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Ethos Album Reviews
Thursday, 20 May 2010
4.6 out of 5.0
Now Playing: Audioslave (2002)
Topic: Audioslave

    

     Following the departure of Oscar De La Rocha from the group Rage Against The Machine, the remainder of the core band was left without its lead singer. Meanwhile, in another branch of the rock music world, grunge god Chris Cornell was just coming off the heels of his greatest solo album, Euphoria Morning, in 1999. The remnants of RATM joined forces with Cornell in 2000 to form a new band that combined the widely different styles of each. Audioslave was thus born and became more than just a supergroup experiment. Their debut self-titled album sounds like a true mixture of both parties - blending the modern metal sound of Rage, with the alternative rock sound of Cornell. It was an awesome mix.

     While Cornell's influence seems to be the more potent one on this album (and for the rest of the bands run), it does indeed feature some terrific signature-like moments from Rage guitarist Tom Morello. This album contains an explosiveness and energy that is unrivaled. It sounds experimental, yet also at the same time established. Both parties sound invigorated, but also like veterans. Audioslave was indeed more than a supergroup as they acheieved legitimate "band" status.

     I have been a huge Cornell fan for a long time now and I consider the album Audioslave to be one of the better works in his tremendous career. Songs like "Like A Stone" and "I Am The Highway" are some of the best songs recorded in the past quarter-century - particularly the former. This album boasts an impressive set list from beginning to end, with only two real duds to speak of, of the fourteen tracks. One after another, it is a treat for the ears bursting with unwavering power through the complex guitar riffs of Morello, the thunderous rythym section, and of course Chris Cornell's soaring vocals.

     The attention to detail is rather impressive on this album. There is never a moment where the record sounds phoned in. Take the closing track, "The Last Remaining Light" for instance. It is a fairly unknown song in the Audioslave library, but is nonetheless a powerhouse thanks to the fantastic lyrics and moving vocal performance. The fact that Cornell consistently invests so much emotionally into every song he sings, even the less popular ones, is a testament to his abilities as a musician and songwriter.

     Audioslave would continue on for a few more years eventually becoming one of the more popular bands of the decade. It was because of this debut album that propelled them into such popularity. To this albums merit, it is worthy of such praise.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Like A Stone"

"I Am The Highway"

"Cochise"

"Set It Off"

"What You Are"

"Light My Way"

"Getaway Car"

"Show Me How To Live"

"The Last Remaining Light"

-Kurt L.

____________________________________________


Posted by ethosreviews at 5:28 PM EDT
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