Soundgarden
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Hiro Yamamoto |
| Defunct | 1997; 2018 (second dissolution) |
| Fate | Band dissolved twice; reunited 2010–2017; sporadic reunions thereafter |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Chris Cornell (vocals, rhythm guitar, drums), Kim Thayil (lead guitar), Hiro Yamamoto (bass), Matt Cameron (drums), Ben Shepherd (bass) |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Number of employees | 5 (typical band lineup) |
| Website | soundgardenworld |
Soundgarden was a rock group from the United States, established in Seattle, Washington, in 1984 by vocalist and drummer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. In 1985, Cornell transitioned to rhythm guitar, with Scott Sundquist initially taking over drums before Matt Cameron assumed the role in 1986. After Yamamoto's departure in 1989, he was briefly succeeded by Jason Everman and then Ben Shepherd. The band dissolved in 1997 but reunited in 2010. Following Cornell's passing in 2017, Thayil confirmed the band's second dissolution in 2018. Members have reunited sporadically, including a tribute concert for Cornell in January 2019 and a benefit show in December 2024 under the moniker Nudedragons, featuring Shaina Shepherd on vocals.
As trailblazers of grunge, an alternative rock subgenre that developed in the Pacific Northwest during the mid-1980s, Soundgarden played a crucial role in bringing grunge to international audiences alongside contemporaries such as Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana. They were the inaugural grunge act to sign with Seattle’s Sub Pop label, releasing two EPs: Screaming Life (1987) and Fopp (1988). Their first full-length album, Ultramega OK (1988), issued through Los Angeles-based independent label SST Records, received critical praise and garnered their initial Grammy nomination despite limited commercial success. In 1988, Soundgarden became the first grunge band to secure a contract with a major label, A&M Records. Their sophomore album, Louder Than Love (1989), reached number 108 on the Billboard 200 chart and produced radio singles "Hands All Over" and "Loud Love".
The release of their third album, Badmotorfinger (1991), marked grunge’s breakthrough into mainstream music with tracks like "Jesus Christ Pose", "Outshined", and "Rusty Cage". It peaked at number 39 on the Billboard 200 and earned double-platinum certification from the RIAA. Their fourth studio effort, Superunknown (1994), debuted atop the Billboard 200 and included Grammy-winning singles "Spoonman" and "Black Hole Sun". The subsequent album, Down on the Upside (1996), opened at number two on the charts featuring hits such as "Pretty Noose", "Burden in My Hand", and "Blow Up the Outside World". Internal creative conflicts led to their breakup in 1997. After pursuing solo careers and other projects, they reunited in 2010; their final studio release, King Animal, came out under Republic Records in 2012.
By 2019, Soundgarden had sold upwards of 14 million albums within the United States and approximately 30 million worldwide. They were ranked number 14 on VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.
Origins and initial recordings (1984–1988)
Soundgarden emerged from an earlier Seattle band called the Shemps, active during the early 1980s and featuring bassist Hiro Yamamoto alongside drummer/vocalist Chris Cornell. After Yamamoto departed from that group, guitarist Kim Thayil joined as bassist. Thayil had relocated to Seattle from Park Forest, Illinois, accompanied by Yamamoto and Bruce Pavitt, who would later establish the independent label Sub Pop. Cornell and Yamamoto stayed connected and eventually began collaborating with Thayil following the Shemps’ dissolution.
Formed officially in 1984, Soundgarden’s original lineup consisted of Cornell handling drums and vocals, Yamamoto on bass, and Thayil playing guitar. The band’s name was inspired by a wind-harvesting pipe sculpture called A Sound Garden, located on property owned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration near Seattle’s Magnuson Park. In 1985, Scott Sundquist joined as drummer, enabling Cornell to concentrate solely on singing. This ensemble toured for roughly one year. Their earliest recordings—"Heretic," "Tears to Forget," and "All Your Lies"—were featured on the 1986 compilation Deep Six, released by C/Z Records, which also showcased tracks from other foundational grunge acts such as Green River and Melvins. That same year, Cornell’s then-girlfriend and future spouse, Susan Silver, took over management duties for the group. Sundquist departed later in 1986 to prioritize family commitments and was succeeded by former Skin Yard drummer Matt Cameron.
A live performance caught the attention of KCMU DJ Jonathan Poneman, who praised Soundgarden as "everything rock music should be." Poneman subsequently invested $20,000 to help transform Sub Pop into a fully operational record label alongside Bruce Pavitt. Soundgarden became one of Sub Pop’s first signees, releasing their debut single "Hunted Down" in 1987. Its B-side track "Nothing to Say" appeared on KCMU’s compilation Bands That Will Make Money, which attracted industry notice. Through Sub Pop, they issued the EPs Screaming Life in 1987 followed by Fopp in 1988; both were later combined into Screaming Life/Fopp released in 1990.
Ultramega OK, major label contract, and Louder Than Love (1988–1990)
In 1988, Soundgarden partnered with independent label SST Records and launched their first album, Ultramega OK, on October 31. Cornell later admitted that collaborating with the producer recommended by SST was a "major error" due to his lack of familiarity with the Seattle music environment. Steve Huey from AllMusic described the album's sound as a fusion of "Stooges/MC5-influences combined with Zeppelin/Sabbath elements." Their initial music video for "Flower" received consistent rotation on MTV's 120 Minutes. In 1989, they embarked on their first international tour across the U.S. and Europe. The album earned a Grammy Award nomination in 1990 for Best Metal Performance.
By mid-1988, Soundgarden secured a deal with major label A&M Records, which led to some disapproval from their punk-oriented followers. Thayil remarked that fans felt betrayed by both signing with a major label and touring alongside Guns N' Roses. Changes in band personnel influenced the songwriting process; Cornell assumed greater creative control after bassist Hiro Yamamoto began stepping back. On September 5, 1989, they released Louder Than Love, their debut under a major label. Huey characterized it as "a slow, heavy, detuned blend of Sabbath/Zeppelin riffs paired with Chris Cornell’s intense vocals," signaling a shift toward mainstream metal. Certain lyrics in songs like "Hands All Over" and "Big Dumb Sex" sparked controversy, resulting in distribution obstacles.
Louder Than Love marked Soundgarden’s first entry on the Billboard 200, reaching number 108 and becoming the inaugural grunge album to chart there. Singles such as "Hands All Over" and "Loud Love" gained airtime on MTV’s Headbangers Ball and were played on rock stations beyond Seattle including KNAC, WMMS, WBCN, Z Rock, and KISS-FM.
Prior to touring for Louder Than Love, Yamamoto departed to pursue college studies. After unsuccessful rehearsals with Jim Tillman from the U-Men, former Nirvana bassist Jason Everman joined the band. From December 1989 to March 1990, Soundgarden toured North America opening for Voivod during their Nothingface tour, supported by Faith No More and the Big F. They also toured Europe during this period. Everman was dismissed midway through 1990 following the promotional tour; Thayil explained that "Jason simply didn’t fit." The album led to the release of the EP Loudest Love and the video compilation Louder Than Live, both issued in 1990.
Established lineup, Badmotorfinger, and growing acclaim (1990–1993)
With bassist Ben Shepherd replacing Everman, bringing innovative creativity that reshaped Soundgarden’s style, their third album, Badmotorfinger, was released on October 8, 1991. Steve Huey of AllMusic highlighted a significant advancement in songwriting depth and cohesion, calling it thoughtful music appealing to mainstream metal listeners. Thayil described the lyrics as addressing humanity’s struggle against societal structures and authority. The lead single "Jesus Christ Pose" generated controversy and was banned by MTV for its perceived anti-Christian message, prompting death threats during their UK performances. Cornell clarified that the song critiques public figures who exploit religious symbolism.
Although initially eclipsed by Nirvana's Nevermind, Badmotorfinger benefited from increased attention on the Seattle scene; singles "Outshined" and "Rusty Cage" gained popularity on alternative rock radio and MTV. The album received a Grammy nomination in 1992 for Best Metal Performance and ranked among that year’s top-selling releases.
Following this release, Soundgarden toured North America in late 1991 before opening for Guns N' Roses on their Use Your Illusion tour and supporting Skid Row during their Slave to the Grind tour in early 1992. They then headlined theaters across Europe and rejoined Guns N' Roses for European dates in summer 1992 alongside Faith No More. Cornell described performing as an opener for Guns N' Roses as difficult due to audience unfamiliarity.
Soundgarden also took part in the 1992 Lollapalooza tour alongside acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam. To coincide with this, they released a limited edition of Badmotorfinger bundled with the EP Satanoscillatemymetallicsonatas, which included a Grammy-nominated cover of Black Sabbath’s "Into the Void" retitled "Into the Void (Sealth)". The video compilation Motorvision, filmed at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, was released in 1992. Additionally, Soundgarden appeared in the film Singles, performing "Birth Ritual", which featured on its soundtrack along with Cornell’s solo track "Seasons".
In 1993, Soundgarden contributed the track "Show Me" to the AIDS-awareness compilation album No Alternative, produced by the Red Hot Organization.
Superunknown and Peak Popularity (1994–1995)
Following their Badmotorfinger tour, Soundgarden commenced work on their fourth studio album. Cornell mentioned that the band embraced greater artistic liberty during this phase, while Thayil emphasized the prolonged recording timeline. Released on March 8, 1994, Superunknown became their major commercial breakthrough, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Prominent singles from the album included "Spoonman", "The Day I Tried to Live", "Black Hole Sun", "My Wave", and "Fell on Black Days".
This record fused the band’s signature heavy sound with more experimental elements, drawing on Middle-Eastern and Indian musical influences. The lyrics, dark and reflective of themes such as substance dependency and depression, were inspired in part by Sylvia Plath. Rolling Stone acclaimed the album for its emotional breadth, calling it a compelling exploration of isolation and despair. The music video for "Black Hole Sun" achieved widespread MTV rotation and earned the Best Metal/Hard Rock Video award at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards, as well as a 1995 Clio Award. In 1995, Soundgarden secured two Grammys: Best Hard Rock Performance for "Black Hole Sun" and Best Metal Performance for "Spoonman". Additionally, the album received a nomination for Best Rock Album and has been certified six times Platinum in the United States, standing as their most commercially successful work.
The band's tour kicked off in January 1994 with dates across Oceania and Japan—territories where the album had an early release and where Soundgarden had not performed before. After completing this leg in February, they toured Europe prior to starting a U.S. theater and arena circuit on May 27, 1994, in Vancouver, supported by Tad and Eleven. Later that year, Cornell experienced significant vocal cord strain, forcing cancellations to avoid lasting damage; these shows were rescheduled for 1995. The Superunknown era also produced the EP Songs from the Superunknown and the interactive CD-ROM Alive in the Superunknown, both released in 1995.
Down on the Upside and Dissolution (1996–1997)
Following the global touring cycle for Superunknown, Soundgarden self-produced their fifth album, Down on the Upside, which was released on May 21, 1996. Creative disagreements emerged within the group, especially between Thayil and Cornell regarding musical direction; Cornell sought to reduce reliance on heavy guitar riffs. This album showcased a softer sound with increased acoustic experimentation, marking a stylistic shift away from their grunge origins. Singles such as "Pretty Noose", "Burden in My Hand", and "Blow Up the Outside World" were featured. Notably, "Pretty Noose" received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1997. Nevertheless, the album did not replicate the critical acclaim or commercial impact of its predecessor.
Soundgarden participated in the 1996 Lollapalooza tour alongside Metallica, who advocated strongly for their inclusion. After Lollapalooza concluded, they embarked on an international tour during which internal tensions intensified. Cornell expressed ambivalence about touring due to its repetitive nature. At their final concert in Honolulu on February 9, 1997, bassist Shepherd’s frustration culminated when equipment malfunction led him to leave the stage early; Cornell completed the show with a solo encore.
On April 9, 1997, amid mounting dissatisfaction and industry pressures, Soundgarden officially announced their split. Thayil reflected on declining morale within the band over the preceding six months, while Cameron pointed to challenges within the music business as contributing factors. Later that year saw the release of A-Sides, a greatest hits collection featuring seventeen tracks including the previously unreleased "Bleed Together", recorded during sessions for Down on the Upside.
Activities following the breakup (1998–2009)
In September 1999, Cornell launched his solo career with the album Euphoria Morning, which included Matt Cameron's drumming on the track "Disappearing One". By May 2001, he became part of the platinum-selling supergroup Audioslave, formed with former members of Rage Against the Machine. Audioslave released three studio albums: Audioslave (2002), Out of Exile (2005), and Revelations (2006). Cornell departed from Audioslave in early 2007, leading to the group's dissolution. His subsequent solo efforts, Carry On (2007) and Scream (2009), produced by Timbaland, received mixed reactions both commercially and critically. Additionally, he provided vocals for Slash’s self-titled debut album Slash in 2010.
Thayil collaborated with ex-Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, and drummer Gina Mainwal for a singular performance as The No WTO Combo during the 1999 World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Seattle. He also contributed guitar parts to Steve Fisk’s 2001 release 999 Levels of Undo, participated in Dave Grohl's 2004 project Probot, and played guitar on the 2006 joint effort Altar by Sunn O))) and Boris.
Cameron concentrated on his side project Wellwater Conspiracy, which featured contributions from Shepherd and Thayil. In 1998, he briefly collaborated with the Smashing Pumpkins on their album Adore. That same year, Cameron joined Pearl Jam’s Yield Tour after Jack Irons left and eventually became an official band member until July 2025. Throughout his tenure with Pearl Jam, he recorded seven albums, including notable titles such as Binaural (2000), Riot Act (2002), and Dark Matter (2024). He also contributed percussion to Geddy Lee’s album My Favourite Headache and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pearl Jam in 2017.
Shepherd provided vocals on Wellwater Conspiracy's 1997 debut, Declaration of Conformity, before departing from the group. He toured alongside Mark Lanegan, playing bass on Lanegan’s albums I'll Take Care of You (1999) and Field Songs (2001). Both Shepherd and Cameron contributed to Tony Iommi’s 2000 album IOMMI. They were also members of the side project band Hater, which released its long-awaited second album, The 2nd, in 2005.
In a July 2009 interview, Cornell dismissed rumors about a band reunion, explaining that conversations were limited to releasing a box set or B-sides. The revived interest in Soundgarden’s catalog followed a 2008 meeting focused on managing their financial and legal affairs, highlighting that the band had no online presence. Thayil admitted that merchandise had been neglected for over ten years. The band resolved to establish an official website managed by Pearl Jam's Ten Club, reissue their recordings, and release previously unreleased tracks. In March 2009, Thayil, Shepherd, and Cameron performed Soundgarden songs during a concert by Tad Doyle, which sparked speculation about a full reunion.
On October 6, 2009, all members of Soundgarden appeared together at Pearl Jam’s show at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. During an encore, Temple of the Dog reunited with Chris Cornell performing "Hunger Strike." This marked Soundgarden’s first public appearance since their breakup in April 1997, igniting widespread reunion rumors online.
Reunion, Telephantasm and King Animal (2010–2013)
On January 1, 2010, Cornell hinted at a possible Soundgarden reunion through a Twitter post, sharing a link to a website featuring live show photographs and updates for fans. The band officially announced on March 1, 2010, that they would reissue the single "Hunted Down" alongside "Nothing to Say" on 7-inch vinyl for Record Store Day, with the release scheduled for April 17. Their first live performance since 1997 took place on April 16 at Seattle's Showbox at the Market, followed by a headlining slot at Lollapalooza on August 8.
The compilation album Telephantasm: A Retrospective was launched on September 28, 2010, initially bundled with the video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. A deluxe edition featuring two CDs and one DVD was also available separately. The album introduced the previously unreleased track "Black Rain," which premiered in the game and was included on the compilation; this release achieved platinum certification on its day of launch. "Black Rain" marked Soundgarden's first single since 1997 and began airing on rock radio stations starting August 10. In November, the band made their first television appearance in over a decade on Conan. Additionally, they issued a "The Telephantasm" 7-inch vinyl for Black Friday Record Store Day and released their inaugural live album, Live on I-5, in March 2011.
Recording sessions for a new album commenced in February 2011 with producer Adam Kasper, as confirmed by Cornell in March. The project primarily consisted of fresh material complemented by some reworked older songs, with approximately 12 to 14 tracks in development. Although initially slated for release in 2011, production extended into the following year to maintain high standards. Guitarist Thayil described the forthcoming album as reminiscent of Down on the Upside, blending heavy and fast-paced elements. Cornell anticipated a spring 2012 release date.
In April 2011, Soundgarden revealed plans for a summer U.S. tour featuring various supporting acts and announced their headlining appearance at the Voodoo Experience festival during Halloween weekend. In March 2012, they unveiled "Live to Rise," their first new composition since reuniting, which was included on the soundtrack for The Avengers and offered as a complimentary iTunes download. They headlined London's Hard Rock Calling Festival in July and declared the upcoming European release of the Classic Album Selection box set in April, which excluded Ultramega OK. On May 5, they appeared as special guests at the KROQ Weenie Roast. By May, an October release was targeted for their new studio album.
Soundgarden performed at England's Download Festival in June. The lead single from their album King Animal, titled "Been Away Too Long," was released on September 27; the full album followed on November 13, 2012. Early in 2013, they debuted a music video for "By Crooked Steps," directed by Dave Grohl. The third single from the album was "Halfway There."
Echo of Miles... and Cornell's death (2013–2017)
Drummer Matt Cameron announced on November 15, 2013, that he would not join Soundgarden’s touring activities in 2014 due to his obligations promoting Pearl Jam’s album Lightning Bolt. On March 16, 2014, Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails revealed plans for a co-headlining North American tour with support from Death Grips. Former Pearl Jam drummer Matt Chamberlain substituted for Cameron during live performances across South America and Europe beginning March 27, 2014.
On October 28, 2014, Soundgarden declared the forthcoming release of a three-CD compilation box set entitled Echo of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across the Path, scheduled for November 24. This collection comprises rare tracks, live recordings, and unreleased material spanning their career history. It includes previously released songs such as "Live to Rise" and "Black Rain," along with a newly recorded version of "The Storm" from their pre-Matt Cameron demo recorded in 1985, produced by Jack Endino. The band shared "Storm" via YouTube one day prior to announcing the box set.
Guitarist Kim Thayil expressed intentions to commence writing new material during 2015, a plan later confirmed by Chris Cornell in August of that year. By January 2016, Soundgarden had returned to studio sessions to advance work on their next album. In July 2016, bassist Ben Shepherd and Cameron reported having composed six strong songs with additional writing sessions anticipated.
On May 18, 2017, Cornell was discovered deceased in his hotel room at the MGM Grand after performing with Soundgarden at Detroit's Fox Theatre. The Wayne County Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging. However, Cornell’s widow questioned this verdict due to his prescription use of Ativan and expressed skepticism about his intent to take his own life.
Following Cornell’s passing, Soundgarden canceled all remaining dates of their 2017 tour, including headline performances at Rock on the Range and Rocklahoma.
Aftermath, disbandment and reunions (2017–present)
In September 2017, drummer Matt Cameron revealed in Billboard that the remaining members of Soundgarden had not yet determined the band's direction following Cornell's passing. He highlighted their need for privacy and the ongoing process of mourning while recognizing the encouragement from fans.
By September 2018, guitarist Kim Thayil voiced uncertainty regarding Soundgarden's continuation, reflecting on how other groups coped with similar tragedies. A month later, Cameron suggested that the band was open to future collaborations, with bassist Ben Shepherd mentioning they were still in a period of recovery before deciding on next steps.
In October 2018, Thayil stated that the band name Soundgarden would probably be retired, emphasizing the significance of the original quartet lineup and implying that any forthcoming projects might happen under different formations rather than under the Soundgarden identity.
In January 2019, the band reunited for a tribute concert organized by Cornell's widow, Vicky Cornell, performing several tracks with guest singers. This event marked their first live appearance since Cornell’s death.
By July 2019, Thayil disclosed efforts to finalize an album they had been developing with Cornell; however, access to his vocal master tapes was denied.
In December 2019, Vicky Cornell initiated legal action against the surviving members concerning seven unreleased tracks recorded by Chris Cornell in 2017, claiming exclusive ownership and accusing them of withholding royalties improperly. The band responded in February 2020 by requesting access to these recordings, asserting joint authorship on what would have been Soundgarden’s eighth album. They sought dismissal of the lawsuit in March 2020 and filed a countersuit in May over alleged misappropriation of tribute concert proceeds, though this countersuit was withdrawn by July.
On August 10, 2020, Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis's Hipgnosis Songs Fund acquired complete rights to Chris Cornell’s catalog, including works by Soundgarden.
In December 2020, Thayil, Shepherd, and Cameron performed as "members of Soundgarden" during a MoPOP tribute honoring Alice in Chains.
Early in 2021, Vicky Cornell filed additional lawsuits alleging undervaluation of her interests in the band and disputes over master recordings. The band refuted these claims and launched new social media profiles under "Nude Dragons," an anagram of Soundgarden. Subsequent legal decisions dismissed major allegations against the band. By mid-2021, Soundgarden regained control of their social media platforms through a temporary agreement with Vicky.
On April 17, 2023, it was announced that seven final recordings featuring Cornell would be released after resolving legal issues. In a September 2025 Billboard interview, Cameron confirmed they had completed more than half of eight remaining songs recorded prior to Cornell’s death. In November 2025, the band reunited with producer Terry Date to continue work on these sessions.
On December 14, 2024, the surviving members performed as Nudedragons alongside vocalist Shaina Shepherd at a benefit for Seattle Children's Hospital. They were slated to appear at a July 2025 benefit concert but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.
Soundgarden was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025. The ceremony featured original bassist Hiro Yamamoto returning for the first time in 36 years and included performances with guest artists such as Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile. Additionally, Cornell’s daughter Toni took part in the event.
Musical style and influences
Soundgarden played a foundational role in the development of the grunge genre, merging aspects of punk rock and metal to produce a thick, heavily distorted guitar tone.
The group acknowledged a range of inspirations, including Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Butthole Surfers, Wire, and Joy Division. The influence of Black Sabbath was particularly evident in their guitar riffs and tuning choices. Guitarist Kim Thayil characterized their sound as "punk with Sabbath influences."
Initially, Soundgarden’s early sound drew frequent comparisons to Led Zeppelin, which the band initially resisted but eventually accepted as an important influence, alongside acts like The Beatles, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd. Nevertheless, they distanced themselves from the blatant sexism and macho attitudes commonly associated with 1970s rock music.
The fusion of punk, metal, and noise rock found in the Butthole Surfers significantly impacted Soundgarden’s formative material, as did British post-punk groups such as Gang of Four and Bauhaus. Additional influences encompassed bands like the Ramones, Kiss, Accept, the Melvins, and Saint Vitus.
Thayil explained that the band's name was intended to represent its eclectic origins, drawing from sources ranging from the Velvet Underground to Meat Puppets and Killing Joke. Their sound combined aspects of "Metallica Gothicism and sublime poetry," mixing atmospheric elements with heavy music.
Chris Cornell described their musical progression: "At our inception, Soundgarden was rooted in post-punk—quite unconventional. Eventually, we embraced a neo-Sabbath psychedelic rock style that resonated with our identity."
By the time of 1994's Superunknown, their sound had broadened to incorporate stronger psychedelic elements. Cornell became known for his extensive vocal range paired with introspective, often dark lyrical themes.
Soundgarden frequently utilized unconventional time signatures—examples include 6/4 in "Fell on Black Days," 15/8 in "Limo Wreck," and varying meters in "The Day I Tried to Live." The central riff in "Circle of Power" is set in 5/4. The band also experimented with lowered tunings; for instance, "Rusty Cage" features the low E string tuned down to B. Other tracks employed alternate tunings such as E–E–B–B–B–B or C-G-C-G-G-E. Thayil noted that these irregular meters often occurred unintentionally but aligned with their anti-commercial philosophy: had they aimed for mainstream hits, they would have composed primarily in standard 4/4 time for greater accessibility.
Legacy
The expansion of Seattle's independent label Sub Pop Records is deeply intertwined with Soundgarden, as co-founder Jonathan Poneman invested in the band's initial releases, playing a crucial role in establishing Sub Pop as a prominent record label.
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana's lead singer, admired Soundgarden's work and was reportedly influenced by their connection with Sub Pop when bringing Nirvana to the label. Cobain recognized Soundgarden as one of the few Seattle groups he appreciated, alongside Tad and Mudhoney. Similarly, Jerry Cantrell, guitarist and vocalist for Alice in Chains, has acknowledged Soundgarden's impact on his own band.
Soundgarden holds the distinction of being the first grunge group to secure a deal with a major record company, signing with A&M Records in 1988. While their initial commercial achievements were modest, later albums boosted both sales and their public profile. Bassist Ben Shepherd dismissed the "grunge" categorization, stressing their identity as a Seattle-based rock band. VH1 placed Soundgarden at number 14 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.
In 1994, Electronic Arts approached A&M Records to license Soundgarden’s tracks for the Road Rash video game series. Although the label initially hesitated, Cornell and other band members endorsed the collaboration, which also featured other alternative rock acts from A&M. This venture was among the early examples of licensed music in video games, particularly notable in the 3DO edition of Road Rash.
Reflecting on Soundgarden’s legacy in 2007, Chris Cornell emphasized their boldness and experimental nature while expressing pride in preserving the band's authenticity without diminishing its influence.
Throughout their career, Soundgarden received acclaim for their technical skill and evolving musical style. Their sound blended heavy metal intensity with precision and emotional depth, positioning them as pioneers within alternative metal. AllMusic observed that they secured a place for heavy metal within alternative rock, whereas Rolling Stone’s Ben Ratliff described them as key representatives of 1990s rock riffs.
Soundgarden’s influence extends across a variety of artists such as Biffy Clyro, Stabbing Westward, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Cave In, Iceburn, The Fierce and the Dead, and Amy Lee of Evanescence. Pantera credited Soundgarden’s album Louder Than Love as an inspiration behind their transition to groove metal on Cowboys from Hell, affecting production decisions. Metallica’s guitarist Kirk Hammett has acknowledged Soundgarden’s role in shaping the riff for "Enter Sandman."
In 2017, Metal Injection ranked Soundgarden third among the heaviest grunge bands. Loudwire includes them among grunge’s "big four," alongside Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana.
Members
- Kim Thayil – lead guitar (1984–1997, 2010–2017, 2019, 2025), rhythm guitar (1984–1988, 2019)
- Chris Cornell – lead vocals (1984–1997, 2010–2017; deceased), rhythm guitar (1988–1997, 2010–2017), drums (1984–1985)
- Hiro Yamamoto – bass guitar and backing vocals (1984–1989, 2025)
- Scott Sundquist – drums (1985–1986)
- Matt Cameron – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1986–1997, 2010–2017, 2019, 2025)
- Jason Everman – bass (1989–1990)
- Ben Shepherd – bass (1990–1997, 2010–2017, 2019, 2025), backing vocals (1994–1997, 2010–2017, 2019)
Studio albums
- Ultramega OK (1988)
- Louder Than Love (1989)
- Badmotorfinger (1991)
- Superunknown (1994)
- Down on the Upside (1996)
- King Animal (2012)
Awards and nominations
Clio Awards
|- |1995 || "Black Hole Sun" || Alternative Music Video || |-
Grammy Awards
| Year | Work Nominated | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Ultramega OK | Best Metal Performance | Template:Nom |
| 1992 | Badmotorfinger | Template:Nom | |
| 1993 | "Into the Void (Sealth)" | Template:Nom | |
| 1995 | Spoonman | Template:Won | |
| "Black Hole Sun" | Best Hard Rock Performance | Template:Won | |
| Best Rock Song | Template:Nom | ||
| Superunknown | Best Rock Album | Template:Nom | |
| 1997 | "Pretty Noose" | Best Hard Rock Performance | Template:Nom |
| 2011 | "Black Rain" | Best Hard Rock Performance | Template:Nom |
MTV Europe Music Awards
|- | 1994 | Soundgarden | Best Rock |
MTV Video Music Awards
|- | 1994 | "Black Hole Sun" | Best Metal/Hard Rock Video |
Northwest Area Music Awards
|- | rowspan="3"| 1991 | Chris Cornell | Best Male Vocalist | |- | Matt Cameron | Best Musician - Drums | |- | Soundgarden | Best Rock Group | |} |-
| rowspan="4"| 1992 | Matt Cameron | Best Drums | |- | Chris Cornell | Best Male Vocalist | |- | Badmotorfinger | Best Metal Album | |- | Soundgarden | Best Metal Group |
Revolver Music Awards
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2013 | King Animal | Album of the Year | |- | Soundgarden | Comeback of the Year | |- | Kim Thayil | Best Guitarist | |- | Chris Cornell | Best Vocalist |
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
|-
| 2020 | Soundgarden | Performers | |- | 2025 | Soundgarden | Performers |
Bibliography
External links
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