Soundgarden
King Animal
Universal Music Group [2012]
After a 16-year hiatus, Soundgarden returns with King Animal, a record that delivers familiar grunge textures and fan-pleasing moments. The band reestablishes their legacy with confidence, opening the album with “Been Away Too Long”—a track that blends catchy structure with nostalgic grit. While the song borders on being a bit too polished, it’s quickly balanced by “Non-State Actor,” which captures the raw, riff-heavy essence fans have missed. Tracks like “A Thousand Days Before” strike a modern yet classic balance, embodying the band’s ability to evolve without losing their identity.
It’s easy to long for the fire of Badmotorfinger or Superunknown, but King Animal is more rooted in progression than replication. “Bones of Birds” carries echoes of “Black Hole Sun” but feels more introspective, while “By Crooked Steps” marches forward with familiar swagger. The result is a record that stays true to Soundgarden’s core while acknowledging time has passed. This isn’t a rebirth—it’s a continuation, and a solid one at that.
KEY TRACKS
“Non-State Actor” / “Bones of Birds” / “A Thousand Days Before”
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE
Queens of the Stone Age / Led Zeppelin / The Smashing Pumpkins
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
