears and finger blisters into a full-blown Soundgarden tune is like feeling a glacier fall away off your chest,” Shepherd wrote.

Following news of their upcoming induction, the band is also expected to appear at this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in November.