As the remaining members of Soundgarden celebrate their recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a significant project continues to linger in an unfinished state: their final album featuring the iconic late frontman Chris Cornell. This much-anticipated LP, which has remained in a state of limbo within the rock community, holds the promise of showcasing the band’s creative evolution.

For several years, this album has been trapped in a contentious situation akin to rock purgatory. In 2019 and 2020, a series of lawsuits unfolded between Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell, Chris’ widow. Vicky alleged that the surviving members were excluding her from Chris’ royalty payments, while the band countered that she misappropriated funds raised during a tribute concert in 2019 for personal expenses. This legal turmoil put unreleased Soundgarden material at the center of the conflict, and although a settlement was reached in 2023, it fell short of fully resolving the anticipated issues.

Despite the surrounding drama, fans of Soundgarden have maintained their hope that the unreleased material featuring Cornell will eventually be made available. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, guitarist Kim Thayil confirmed that the completion of this project remains a priority for the band, fueling excitement among their dedicated fanbase.

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“Our primary objective has always been to finalize that [album],” Thayil emphasized. “I probably have enough OCD to not want to leave something unfinished or incomplete like that. The more we can focus on our body of work and our catalog, the better. I believe everyone in the band shares that sentiment. It’s not just about my contributions but about the collective work, particularly the cherished legacy of Chris.”

Releasing the Final Soundgarden Album: A Meaningful Tribute to Fans and Chris Cornell

“I take pride in what I created, and I am eager to see it released,” Thayil elaborated. “This album doesn’t exist in isolation; it is a collaborative effort with Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd, and Chris. It carries a deeper significance when you consider what it represents—honoring our past and the legacy we are commemorating. This project embodies our collective spirit. We want to do it justice, and that desire is undoubtedly one of the most personal aspects of what Soundgarden has represented since its inception in 1984.”

“Completing this album would be a tremendous gift to our fans,” Thayil remarked. “I often ponder this, and perhaps it sounds odd, but I believe it would also serve as a tribute to Chris himself.”

The most recent album released by Soundgarden during Cornell’s lifetime was King Animal, which debuted in 2012 and was well-received, showcasing the band’s enduring talent and creativity.