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Long-buried recordings featuring Chris Cornell have fueled fan hope for years. Recent comments from Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello, however, make it clear those tapes are still in limbo — even as new hints from Soundgarden suggest some unheard Cornell performances might surface.
Tom Morello gives a blunt update on Audioslave vaults
Morello first revealed there was “a record’s worth” of unheard Audioslave material several years ago. That disclosure sparked excitement across music forums and social feeds.
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Asked for an update, he said the band is not any closer to releasing the tracks. He stressed the group wants the music heard, but no timeline exists. There is no active release plan, he added, and the band hasn’t finalized the steps needed to bring the recordings out.
What’s holding up the release of unreleased Audioslave songs
Several factors can stall archival releases. In Audioslave’s case, sources point to a mix of creative and practical obstacles.
- Artistic selection: Bands often shelve solid songs because they don’t fit an album’s flow.
- Band agreement: Members must align on tracks, sequencing, and presentation.
- Technical work: Demos may need mixing, mastering, or restoration.
- Rights and estates: Posthumous releases can require clearance from estates and labels.
- Timing and strategy: Labels plan releases around tours, anniversaries, or other campaigns.
Morello suggested the delay isn’t due to quality. He described leftovers from each of Audioslave’s albums that the group still values, but said they simply haven’t pulled all the pieces together yet.
Soundgarden hints at fresh Chris Cornell material
While Audioslave’s stash remains paused, Soundgarden has signaled a possible archival release. Bassist Ben Shepherd posted a heartfelt note online earlier this year.
In his message, Shepherd recalled hearing an unreleased tune co-written by Cornell and another bandmate. He described how Cornell’s voice provided solace and suggested the song could appear on a yet-to-be-named project.
- Shepherd referenced a song titled “The Road Less Traveled.”
- He implied the track was intended for a forthcoming Soundgarden collection.
- His post combined personal memory with a quiet hint that more recordings exist.
That tease raised expectations that some of Cornell’s vocals from Soundgarden sessions may become public.
How the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame moment factors in
Soundgarden’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame added momentum to rumors of new releases. The band suggested plans to release material after the ceremony.
Hall of Fame attention often motivates estates and labels to issue archival content. Such releases can be framed as tributes or part of legacy campaigns.
What fans might see next
- Single-track releases of polished demos.
- An archival album compiling unreleased sessions.
- Remastered versions tied to a reissue campaign.
- Documentary or deluxe box sets that include rare recordings.
Industry insiders say any release will likely be deliberate, with input from surviving band members and Cornell’s representatives, ensuring the material is presented respectfully and thoughtfully.
