Hails and Cheers Metal Templars! It's been too long friends, but I am back from my hiatus, much like our beloved SOUNDGARDEN. I'm sure they feel much like I do. Damn it's good to be back.

Right out of the gate, I must say it is simply amazing that I was able to review "King Animal". SOUNDGARDEN's music helped to define 90s for us. Their music was a complex combination of groove, Grunge, and Hard Rock that seemed to be a tangible reflection of what most of us were feeling or thinking back then. Now, with the release of their long anticipated album, "King Animal", SOUNDGARDEN, once again, is poised to become a driving force in the music industry. This Metalhead could not be any happier.

The recording is amazing, Chris Cornell's vocals are as driving and melodic as ever, and Kim Thayil's guitar work is stunning on the whole album, but truly epic on "Rowing". Add in Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd's rhythm work, and you really do have an amazing piece of work that lifts the soul, engages the mind, and causes the heart to quicken, if only a bit. Now? Time for a beer. For a rating, 10 out of 10, no question. Until next time friends, live free, and stay well! Cheers!