During an appearance on the Turned Out A Punk podcast, SOUNDGARDEN guitarist Kim Thayil reflected on the band's early days and their relationship with the metal scene.

Thayil acknowledged that SOUNDGARDEN was marketed towards a metal audience alongside bands like METALLICA when they first signed to major label A&M in the late 1980s, but noted that this was not an ideal fit for the band.

Thayil recalled being introduced to METALLICA's debut album by Mudhoney frontman Mark Arm, who also turned him on to EXODUS and TROUBLE.

However, Thayil felt that the major label A&M wanted to steer SOUNDGARDEN towards a more commercial sound, which was not what the band wanted.

Thayil credited NIRVANA's success for helping SOUNDGARDEN break free from this pressure, but also acknowledged that even before then, there were internal conflicts within the band over their musical direction.

He noted that the label didn't understand SOUNDGARDEN's unique sound and wanted to steer them towards a more radio-friendly style.

SOUNDGARDEN is currently working on an album of previously unreleased recordings made with Chris Cornell before his 2017 death, featuring Thayil, drummer Matt Cameron, and bassist Ben Shepherd alongside producer Terry Date.

The project will be released via HarperCollins imprint William Morrow on June 9, 2026.