Matt Cameron Confirms Soundgarden’s Last Album Is Already Halfway Finished.
By Music Desk | October 1, 2025
A Legacy Still Resonating
For fans of grunge and hard rock, the words “Soundgarden” carry a seismic weight. Alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains, the Seattle-based band defined the sound of the 1990s and left an imprint on modern rock that is still undeniable today. But in 2017, the sudden passing of frontman Chris Cornell seemed to silence the band forever, leaving unfinished songs, unreleased sessions, and a grieving fanbase wondering if the final chapter had already been written.
Now, drummer Matt Cameron has offered the most significant update in years: Soundgarden’s last studio album is already halfway completed. In a recent interview, Cameron revealed that the group—working with archival vocal tracks from Cornell—has managed to bring their unfinished material closer to realization, raising both hope and emotional weight among fans who have long dreamed of a proper farewell record.
The Shocking Revelation
Speaking candidly, Cameron explained that the surviving members—himself, guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Ben Shepherd—have been quietly at work, piecing together the fragments Cornell left behind. “We’ve got Chris’s vocals, we’ve got some demos, and we’ve been laying down our parts to support them,” Cameron said. “Right now, we’re about halfway done. It’s been emotional, it’s been challenging, but it feels right. It feels like Soundgarden.”
The news spread rapidly across the rock world, sparking both joy and cautious anticipation. For many, the thought of hearing Cornell’s voice on new material feels like a gift—a chance to reconnect with one of the most distinctive vocalists in rock history. Yet it also raises questions: How will the final product sound? Can an album constructed after such tragedy feel complete?
A Painful History
Soundgarden’s story is inseparable from Cornell’s artistry. Formed in 1984, the band rose from Seattle’s underground scene to global stardom, propelled by albums such as Badmotorfinger (1991), Superunknown (1994), and Down on the Upside (1996). Songs like “Black Hole Sun,” “Spoonman,” and “Fell on Black Days” defined a generation, combining heavy riffs with Cornell’s soaring, soul-torn vocals.
The group originally disbanded in 1997, but reunited in 2010, eventually releasing King Animal (2012). That record, now more than a decade old, seemed to herald a rebirth for Soundgarden. Plans for a follow-up were already underway when tragedy struck. On May 18, 2017, Cornell died by suicide in Detroit after a concert. He was 52 years old.
Since then, unfinished Soundgarden material has lingered in limbo, entangled in legal disputes between the band and Cornell’s estate, particularly his widow, Vicky Cornell. At the heart of the dispute were demo recordings Cornell had been working on at home. The band maintained that these tracks were meant to become part of Soundgarden’s next album, while the estate initially resisted releasing them.
In 2023, however, the parties announced a settlement, opening the door for the music to finally be completed. For the first time in years, the possibility of a final Soundgarden record felt real.
The Challenges of Resurrection
But reviving unfinished music is no simple task. Cornell’s demos reportedly exist in various stages of completion—some nearly finished, others just fragments. This makes the surviving band members not only performers but also archivists, interpreters, and, in a sense, collaborators with the ghost of their frontman.
Cameron admitted the process is delicate: “It’s a balancing act. We don’t want to overproduce or change what Chris intended. We’re just trying to serve the songs, to give them the structure and weight they deserve. At the same time, we’re aware that this will likely be the last Soundgarden album. It has to feel authentic.”
Fans and critics alike have drawn comparisons to other posthumous releases in rock history. When Queen completed Made in Heaven (1995) using Freddie Mercury’s final vocal takes, the result was both haunting and triumphant. Similarly, Nirvana fans have long speculated on unfinished Kurt Cobain material, though nothing equivalent to a final album has ever materialized. For Soundgarden, the stakes are clear: this project will not just be another record, but a definitive statement on their legacy.
What We Know About the Album So Far
Details remain scarce, but sources close to the band suggest the album could feature anywhere from 7 to 10 tracks. The music, Cameron hinted, leans toward the darker, heavier side of Soundgarden’s spectrum—something akin to Badmotorfinger or the more brooding cuts on Superunknown.
Kim Thayil, in earlier interviews, has spoken of his excitement to finally complete the work. “It’s bittersweet,” he said in 2023. “We know this will be the last Soundgarden album, but we also know that Chris wanted these songs out in the world. That’s what keeps us going.”
The band has not yet confirmed a release date, though industry insiders speculate that 2026 could be realistic if recording continues at its current pace.
Fan Reactions: Hope, Grief, and Anticipation
The news has sparked an outpouring of emotion across social media. On Reddit forums dedicated to Soundgarden, fans expressed a mix of excitement and sorrow.
One commenter wrote: “I’ve been waiting for this since 2017. Hearing Chris’s voice again will be like reopening a wound, but also like getting closure.”
Another added: “As long as it’s handled with love and respect, this album will be a gift to all of us who grew up with their music.”
Some, however, remain skeptical. Posthumous projects often carry controversy, with fans worrying about authenticity, commercial exploitation, or overproduction that drowns out the original artist’s vision. For Soundgarden, the trust rests largely in Cameron, Thayil, and Shepherd—three musicians who have spent decades shaping the band’s sound alongside Cornell.
Beyond the Album: Preserving Cornell’s Legacy
For many, the album represents not just a Soundgarden project, but also a way to honor Cornell’s legacy as a songwriter and performer. Since his death, tributes have poured in from across the music world, from Pearl Jam to Metallica to younger artists who cite him as an influence.
Cornell’s solo work, particularly the haunting Euphoria Mourning (1999) and his later acoustic tours, showcased a versatility and depth rare in rock frontmen. His voice—capable of both feral screams and delicate falsetto—remains one of the most admired in modern music.
Cameron acknowledged this in his interview: “Chris’s voice is still with us. Every time we hit play in the studio, it’s like he’s in the room again. That’s what makes this both hard and beautiful.”
A Final Bow for a Grunge Giant
If completed, the upcoming record will stand as Soundgarden’s swan song—a final contribution to the grunge movement they helped create. In an era when nostalgia tours and legacy bands dominate rock, Soundgarden’s farewell album will be something different: not a repetition of old hits, but a closing statement from a band that once reshaped the musical landscape.
It’s impossible to predict how the album will be received. Some fans may find it too painful to listen to, while others will embrace it as a long-awaited gift. But one thing is certain: it will cement Soundgarden’s place in history, ensuring that Chris Cornell’s final songs do not fade into silence.
Conclusion: Halfway There, But Fully Needed
Matt Cameron’s revelation that Soundgarden’s last album is halfway done is more than just music news—it’s a cultural moment. For a generation that grew up in the shadow of Seattle’s grunge explosion, this album represents closure, legacy, and remembrance.
As the band continues its painstaking work, one truth emerges: Soundgarden is determined to let their story end on their own terms, with Cornell’s voice leading the way. And for millions of fans still haunted by that voice, the wait—no matter how long—will be worth it.
