Releasing its first album in sixteen years, Soundgarden appeals to both a new generation and its original fans. Soundgarden arrived into the mainstream along with fellow grunge/alternative rock contemporaries during the 90s, with popularity dying down following it’s 13 year hiatus.
Although “King Animal” might not have the commercial and critical success of its most popular album, “Superunknown,” Soundgarden hasn’t lost relevance in the current music scene. Although more mellow than its previous albums, Soundgarden sticks to its roots by maintaining its distinct alternative sound.
Every member of Soundgarden possesses outstanding technical ability in his instruments. Chris Cornell’s uncanny, rugged and sometimes unintelligible vocals sound as powerful as they did in their original line up. He shows his wide range throughout the record with imperfect but raw voice. Kim Thaiyl’s catchy guitar riffs, Matt Cameron’s proficient drumming, and bassist Ben Shephard’s ambient playing, along with Cornell’s singing, all contribute to produce a rich and cohesive sound.
Cornell’s creative and poetic songwriting drives the music forward, and adds to the unique experience of Soundgarden. Several songs on “King Animal” are straightforward and simple, while others are more complex and meaningful. The first track, “Been Away Too Long” sums up the long hiatus from the music scene, and “Rowing” conveys a message of life going on no matter what happens.
Other songs like “Bones of Birds” and “Blood on the Valley Floor” contain metaphysical and abstract lyrics, which may take repeated listenings to fully appreciate. While “Eyelids Mouth” asks rhetorical questions and includes metaphors.
The front cover sets the tone of the album as eerie and mysterious. Transitions from song to song feel mostly fluid without too much abruption. Although several songs blend together, it doesn’t feel repetitive. Overall “King Animal” provides rock fans with a rawness and honesty absent from many artists in today’s music scene.
For any fan of the grunge movement in the 90s or rock in general, I would recommend this album.
