Slave trading

By KATHERINE TULICH

When members of two of the 90s biggest and most influential groups, Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine, join forces expectations are bound to be high, but the newly christened Audioslave are not worried.

Their new album is about to be released and they are thrilled.

Says a confident Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine's ex guitarist: "It's great to be finally unleashing the fruits of our labour on an unsuspecting world. While it's clearly two musical forces coming together, we think with the chemistry and the mutual respect we have for one another musically, we may have even stumbled on something greater than the sum of its parts."

The genesis of Audioslave began at the end of 2000 when Rage lead singer Zack del la Rocha announced his departure from the band. The remaining members, Morello, bassist Tom Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk decided to continue, and began the search for a new singer.

"Like a lot of people, I was really upset that the band ended," says Wilk, "but as time passed the three of us knew we had a chemistry that was powerful and we wanted to continue and find someone."

Producer Rick Rubin suggested ex Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, whose solo career had been floundering since his band's break up in 1997.

"When we got into a room together, the chemistry was undeniable. We wrote 23 songs in 19 days," says Wilk. "Chris has a unique and powerful voice."

Cornell, lying on a couch in his Santa Monica hotel suite, a pack of American Spirits and a large plate of pretzels nearby, certainly seems pleased with his decision to re-enter a band.

"I wasn't really contemplating a band, but I can make solo records any time. To have the opportunity to be in a band I really love, with people I can collaborate with, may not ever happen again. I considered myself lucky and jumped at the opportunity," he says.

Audioslave is a straight-ahead, uncompromising loud rock band, devoid of the often political rap rants that characterised much of Rage's music.

"Audioslave is not a band about politics," insists Morello.

"In some ways Rage was clearly inspirational to people politically, but often the band's personal politics got in the way.

"I would prefer to keep my political activism as a separate issue. I can do that in a pure way and have it not muddied by rock waters. With this band I can rock loud and unapologetically."

Audioslave's first single, Cochise, and its explosive video is indicative of the band's new direction.

"Cochise was the last great Indian chief. He died unconquered and unbowed," says Morello. "He went on an unholy rampage of carnage and revenge against the United States cavalry and he would not be denied. That's what the song sounds like."

Although he adds, "The lyrics, of course, have nothing to do with Cochise. They are dark and existential in a way that only Chris could express."

Laughs Cornell: "I'm sure I will be entertained for years by fans who make a lyric connection to Cochise but, to be honest, I can't even remember what the lyrics are about. They just seemed to fit at the time."

Cornell, who has given away guitar-playing duties to concentrate on songwriting and vocals for Audioslave, once said that being solo was a relief because he could be more personal.

But Cornell insists he is content with his new musical landscape. "There is a freshness to this, and rhythmically it is very different, so it presents a whole new challenge. Some songs are autobiographical, but it's mixed up. A lot of times it's not describing my life but just how I am feeling at the time."

As a family man with a 2-year-old daughter, it is difficult to commit to the long touring schedule of a band. "I don't plan on being one of those rock musicians who never see their kid, so for me it's something we will have to deal with as time goes on."

But he insists Audioslave is here to stay, despite an early hiccup in which Cornell walked out.

"Most of the problems had to do with the business end. The band was getting along well and we had such an easy time writing songs and making music, but as we tried to get the business side of it resolved it started to create a lot tension.

"We were represented as two separate entities. It was hard to feel that we were a band, but as soon as we consolidated our management, that really resolved a lot of issues and now we are all on the same track."

"Audioslave is a band," insists Morello. "It's not a project or a one-off or a hobby - it's a band that will make albums and tour and will be around for a long time."

* Audioslave is released on November 18.