With his third solo album, 2009′s ‘Scream,’ Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell surprised and frustrated longtime fans by abandoning heavy guitars and exploring more pop- and hip-hop-flavored textures.

So what should the Soundgarden faithful expect from the recently reunited band, which is working on its first studio album since 1996? According to Cornell, something unlike its back catalog, but not necessarily a drastic departure, either.

“Well, no matter what, Soundgarden is always going to be heavier,” Cornell recently told ARTISTdirect. “However, I also think musically the new Soundgarden stuff is different than anything we’ve ever done.”

Cornell believes that it’s always been difficult to compare a Soundgarden album to its predecessor. Based on Cornell’s description, though, it’s possible that the new one, due next spring, will remind listeners a little bit of his first solo effort, 1999′s ‘Euphoria Morning.’

“I think [there] may be some moments that are sort of sonically quieter and more stripped-down,” Cornell adds. “On the whole, it’s a rock record. That’s what we do.”

Meanwhile, Cornell has recorded an acoustic song called ‘The Keeper’ for the upcoming movie ‘Machine Gun Preacher’ (starring Gerard Butler), and Soundgarden is set to headline the Voodoo Music Experience festival, taking place Oct. 28-30 in New Orleans.

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