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The long-dormant gears of one of grunge’s most powerful machines are finally turning again. In a gripping new interview with LifeMinute, guitarist Kim Thayil has confirmed that the surviving members of Soundgarden are “pretty close” to completing a final studio album featuring the last recordings of the band with late frontman Chris Cornell.

Alongside drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd, Thayil has spent the last several months in the studio with legendary producer Terry Date, exhuming “sketches” of songs that have remained in the vault for over a decade. According to the band, hearing the tracks fleshed out for the first time elicited a singular reaction: “Holy hell. That’s Soundgarden.”

Exhuming the Sketches: A “New Chapter” for the Band

The material being addressed isn’t a collection of Chris Cornell solo outtakes; it is a collaborative Soundgarden record that was in various stages of writing and demoing before Cornell’s tragic passing in 2017. Kim Thayil explained that while some of the material has existed for 15 years, the process of turning those “pencil sketches” into “oil paintings” is a heavy, coordinated effort.

“This material has been in existence for over 10 years in some cases,” Thayil shared. “It was in various stages of writing, sharing, learning, recording. So what we need to do is finish that process… It is doing right by our collective work. It is doing right by our partner and friend.”

Drummer Matt Cameron added that while much of the music carries the familiar Soundgarden weight, fans should prepare for a sonic evolution. “There were a couple songs that felt like it was kind of a new chapter or it could have been a new chapter. It’s really exciting to hear that. It’s bittersweet, of course.”

Check This Out – THE NORTHWEST INVASION: Best Grunge Albums Ranked – The 13 Most Essential Pillars of the Seattle Sound

The Return of Terry Date

To ensure the album maintains the band’s authentic grit, the surviving members reunited with producer Terry Date—the man who helmed the band’s masterworks Louder Than Love and Badmotorfinger. Thayil praised Date for his ability to “facilitate the band being the band” rather than imposing a signature production style.

Bassist Ben Shepherd recalled the moment the reality of the project hit home while listening to playbacks in the control room. “It was, like, ‘Holy hell. That’s Soundgarden. It’s so cool to hear it again.’” Thayil echoed this sentiment, noting that as they flesh out the demos, there is a clear “before and after” moment where the tracks definitively transform into the Soundgarden sound.

Performers Once More?

While the primary focus remains on finishing the record, the chemistry in the studio has reignited talk of the trio performing together again. Thayil noted that the “satisfaction of performing this material can only really happen with the three of us,” acknowledging the “window of opportunity” they currently have to share their collective legacy.

The band’s momentum follows their long-awaited induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 last November, a ceremony that proved the world is still hungry for the heavy, psychedelic sounds of the Seattle pioneers.

Also – Grunge’s Grunge-iest: 13 Bands That Defined the Genre

FAQ: The Final Soundgarden Album

Is this a Chris Cornell solo album? No. This is a Soundgarden album. The material consists of songs written, demoed, and performed by all four members (Thayil, Cameron, Shepherd, and Cornell) prior to 2017.

Who is producing the new Soundgarden music? The band is working with Terry Date, who previously produced the band’s landmark Badmotorfinger and Louder Than Love albums.

When was Soundgarden inducted into the Rock Hall? Soundgarden was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2025 in the Performer category.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of what’s happening in hard rock and metal on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast with Scott Penfold. Visit LoadedRadio.com or download our free app now.

TL;DR:

Kim Thayil has confirmed that Soundgarden is “pretty close” to finishing a new studio album featuring final recordings with Chris Cornell. Produced by Terry Date, the band describes the material as a “new chapter” that sounds like classic Soundgarden.

Will this final album be the definitive closure fans have waited a decade for, or is Soundgarden’s “new chapter” a risky move without Chris in the room? Let us know in the comments.

The post “Holy Hell, That’s Soundgarden”: Kim Thayil Confirms Band is “Pretty Close” to Finishing Final Album with Chris Cornell appeared first on Loaded Radio.

“Reignition” has also been reworked for this new record, with features John Medeski and more.

The post Darryl Jenifer Announces New Solo Album “The Weather Channel”, Shares Jazz Reworking Of Bad Brains’ “Sacred Love” appeared first on Theprp.com.

Months after abruptly canceling all of his 2026 tour plans, the singer gave an unexpected performance. Continue reading…

“…It’s gonna be so tasteful what we’re doing.”

The post Jack Osbourne On The Upcoming A.I. Digital Avatar Version Of Ozzy Osbourne: “I Know He Would Be Into This” appeared first on Theprp.com.

In a moment that has sent shockwaves through the heavy music community (okay maybe not totally), Beartooth frontman Caleb Shomo has officially come out as gay. Following months of intense online speculation, deleted social media accounts, and a radical aesthetic shift, the 33-year-old melodic metalcore icon took to Instagram today, May 23, 2026, to set the record straight. In a raw and deeply personal letter to his fans, Shomo revealed that he has spent over a decade burying his true self under layers of “self-loathing” and alcohol, finally choosing to embrace his identity as he prepares to release the most honest album of his career.

“Digging Up the Roots”: The Full Statement from Caleb Shomo

Addressing his fans directly via his official Instagram, Shomo did not mince words, choosing to face the speculation head-on to protect those he loves. Here is his statement in its entirety:

“There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding my personal life as of late and I feel compelled to set the record straight before it affects those I love any further.

I am a proudly gay man.

This is something I’ve been unpacking and reckoning with in my life for quite some time now. It’s been difficult to navigate the feelings surrounding the subject and figure out what to do with this fact.

When it comes to my art / Beartooth, I have always strived to chase who I am in the deepest part of my soul from album to album. As you could gather if you’ve followed the band at all in the earlier years, there are 4 very self deprecating albums about exploring my religious upbringing, depression, self hatred, self loathing, and hopelessness. I am grateful for all these albums, yet feel embarrassed at times that I wouldn’t allow myself to really dig up the roots for so long.

I spent a decade burying feelings with alcohol, and honestly when I decided to put it down and focus on exploring why I felt this way for so long, it’s been a direct path to me reconciling with my sexuality in hopes that it will eventually lead to me experiencing self love. One thing I decided before I wrote a single note of the upcoming album is that whatever happens, I will express myself whole heartedly and fully. Wherever it takes me I will follow and I refuse to water any part of it down, from the music, to the lyrical content, and way I portray myself. I will only do what makes me happy at the deepest level and what is the most honest depiction of who I am. I believe it’s impossible to love every part of you when you won’t face every part of you head on. I am trying to finally be proud of who I am and I think this is a massive part of that journey.

To those who have shown me love, empowerment through living life freely and openly in my presence, supporting the queer community, or simply telling me you love me whoever I am, I am forever in your debt and I hope you know what you mean to me.

I encourage anyone who’s struggling with who they are to give yourself grace. Give yourself patience. Be honest with yourself. Do the hard work instead of burying it down as deep as you physically can thinking it will change like I did. Holding these things in only hurt you and those around you.

Love you all, and hopefully this is a step in the right direction to loving myself one day. –Caleb Shomo”

Check Out – Metalcore Bands Ranked: The 13 That Actually Defined The Genre

From Backlash to Breakthrough: The Road to ‘Pure Ecstasy’

The announcement follows a tumultuous few months for the vocalist. In February 2026, Beartooth released the single “Free,” which featured Shomo adopting a significantly more androgynous and feminine aesthetic. The shift was met with a “fever pitch” of speculation and, unfortunately, a wave of homophobic backlash that led Shomo to temporarily delete his Instagram account.

Upon his return to social media earlier this month, fans noticed the absence of his wife of over ten years in recent photos, further fueling rumors about a major shift in his personal life. Shomo’s statement confirms that his journey toward sobriety was the catalyst for this self-discovery, leading directly into the creative process for the band’s upcoming album.

What This Means for ‘Pure Ecstasy’ (Out August 28)

Beartooth’s next studio album, Pure Ecstasy, is scheduled for release on August 28, 2026. Based on Shomo’s statement, the record will serve as a definitive departure from the “self-loathing” themes of the band’s first four albums. Shomo has promised a “whole-hearted” and “un-watered down” depiction of his life, potentially making Pure Ecstasy one of the most culturally significant releases in the history of modern metalcore.

Also – The 13 Metalcore Albums That Defined The Genre (And Still Haven’t Been Topped)

FAQ: Caleb Shomo Coming Out

When did Caleb Shomo come out? Caleb Shomo officially came out as a gay man via a statement on his Instagram on May 23, 2026.

What is the new Beartooth album called? The new album is titled Pure Ecstasy and is set to be released on August 28, 2026.

Was Caleb Shomo married? Yes, Caleb Shomo was married for over a decade. His recent statement alludes to “unpacking and reckoning” with his identity for some time, which fans believe led to the recent changes in his marital status noted on social media.

STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of what’s happening in hard rock and metal on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast with Scott Penfold. Visit LoadedRadio.com or download our free app now.

TL;DR:

Beartooth frontman Caleb Shomo officially came out as gay on May 23, 2026. He revealed that his journey to sobriety helped him reconcile with his sexuality and promised that the upcoming Beartooth album, Pure Ecstasy (due Aug 28), will be his most honest and unfiltered work to date.

Does Caleb Shomo’s bravery open a new door for authenticity in the metalcore scene, or will the “speculation” of the past few months leave a permanent mark on the band’s legacy? Let us know in the comments.

The post “I Am A Proudly Gay Man”: Beartooth’s Caleb Shomo Comes Out in Emotional, Unfiltered Statement appeared first on Loaded Radio.

“I love Spineshank, and every band member, and crew member are my family, and I need to be 100% every night for them, and most importantly the fans.”

The post Jason Hager Steps Down From Current Spineshank Tour To Address Mental & Physical Health Issues appeared first on Theprp.com.

Radiohead frontman on getting excited about new music and not obsessing over the past

His announcement follows months of speculation.

The post Beartooth’s Caleb Shomo Comes Out: “I Am A Proudly Gay Man” appeared first on Theprp.com.

Neil Young is back on stage. The music icon gave his first performance in almost exactly a year last night during his surprise appearance at a benefit concert for his friend David Suzuki. At Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre, he performed “Heart Of Gold” from 1972’s Harvest and “After The Gold Rush” from the 1970 LP of the same name.

The post Neil Young Makes Surprise Live Return At Vancouver Benefit Show appeared first on Stereogum.

Labels have learned that post-rockers will do whatever they want. But did anyone expect a collaboration with a pagan master and a 70-piece stone instrument over an Icelandic myth?