Soundgarden Shrieks with new album King Animal
Soundgarden Shrieks with new album King Animal
By Glenn Hull, HUB Staff Writer–
The mix of heavy metal and alternative rock that characterized the 90s era of rock n roll is back. After a 16 year-long break, Soundgarden brings back their infamous grunge sound with their new album, King Animal. When you plug King Animal into your stereo at first you aren’t sure what you are hearing. To a virgin ear it may sound like a growling coyote, but then you begin to make out words and realize that it’s lead singer Chris Cornell.
“I’ve been away for too long,” Cornell growls into his microphone during the first song of the track list. After hearing the first song “Been Away Too Long,” which stands out like their other previous top hits “Spoonman,” and “Black Hole Sun,” any fan grows a smile on their face. The grunge-metal sound of the 90s is back. No more Taylor Swift, no more PSY, and thankfully no more Justin Bieber. 90s era rock buffs have some new music to marvel at.
Although most songs seem to mimic the screeching guitars, howling vocals, and intense drumming of the majority of Soundgarden’s previous songs, a few of their new songs sharply deviated and created a new style. “A Thousand Days Before,” and “Black Saturday,” explore a new, somewhat softer style of the grunge rock.
It’s a little ironic to call it soft grunge, but that is the best way to describe some of their new songs. A slower rhythm coupled with almost whispering vocals at times causes a chill to go up your spine. This new style of music creates a spooky tone that would be perfect for a horror movie.
The song “Blood on the Valley Floor,” brings back the original stylings of Soundgarden, except in a haunting fashion. The heavy, depressing sounding bass in the background, the horrific lyrics about war shrieked, and the occasional guitar rift make this song the most depressing of the new album.
Soundgarden is known for its songs about depression, death, war, drugs, and basically anything else that can possibly depress a person. Couple the depressing nature of the songs with the typical grunge style and you wind up feeling disheartened and angry while listening. But you will quickly snap out of it when you hear the genius poetry of Cornell’s songs or the guitar solos of Thayil.
Soundgarden effectively brought back the 90s era rock that reminds you of Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Audioslave. If you are already a fan, you won’t be disappointed. If you have never heard of Soundgarden before and are unfamiliar with grunge, then you will be surprised at the musical adventure you take when listening to King Animal. I strongly recommend it.
