ARTIST STORY
AUDIOSLAVE.
The voice of Chris Cornell met the rhythm section of Rage Against the Machine. Over three albums, Audioslave found its own language between heavy riffs, soul, and silence.
IMAGE CREDIT: Simon Jacquier, Montreux Jazz Festival, 2005. Original photo and crop, CC BY-SA 2.0. Displayed responsively; cropping may vary by screen.
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Open in Spotify ↗First, you hear that peculiar, rattling guitar. Then the band kicks in and Cochise seems to tear the door right off its hinges. In 2002, Audioslave introduced itself with a sound that felt familiar, yet pointed in a different direction. Explore further at SJELF: hard rock · Audioslave on vinyl · Out of Exile on vinyl.
FOUR MUSICIANS, A NEW BEGINNING.
Chris Cornell had given a voice to the heavy, jagged rock of Seattle with Soundgarden. Guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk came from Rage Against the Machine. After Zack de la Rocha left that band, producer Rick Rubin brought the musicians to Cornell. They began playing together in 2001.
Their past was audible. Morello could make his guitar sputter and scream as if he were operating a turntable. Commerford and Wilk provided the music with a solid, agile foundation. Cornell infused it with long melodic lines, using a voice that could shift from a grainy whisper to an open scream. His singing demanded a different space than the rhythmic assault of a rapper.
THE POWER OF HOLDING BACK.
The debut, Audioslave, showcases both sides. Alongside the violence of Cochise stands the controlled tension of Like a Stone. The instruments leave open spaces; Cornell doesn't have to fill them constantly. Morello’s solo seems to float above the rest of the recording for a moment. It became a recognizable band sound, not just a sum of parts you need to explain on paper.
With 2005’s Out of Exile, that collaboration took on a more fluid character. Be Yourself moves to a clear melody, while Doesn’t Remind Me makes room for a lighter, almost walking pace. The band could sound massive without playing at full power every second.
SOUL IN A HEAVY COAT.
On 2006’s Revelations, the groove comes to the forefront. Listen to Original Fire: Cornell drives the song with the intensity of a soul singer, over a rhythm section that makes the music spring. That very agility makes the record an interesting final step. In 2007, Cornell announced his departure. The shared studio story ended after three albums.
That compact catalog makes their development easy to follow. Start with the collision on the debut and then listen to how the four give each other more space. Anyone who knows Cornell primarily from Black Hole Sun will hear new colors in the same voice here.
ONE THING YOU DIDN'T KNOW.
A STAGE IN HAVANA.
In 2005, Audioslave played a large free concert in Havana. For the American band, performing in Cuba was anything but a given. Cornell’s official biography mentions that special evening as one of the milestones of their collaboration.
THE FACTS
ESSENTIAL DISCOGRAPHY
All studio albums released, in chronological order. Live albums, compilations, and EPs are not included.
- 2002Audioslave
- 2005Out of Exile
- 2006Revelations
FAQ
Who were the members of Audioslave?
Audioslave consisted of singer Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and former Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk. Morello played guitar, Commerford bass, and Wilk drums.
How did Audioslave form?
The band was formed in 2001 after Rage Against the Machine singer Zack de la Rocha left. The three remaining musicians began writing with Cornell, whose melodic singing and range provided a new contrast to their heavy rhythms and unusual guitar parts.
What is Audioslave’s musical style?
Audioslave combined hard rock and alternative rock with the rhythmic power of Rage Against the Machine and the broad, soulful vocals of Chris Cornell. The group worked as a guitar band and used no conventional synthesizers on their studio records to replicate Morello’s effects.
Which song was Audioslave's breakthrough?
Cochise introduced the band in 2002 with an explosive guitar riff, but Like a Stone became their biggest and most recognizable single. The song was on their self-titled debut album and reached the UK Top 20.
Which albums did Audioslave release?
The band made three studio albums: 2002's Audioslave, 2005's Out of Exile, and 2006's Revelations. The debut lays the foundation, while the two follow-ups offer more room for soul, funk, and tighter songs.
Why was Audioslave’s performance in Cuba special?
In 2005, Audioslave played a large outdoor concert in Havana. The group became the first American rock band to perform such an outdoor show there, an event that was also captured on the concert release Live in Cuba.
Which Audioslave record is a good choice on vinyl?
The self-titled debut is the logical first choice due to Cochise, Like a Stone, and Show Me How to Live. Out of Exile and Revelations were also released on vinyl; for reissues, pay attention to the number of discs and the mastering credited.
Check out the AUDIOSLAVE artist page to discover their vinyl releases and more.
Read more in ALTERNATIVE ROCK.
THE FINAL WORD.
HEAR WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN THE RIFFS.
Audioslave could fill a room with power. But the music only gets truly interesting when you also hear the space in between: a bassline that continues, a guitar that changes color, and Cornell holding the melody.
