Review - Audioslave: Out of Exile

by Eric Hancsak
June 15, 2005

When it comes to "supergroups" (a band that contains one or more members from multiple well known and established bands) it is par for the course to expect no more than an album or 2 with just a few fleeting seconds of brilliance. Often, strong personalities and creative differences take charge and don't allow the band to flourish. Such is not the case, so far, with Audioslave. In fact, on "Out of Exile," Chris "Voice of God" Cornell (of Soundgarden) and Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk (of Rage Against The Machine) have put together a set that clearly shows this band, and its members, in their prime.

Even though I think "Cochise," from their selftitled debut, is one of best rock songs written in the last 25 years, "Out of Exile" almost makes one forget. Songs like "Drown Me Slowly" and "The Worm" are heavy, with a hint of funk, while showcasing Cornell's vocal range and Morello's uncanny ability to grind alien sounds from his guitar. Audioslave surprisingly even takes a more than adequate stab at a southern rock sound on "Doesn't Remind Me."

"Out of Exile" is a pure rock record from a pure rock band.

Pay attention to: "Doesn't Remind Me," "Drown Me Slowly," "#1 Zero"

Rating: 4.5 out of 5