Audioslave 195437 225476017 2008-07-13T22:02:40Z Gocsa 1749307 You retard, all this information is in the Musical style and influences section with references! It doesn't need to be referenced in the lead if it's refd in the article itself. {{for|the band's self-titled album|Audioslave (album)}} {{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> | Name = Audioslave | Img = Audioslave_2005.jpg | Landscape = yes | Img_capt = From left to right: [[Tim Commerford]], [[Chris Cornell]], [[Brad Wilk]] and [[Tom Morello]], performing at the [[Montreux Jazz Festival]], 2005. | Img_size = 250 | Background = group_or_band | Origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], [[USA]] | Genre = [[Hard rock]]<br>[[Post-grunge]]<br>[[Alternative rock]] | Years_active = 2001–2007 | Label = [[Epic Records|Epic]], [[Interscope Records|Interscope]] | Associated_acts = [[Soundgarden]]<br/>[[Rage Against the Machine]]<br/>[[The Nightwatchman]]<br/>[[Puscifer]] | URL = [http://www.audioslave.com www.audioslave.com] | Current_members = | Past_members = [[Chris Cornell]]<br/>[[Tom Morello]]<br/>[[Tim Commerford]]<br/>[[Brad Wilk]] }} '''Audioslave''' was an [[United States|American]] [[hard rock]] [[Supergroup (music)|supergroup]] that formed in [[Los Angeles, California]] in 2001. It consisted of ex-[[Soundgarden]] frontman and rhythm guitarist [[Chris Cornell]] and the former instrumentalists of [[Rage Against the Machine]]; [[Tom Morello]] ([[lead guitar]]), [[Tim Commerford]] ([[Bass guitar|bass]] and [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]]) and [[Brad Wilk]] ([[drums]]). Critics initially described Audioslave as an amalgamation of Rage Against the Machine and Soundgarden,<ref>{{cite web|title=Slave New World|author=Roberts, Michael|publisher=''[[Cleveland Scene]]''|url=http://www.clevescene.com/2003-07-16/music/slave-new-world|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-07-16}}</ref> but by the band's second album, ''[[Out of Exile]]'', noted that it had established a separate identity. The band's trademark sound was created by blending 1970s hard rock with 1990s [[Grunge music|grunge]]. Moreover, Morello incorporated his well-known, unconventional guitar solos into this mix. As with Rage Against the Machine, the band prided themselves on the fact that all sounds on their albums were produced using only guitar, bass, drums and vocals; no [[Sampling (music)|samples]] were ever used. After Audioslave released three successful albums, received three Grammy nominations, sold more than eight million records worldwide,<ref>{{cite news|title=New CD Releases|publisher=pegasusnews.com|url=http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2006/sep/03/new-cd-releases|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-09-03}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mediatraffic.de/albums-week38-2006.htm United World Chart – Albums – week 38], [http://www.mediatraffic.de/albums-week39-2006.htm week 39], [http://www.mediatraffic.de/albums-week40-2006.htm week 40], [http://www.mediatraffic.de/albums-week41-2006.htm week 41], [http://www.mediatraffic.de/albums-week42-2006.htm week 42]. Media Traffic ([[September 23]], [[2006]] – [[October 21]], [[2006]]) . Accessed [[December 28]], [[2007]].</ref> and became the first American rock band to perform an open-air concert in [[Cuba]], Cornell issued a statement in February 2007 that he was permanently leaving the band "due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences". As the other three members were busy with the Rage Against the Machine reunion, and Morello and Cornell had each released solo albums in 2007, Audioslave was officially disbanded.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video interview with Tom Morello|publisher=Toazted|url=http://www.toazted.com/playinterview/2245/Video-interview-with-Tom-Morello-27.html|accessdate=2007-08-20|year=2007}}</ref> ==History== ===Formation (2000–2001)=== Audioslave's history dates back to [[October 18]], [[2000]], when lead vocalist [[Zack de la Rocha]] announced he was leaving [[Rage Against the Machine]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Zack Leaves Rage Against The Machine|publisher=[[MTV]]|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1433539/20001018/rage_against_the_machine.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2000-10-18}}</ref> This led to the band's break-up, but the remaining three members of the band decided to stay together and announced plans to continue with a new vocalist.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rage Against The Machine Biography|author=Ankeny, Jason|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kpfpxqw5ldje~T1|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> Several vocalists jammed with the three, including [[B-Real]] of [[Cypress Hill]], but they did not want another [[Rapping|rapper]] or anybody who sounded like de la Rocha.<ref name="MTV.com: Audioslave">{{cite web|title=Audioslave: Unshackled, Ready To Rage|author=Moss, Corey; Parry, Heather|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/audioslave/news_feature_112202/|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> Music producer and friend, [[Rick Rubin]] later suggested that they jam with [[Chris Cornell]], the ex-frontman of [[Soundgarden]].<ref name="Pushing Forward Back">O'Brien, Clare. "Pushing Forward Back." ''Zero Magazine''. [[September 7]], [[2005]], Iss. 1.</ref> Rubin also persuaded the three of them to go into [[group therapy]] with performance coach [[Phil Towle]] after the break-up.<ref name="Pushing Forward Back"/> Rubin was confident that with the right new voice Rage Against the Machine had the potential to become a better band; he believed "it could turn into a [[The Yardbirds|Yardbirds]]-into-[[Led Zeppelin]] scenario".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Last Days of Rage?|author=Fricke, David|publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]''|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5919862/the_last_days_of_rage|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2001-01-10}}</ref> Commerford later credited Rubin for being the catalyst that brought Audioslave together, he called him "the angel at the crossroads because if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here today".<ref name="Pushing Forward Back"/> The chemistry between Cornell and the other three was immediately apparent; as Morello described: "He stepped to the microphone and sang the song and I couldn't believe it. It didn't just sound good. It didn't sound great. It sounded transcendent. And ... when there is an irreplaceable chemistry from the first moment, you can't deny it."<ref name="MTV.com: Audioslave"/> The quartet wrote 21 songs during 19 days of rehearsal,<ref name="Pushing Forward Back"/> and began working in the studio in late May 2001 with Rubin as producer, while sorting out the label and management issues.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rage And Cornell To Enter Studio Next Week|author=Weiss, Neal|publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]]|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12062942|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2001-05-22}}</ref> ====Name==== The original idea for the band's name was "Civilian", but it was dropped when members found out that it was already taken. Morello later discredited the story, contradicting Commerford and Cornell,<ref name="MTV.com: Audioslave 2">{{cite web|title=Audioslave: Unshackled, Ready To Rage (cont.)|author=Moss, Corey; Parry, Heather||publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/audioslave/news_feature_112202/index2.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref><ref name="Metal Hammer - Straight Outta Rehab">Ewing, Jerry. "Straight Outta Rehab." ''[[Metal Hammer]]''. December 2002, Iss. 108.</ref> and commented that "Civilian" was merely a rumor circulating at the time; he stated: "The band has only ever had one name and that is Audioslave."<ref name="Undercover">{{cite web|title=Audioslave to the Rhythm|author=Cashmere, Tim|publisher=Undercover|url=http://www.undercover.com.au/idol/audioslave.html|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> Morello described the origin of the "Audioslave" name to [[LAUNCHcast]] as follows:<ref name="Yahoo! Music - Audioslave Works Out Settlement To Share Name With U.K. Band">{{cite news|title=Audioslave Works Out Settlement To Share Name With U.K. Band|author=Anderson, Brett|publisher=Yahoo! Music|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12054457|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-10-24}}</ref> <blockquote>That was Chris' suggestion that sort of came to him in a vision. We're all on the two-way pagers, and Chris one night said, "I got it. It's Audioslave." We were all, like, "All right, fantastic."... To paraphrase [[Elvis Costello]], talking about band names is like dancing about architecture—there's just no point in it because the band name becomes the music and the people.</blockquote> After the name was announced, it emerged that it was already being used by an unsigned band from [[Liverpool]]. The two bands worked out a settlement, with Audioslave paying $30,000 in a deal that allowed each band to use the name.<ref name="Yahoo! Music - Audioslave Works Out Settlement To Share Name With U.K. Band"/> The name was mocked by critics due to its uninspired nature,<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave album review|author=Kaye, Don|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=105|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> and was regarded as one of the worst in contemporary rock music,<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave album review|author=Jansen, Bryan|publisher=[[Epinions]]|url=http://www99.epinions.com/content_90153127556|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-02-15}}</ref> or even of all time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Best & Worst Band Names|author=Seely, Mike|publisher=''[[Seattle Weekly]]''|url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/arts/blogs/postalley/2006/10/best_worst_band_names.php|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Pitchfork Media]] called it the "most asinine bandname of the year",<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave album review|author=Dahlen, Chris; Schreiber, Ryan|publisher=[[Pitchfork Media]]|url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/15109-audioslave?artist_title=15109-audioslave|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-11-26}}</ref> while ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' magazine chided it as "one of the dumbest band names in recent rock history".<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave - Audioslave review|author=Klosterman, Chuck|publisher=''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/magazine/2003/07/audioslave_audioslave/|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-07-15}}</ref> ===''Audioslave'' (2002–2003)=== On [[March 19]], [[2002]] Audioslave was confirmed for the seventh annual [[Ozzfest]], even though at that time the band had no official name or release date for their debut album.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cornell/Rage Band Set For OzzFest|author=Armor, Jerry|publisher=Yahoo! Music|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12037902|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-03-19}}</ref> A few days later, reports surfaced that the band broke up, before they had played for a public audience. Cornell's manager confirmed that the frontman had left the band, with no explanation given.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cornell/Rage Split Leaves OzzFest Looking For Replacement|author=Altman, Billy|publisher=Yahoo! Music|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12050005|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-03-26}}</ref> Under the name "Civilian" (or "The Civilian Project"), 13 rough rehearsal demo tracks were leaked onto [[peer-to-peer]] filesharing networks in May 2002.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rage/Cornell-Credited Tracks Get Leaked Online|author=D’Angelo, Joe|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1454086/20020520/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-05-20}}</ref> According to Morello, the band was frustrated because the songs were not in their finished form and in some cases, "weren't even the same lyrics, guitar solos, performances of any kind".<ref name="Undercover"/> Initial rumors suggested that Cornell took issue with having two managers actively involved in the project (Jim Guerinot of [[Rebel Waltz Recording Co.|Rebel Waltz]] represented Cornell, and Peter Mensch of Q Prime handled Rage Against the Machine).<ref>{{cite news|title=Rage, Cornell Unshackle Audioslave|author=Jenison, David|publisher=[[E! News]]|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=1eba778b-99f8-4100-be41-4a8de7703670&entry=index|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-09-20}}</ref> According to the band, however, the split was not triggered by personal conflicts, but by their quarreling managers.<ref name="MTV.com: Audioslave 2"/> After the mixing of the album was finished, roughly six weeks later, the group reformed and simultaneously fired their former management companies and hired another, The Firm.<ref>{{cite news|title=Out of exile and into Austin|author=Powell, Austin|publisher=''[[The Daily Texan]]''|url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2005/04/14/Entertainment/Out-Of.Exile.And.Into.Austin-924463.shtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-04-14}}</ref> Their previous labels, [[Epic Records|Epic]] and [[Interscope Records|Interscope]], settled their differences by agreeing to alternate who released the band's albums.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave: Sophomore Album due in June|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrun.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=31215|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-01-07}}</ref> {{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}} {{Listen |filename= Audioslave - Cochise.ogg |title="Cochise" (2002) |description="Cochise", the band's first single features a unique intro, typical of [[Tom Morello]], that was compared to the sound of a helicopter.<ref name="BBC - Stoke & Staffordshire Music – Singles review">{{cite web|title=Stoke & Staffordshire Music – Singles review|author=Lee, Matt|publisher=[[BBC]]|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/music/2002/12/singles2.shtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-12}}</ref> |format=[[Ogg]]}} {{sample box end}} The band divulged their official name and launched their web site in early September. The first single, "[[Cochise (song)|Cochise]]", was posted online in late September, and was on radio in early October. Critics praised Cornell's vocal style, a distinct departure from the rapping of de la Rocha,<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave – Cochise (single) Review|publisher=DarkZero|url=http://darkzero.co.uk/v4/games/review/11|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref><ref name="BBC - Stoke & Staffordshire Music – Singles review"/> and found that "the former members of RATM have gone and done a [[Paul Weller (singer)|Paul Weller]], retreating from the ground they broke back into the sounds that inspired them".<ref>{{cite web|title=Reviews – Singles – Audioslave - Cochise|author=Nettleton, Chris|publisher=[[Drowned in Sound]]|url=http://www.drownedinsound.com/release/view/5700|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> Music video director [[Mark Romanek]] shot a video for "Cochise", which shows the band playing atop an under-construction tower in the midst of a giant fireworks display providing all the lighting. The firework explosions during filming prompted fears of a terrorist attack among residents living near [[Los Angeles]]' [[Sepulveda Dam]], the shooting location.<ref name="MTV News - Morello Says Audioslave Have Songs For Second LP Already">{{cite news|title=Morello Says Audioslave Have Songs For Second LP Already|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458263/20021021/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-10-22}}</ref> The self-titled debut album, ''[[Audioslave (album)|Audioslave]]'', was released on [[November 19]], [[2002]] and entered the [[Billboard 200]] chart at number seven after selling 162,000 copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave, Mudvayne Debut In Billboard's Top 20|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=7877|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-11-27}}</ref> It was certified [[RIAA certification|gold]] by the [[RIAA]] within a month of release,<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Land Gold Album|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=8317|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-12-17}}</ref> and by 2006 achieved triple platinum status.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|title=Gold & Platinum Searchable Database - Search Results - Audioslave|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=audioslave&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> It is the most successful Audioslave album to date, having sold more than three million copies in the [[United States]] alone. Despite its commercial success, ''Audioslave'' received mixed reviews. Some critics lambasted the group's effort as uninspired,<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave - Audioslave - Review|author=Lynch, Andrew|publisher=''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''|url=http://www.entertainment.ie/reviews/review.asp?ID=2483&subcat=CD|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> and predictable.<ref>{{cite web|title=Probably Not – Audioslave review|author=Tate, Greg|publisher=''[[The Village Voice]]''|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0303,tate,41030,22.html|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-01-08}}</ref> [[Pitchfork Media]] praised Cornell's voice, but criticized virtually every other aspect of the album, deeming the lyrics "complete gibberish" and Rubin's production "a synthesized rock-like product that emits no heat".<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave: Audioslave: Pitchfork Record Review|author=Dahlen, Chris; Schreiber, Ryan|publisher=Pitchfork Media|url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/15109-audioslave?artist_title=15109-audioslave|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-11-26}}</ref> Other critics, however praised the supergroup's style reminiscent of 1970s rock and compared it to [[Led Zeppelin]] and [[Black Sabbath]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Rock/Indie Review – Audioslave, Audioslave|author=McAuliffe, Amy|publisher=BBC|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/2625/|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2007-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave: Audioslave (2002) review|author=Jeres|publisher=[[PlayLouder]]|url=http://old.playlouder.com/review/+658audioslave/|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-11-21}}</ref> saying they added much-needed sound and style to contemporary mainstream rock.<ref>{{cite web|title=Music: Review - Audioslave Audioslave|author=Gray, Christopher|publisher=''[[The Austin Chronicle]]''|url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/review?oid=oid%3A143588|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-01-31}}</ref> Audioslave made their live debut on [[November 25]], [[2002]], performing a brief concert on the roof of the [[Ed Sullivan Theater]] on [[Broadway (New York City)|Broadway]] in [[New York City]], for the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]''. This was the first time any band had appeared on Letterman's marquee.<ref>{{cite web|title=AUDIOSLAVE/AUDIOSLAVE DVD VIDEO|publisher=Elusive Disc|url=http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SONDV55759|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> That year's [[KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas]] was their first official paying concert, where the band played on the first night, [[December 7]] [[2002]], after giving a secret club show the night before.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Deliver Like Santa Claus, Creed Booed At Radio Show|author=Moss, Corey|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459076/20021209/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-12-09}}</ref> Towards the end of the band's six song set, Cornell told the audience, "These guys saved my life this year",<ref name="Kerrang! - Last Orders">Brannigan, Paul. "Last Orders." ''[[Kerrang!]]''. [[February 1]], [[2003]], Iss. 940.</ref> and the show ended with his band mates hugging him.<ref>{{cite news|title= Hug-Happy Audioslave Choose 'Like A Stone' As Next Single|author=Moss, Corey|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459098/20021210/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-12-11}}</ref> Afterwards, asked to expand on his comments, he would only say that he had dragged the trio "through a trail of shit" in the past months.<ref name="Kerrang! - Last Orders"/> During this time, there was a rumor that Cornell had checked himself into [[drug rehabilitation]]. He later confirmed it in an interview with ''[[Metal Hammer]]'' that was conducted from a clinic payphone.<ref name="Metal Hammer - Straight Outta Rehab"/> In a San Diego CityBEAT article, Cornell explained that he went through "a horrible personal crisis" during the making of the first record, staying in rehab for two months and separating from his wife.<ref name="San Diego CityBEAT – A Career in Slavery">{{cite web|title=A Career in Slavery|author=Sculley, Alan|publisher=San Diego CityBEAT|url=http://www.sdcitybeat.com/article.php?id=3132|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> He credited Morello, Commerford and Wilk with helping him rebound from the difficult period. He dismissed the rumors about being in rehab for [[OxyContin]] or [[heroin]], but when asked, only offered, "Various things. I'm not picky. Mainly for drinking."<ref>{{cite news|title=Chris Cornell Admits To Stint In Rehab: 'It's Like School'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=8975|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-01-16}}</ref><ref name="Kerrang! - Last Orders"/> {{Sound sample box align left|Music sample:}} {{Listen |filename= Audioslave - Like A Stone.ogg |title="Like a Stone" (2002) |description="Like a Stone" was the band's most successful single, achieving gold status in the U.S. |format=[[Ogg]]}} {{sample box end}} "[[Like a Stone]]", the second single from ''Audioslave'', was released in early 2003. It was the highest-charting single from the album, peaking at number one on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s [[Mainstream Rock Tracks]] and [[Modern Rock Tracks]] charts.<ref name="Billboard – Artist Chart History - Audioslave">{{cite web|title=Artist Chart History - Audioslave|publisher=''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Singles&model.vnuArtistId=499235&model.vnuAlbumId=555734|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> It was certified [[RIAA single certification|gold]] by the RIAA, making it Audioslave's most successful single ever.<ref name="RIAA"/> The music video for the third single, "[[Show Me How to Live]]", was banned from [[MTV]], reportedly because it shows the band in a high-speed car chase running police cars and motorcycles off the road.<ref>{{cite news|title=Banned Audioslave Video Posted Online|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=13271|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-07-03}}</ref> The band's first DVD, ''[[Audioslave (DVD)|Audioslave]]'', was released on [[July 29]], [[2003]]. The band toured extensively worldwide in 2003, gaining positive reviews for their live performances,<ref>{{cite web|title=Concert Review – Audioslave 26 February 2003: Riviera Theatre — Chicago|author=Slowikowski, Tim|publisher=[[PopMatters]]|url=http://www.popmatters.com/music/concerts/a/audioslave-030226.shtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-03-19}}</ref> including at the revived [[Lollapalooza]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lollapalooza concert at Fiddler's Green, Denver, Colorado 2003|author=Paulik, Laurie|publisher=Mountain West Music|url=http://www.mountainwestmusic.com/SpecialEvents/lollapalooza.htm|accessdate=2007-08-25|year=2003}}</ref> ===''Out of Exile'' (2004–2005)=== In 2004, Audioslave was among the nominees for the [[46th Grammy Awards]]: "Like a Stone" was nominated for "[[Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance|Best Hard Rock Performance]]" and ''Audioslave'' for "[[Grammy Award for Best Rock Album|Best Rock Album]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=46th Grammy Awards - 2004|publisher=Rockonthenet.com|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2004/grammys.htm|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2004-02-08}}</ref> They spent the rest of 2004 on break from touring, and working on the second album. This gave Morello time to concentrate on his solo project, [[The Nightwatchman]], and also take an active part in political activities. Cornell had time to focus on his personal life; after his divorce from his first wife was finalized, he married Vicky Karayiannis, a [[Paris]]-based publicist he met during Audioslave's first European tour.<ref name="San Diego CityBEAT – A Career in Slavery"/> Work on a new album had started in 2003 during the Lollapalooza tour,<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave To Work On Next Album After Lollapalooza|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=14002|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-07-29}}</ref> and continued at the end of the year when band members entered the studio. Aside from writing new material, the band also had some leftover songs from the ''Audioslave'' sessions; according to Morello, they had "almost another album's worth of stuff [already done]".<ref name="MTV News - Morello Says Audioslave Have Songs For Second LP Already"/> "[[Be Yourself (Audioslave song)|Be Yourself]]", the first single from the still-untitled album, was heavily panned by critics, who felt it was "limp and the lyrics are bland and directionless".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Singles Jukebox - Singles Going Steady|publisher=[[Stylus Magazine]]|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/the_singles_jukebox/singles-going-steady40.htm|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-04-08}}</ref> Nevertheless, it reached number one on the Mainstream and Modern Rock charts.<ref name="Billboard – Artist Chart History - Audioslave"/> {{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}} {{Listen |filename= Audioslave - Be Yourself.ogg |title="Be Yourself" (2005) |description="Be Yourself" was the first single from ''Out of Exile''. It is one of the most radio-friendly songs the band had ever recorded. |format=[[Ogg]]}} {{sample box end}} In April 2005 the band launched a club tour, which lasted until late May. Although on previous tours Audioslave occasionally played [[Cover version|cover songs]], they deliberately avoided playing their former bands' songs to avoid using those songs as a "crutch" to "help sell and break Audioslave", as their aim was to establish the band as an "independent entity".<ref name="The San Diego Union-Tribune">{{cite web|title=The members of Audioslave built the band on foundation of harmony – 'We take care of each other'|author=Varga, George| publisher=''[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]''|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050512/news_lz1w12slave.html|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-05-12}}</ref> After achieving that goal, they thought it was "time to own those histories", and began performing a selection of the two bands' most popular songs on the tour.<ref name="The San Diego Union-Tribune"/> The second single, "[[Your Time Has Come]]" was released through a unique promotion, lasting one week, which involved radio listeners around the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=It Takes A Million Audioslave Fans To Hear New Single|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=35971|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-04-27}}</ref> Radio stations were asked to post a link on their web sites to a special timed-out download of the song. Once one million people clicked on the link, the song was unlocked and became downloadable by all one million. [[Image:AudioslaveCuba.jpg|thumb|left|Audioslave was the first American band to play a free open-air concert in [[Cuba]] on [[May 6]], [[2005]]. The performance was recorded for the ''[[Live in Cuba]]'' DVD.]] On [[May 6]], [[2005]], Audioslave played a free show in [[Havana]], [[Cuba]], in front of an estimated 50,000 people at the La Tribuna Antiimperialista José Martí ([[José Martí]] Anti-Imperialist Tribunal) venue, which was purpose-built in 2000 for mass protests against the U.S. government.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Slay Havana With Historic Show|author=Fraenkel, Jim; Corey, Moss|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501463/20050507/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-05-07}}</ref> Audioslave became the first American rock group to perform an open-air concert in the communist country of Cuba. The band traveled to Havana—bringing along their camera crew—on May 4 to spend two days visiting historic sites and interacting with Cuban musicians and youngsters.<ref name="Rolling Stone - Airborne With Audioslave">{{cite web|title=Airborne With Audioslave|author=Grigoriadis, Vanessa|publisher=''Rolling Stone''|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/chriscornell/articles/story/7295592/airborne_with_audioslave|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-05-10}}</ref> Morello and the rest of the band insisted that the trip was not to make a political statement, but to take part in a musical cultural exchange. Cornell commented: "Hopefully, this concert will help to open the musical borders between our two countries."<ref name="AOL Journal - BCP Periscope - Audioslave in Cuba">{{cite web|title=AOL Journal - BCP Periscope - Audioslave in Cuba|author=Hastings, John|publisher=[[AOL]]|url=http://journals.aol.com/bloomingtoncp/news/entries/2005/05/06/audioslave-in-cuba/1924|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-05-06}}</ref> The trip was organized with the joint authorization of the [[United States Department of the Treasury]] and the Instituto Cubano de la Musica (Cuban Institute of Music),<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave rocks socialist Cuba|author=[[Agence France-Presse]]|publisher=''New Age''|url=http://www.newagebd.com/2005/may/09/time.html|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-05-09}}</ref> as travel by US citizens to Cuba is restricted, but the authorization arrived so late that the band had to cancel and postpone several confirmed dates of their US tour.<ref name="AOL Journal - BCP Periscope - Audioslave in Cuba"/> The 26-song set concert was the longest the band had ever played.<ref name="AOL Journal - BCP Periscope - Audioslave in Cuba"/> ''[[Out of Exile]]'' was released internationally on [[May 23]], [[2005]], then a day later in the U.S. It debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, the only Audioslave album to reach this position. The following week, however, it dropped to number three, with a 62 percent sales decrease<ref>{{cite news|title=Mariah Stops The Rock, Reclaims Billboard #1|author=Harris, Chris|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1503707/20050608/carey_mariah.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-06-08}}</ref>—consequently reaching platinum.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave: 'Out Of Exile' Certified Platinum|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=40342|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-08-11}}</ref> Cornell admitted to writing his most personal songs ever on this album, influenced by the positive changes in his life since 2002.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Singer Says New Album Will Be 'One Of The Best Rock Records Ever' Made|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=35360|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-04-12}}</ref> He also described the album as more varied than the debut and relying less on heavy guitar riffs.<ref name="San Diego CityBEAT – A Career in Slavery"/> The album was received more favorably than Audioslave's debut; critics noted Cornell's stronger vocals, likely the result of quitting smoking and drinking,<ref>{{cite web|title=Q&A: Chris Cornell|author=Scaggs, Austin|publisher=''Rolling Stone''|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/7482813/qa_chris_cornell|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-07-14}}</ref> and pointed out that ''Out Of Exile'' is "the sound of a band coming into its own".<ref>{{cite web|title=Music Review: Audioslave: Out Of Exile|author=Shetler, Scott|publisher=[[Slant Magazine]]|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=591|accessdate=2007-08-25|year=2005}}</ref> [[Allmusic]], which gave ''Audioslave'' a lukewarm review, praised the album as "lean, hard, strong, and memorable".<ref>{{cite web|title=Out of Exile Review|author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas|publisher=Allmusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gxfyxqlsldhe~T1|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> The lyrics, however, were still a common complaint, musicOMH.com wrote that Cornell's lyrics "continue to border on the ridiculous",<ref name="musicOMH.com - Audioslave - Out Of Exile : album review">{{cite web|title=Audioslave - Out Of Exile : album review|author=Bansal, Vik|publisher=musicOMH.com|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/audioslave.htm|accessdate=2007-08-25|year=2005}}</ref> The album's softer, slower approach was frequently criticized as well.<ref name="musicOMH.com - Audioslave - Out Of Exile : album review"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave - Out Of Exile review|author=Starbuck|publisher=Imperiumi.net|url=http://www.imperiumi.net/alb_2.php?id=3670|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-06-01}}</ref> Following the album's release, the band embarked on a European tour, performed at the [[Live 8]] benefit concert in [[Berlin]] on [[July 2]], [[2005]], and played their first North American headlining arena tour from late September to November 2005. The music video for "[[Doesn't Remind Me]]", the third single from ''Out of Exile'', was posted online in September 2005. Audioslave's second DVD, ''[[Live in Cuba]]'', featuring the concert in Havana, was released on [[October 11]], [[2005]]. It was certified platinum in less than two months.<ref name="RIAA"/> ===''Revelations'', and breakup (2006–2007)=== In December 2005, Audioslave received its third Grammy nomination at the [[48th Grammy Awards]] in the "Best Hard Rock Performance" category for "Doesn't Remind Me".<ref>{{cite web|title=48th Grammy Awards - 2006|publisher=Rockonthenet.com|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2006/grammys.htm|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-02-08}}</ref> Audioslave began recording their next album; Cornell had already expressed his desire to make "an album every year or year-and-a-half" even before ''Out of Exile'' was released.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Frontman: 'We're Just Four Sweaty Guys Making Music'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=35786|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-04-22}}</ref> In early July 2005, after the conclusion of the European tour, the band returned to the studio to write new songs; Morello said their aim was to "blur the lines between rehearsing, recording and touring".<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Heading Home For Studio Time, Fall Tour|author=Cohen, Jonathan|publisher=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000971000|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-06-29}}</ref> The actual recording began in January 2006, with plans to release the album in June.<ref name="MTV News - Audioslave Turn To Rage/Soundgarden Producer For Third LP">{{cite news|title=Audioslave Turn To Rage/Soundgarden Producer For Third LP|author=Moss, Corey|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1517810/20051209/audioslave.jhtml?headlines=true|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-12-09}}</ref> This time, the band chose ''Out of Exile'''s mixer, [[Brendan O'Brien (music producer)|Brendan O'Brien]] as producer. {{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}} {{Listen |filename= Audioslave - Original Fire.ogg |title="Original Fire" (2006) |description="Original Fire", the first single from ''Revelations'', was inspired by the [[Music of Seattle|Seattle music scene]] Cornell was part of in the late 1980s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave's Chris Cornell Says He's Still Got The 'Original Fire'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=55995|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-08-03}}</ref> |format=[[Ogg]]}} {{sample box end}} Audioslave had 20 songs written and recorded 16 of those in only three weeks.<ref name="MTV News - New Audioslave LP: 'Led Zeppelin Meets Earth, Wind & Fire'">{{cite news|title=New Audioslave LP: 'Led Zeppelin Meets Earth, Wind & Fire'|author=Harris, Chris|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1527383/20060329/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-03-31}}</ref>. However, the album's release date was postponed to early September, and the band cancelled their previously announced European tour, to have a new album to support, when they embarked on touring.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave's Record Label Explains European Tour Cancellation|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52693|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-05-23}}</ref> The first single off the album, "[[Original Fire]]", was made available online on Audioslave's official website for free streaming in early July. News about Cornell's departure emerged in July 2006, when insiders stated that after the third album he would split for a solo career. The singer immediately denied the rumors, stating "We hear rumors that Audioslave is breaking up all the time. ... I always just ignore [them]".<ref>{{cite news|title=Chris Cornell Working On Solo LP — But Dismisses Rumors Of Audioslave Split|author=Harris, Chris|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1537179/20060726/cornell_chris.jhtml?headlines=true|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-07-26}}</ref> In the same interview, he also discussed his intentions to record a new solo album, the second in seven years, before the end of August. [[Image:AudioslaveNationGoogleEarth.jpg|thumb|left|Audioslave Nation was created on [[Google Earth]] as a special marketing campaign for ''[[Revelations (album)|Revelations]]''.]] A special [[Marketing|marketing campaign]] preceded the new album's release in August, when the art concept was featured on [[Google Earth]] as a fictional utopian island, Audioslave Nation, created in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]]. Several songs from the upcoming album appeared on movie and video game soundtracks; "Wide Awake" and "Shape of Things to Come" were featured in ''[[Miami Vice (film)|Miami Vice]]'', while "Revelations" was on the soundtrack of ''[[Madden NFL 07]]''. ''[[Revelations (album)|Revelations]]'' was released on [[September 5]], [[2006]]. The album entered the Billboard 200 at #2 and sold 142,000 copies during its first week of release.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave, Iron Maiden, Alice In Chains: First-Week Sales Revealed|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=58338|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-09-13}}</ref> It became the band's least commercially successful album; dropping even faster than Out of Exile, its sales were down 65 percent the following week,<ref>{{cite web|title=Chart Recap: Timberlake Over Mayer|author=Peoples, Glenn|publisher=Coolfer.com|url=http://www.coolfer.com/blog/archives/2006/09/chart_recap_tim_1.php|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-09-20}}</ref> achieving gold certification a month later.<ref name="RIAA"/> The album showed funk, soul and [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] influences that were non-existent for the band before; Morello referred to the new sound as "Led Zeppelin Meets [[Earth, Wind & Fire]]".<ref name="MTV News - New Audioslave LP: 'Led Zeppelin Meets Earth, Wind & Fire'"/> Additionally, several songs took a more overtly liberal political stance than previous Audioslave releases. The album received a similar critical response to ''Out of Exile'' with the majority of reviewers praising the band's integrity on the record.<ref>{{cite web|title=Music Review: Audioslave: Revelations|author=D. Schiller, Brian|publisher=Slant Magazine|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=958|accessdate=2007-08-25|year=2006}}</ref> The new funk and soul influences were also welcomed favorably, Allmusic called the album Audioslave's "most colorful, diverse, and consistent record yet".<ref>{{cite web|title=Revelations review|author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas|publisher=Allmusic|url=http://wc06.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE47B16D84DAD7F20CE932C4BC7947EF71DDF40E8870A29491BDFBA3C54D95B79EF45FA8781B8E573AB7BAFFF28E85B05D6CCE453F4CC0640&sql=10:igu06j3571e0~T1|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> Many others, however, saw it as "just another rock record",<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave - Revelations|author=Ackroyd, Stephen|publisher=Rocklouder|url=http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/articles/501.html|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> and musically not much different from the previous album.<ref>{{cite web|title=Revelations review|author=Borzykowski, Brian|publisher=''[[NOW (magazine)|NOW]]''|url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2006-09-07/music_discs.php|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-09-07}}</ref> Cornell decided to delay the Revelations tour until 2007, because he wanted to "let the album come out for awhile" and also concentrate on his second solo album.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Frontman Wants To Wait Before Hitting The Road|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=56194|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2006-08-08}}</ref> The rest of the band went along, Morello also revealed his plans to release his debut solo album in early 2007. The second, and final single from the album, "Revelations" was released in October 2006 with an accompanying music video a month later. On [[January 22]], [[2007]], Rage Against the Machine was announced to reunite for one show only, at the [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival]], on [[April 29]], [[2007]]. Less than a month later, on [[February 15]], [[2007]], Cornell officially announced his departure from Audioslave, issuing this statement:<ref name="MTV News - Chris Cornell Talks Audioslave Split, Nixes Soundgarden Reunion">{{cite news|title=Chris Cornell Talks Audioslave Split, Nixes Soundgarden Reunion|author=Harris, Chris|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552582/20070215/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2007-02-15}}</ref> <blockquote>Due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences, I am permanently leaving the band Audioslave. I wish the other three members nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors.</blockquote> He stated that, as far as he was concerned, Audioslave had disbanded, and that a greatest hits collection would be issued in the future, because of label commitments.<ref name="MTV News - Chris Cornell Talks Audioslave Split, Nixes Soundgarden Reunion"/> The ''[[New York Post]]'' reported that according to sources the split was not about "irresolvable personality conflicts" but about the money, a friend of Cornell said: "Chris was unhappy with the financial arrangement within the group—he wrote all the music, yet the other three bandmates took an equal share in the multimillion-dollar publishing rights."<ref>{{cite news|title=Rocker Walks|author=Froelich, Paula; Hoffmann, Bill|publisher=''[[New York Post]]''|url= http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232007/gossip/pagesix/rocker_walks_pagesix_.htm|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2007-02-23}}</ref> Morello has said that he never officially heard and "still haven't heard" from Cornell that he was leaving the group.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tom Morello On Audioslave: 'I Still Haven't Heard From Chris Cornell'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=71214|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2007-04-25}}</ref> Cornell countered: "Tom and I did have communications about the fact that I was gonna go make a record, and that I was tired of what ended up seeming like political negotiations toward how we were gonna do Audioslave business and getting nowhere with it."<ref name="Blabbermouth.net - Chris Cornell Comes Clean On Audioslave Break-Up">{{cite news|title=Chris Cornell Comes Clean On Audioslave Break-Up|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=72573|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2007-05-15}}</ref> He also added that this process of "doing Audioslave business" led him to go solo.<ref name="Blabbermouth.net - Chris Cornell Comes Clean On Audioslave Break-Up"/> ==Musical style and influences== By combining hard rock with grunge, Audioslave created a distinctive sound.<ref name="Plugged In Online - Audioslave Comes 'Out of Exile'">{{cite web|title=Audioslave Comes 'Out of Exile'|publisher=[[Plugged In Online]]|url=http://www.pluggedinonline.com/thisweekonly/a0002248.cfm|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> This mix was driven by Cornell's wide vocal range,<ref>{{cite web|title=Chris Cornell's New Band and their Self-Titled CD|author=Longo, Mike|publisher=''The Clock''|url=http://media.www.theclockonline.com/media/storage/paper569/news/2002/12/13/ArtsEntertainment/Chris.Cornells.New.Band.And.Their.SelfTitled.Cd-361032.shtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2002-12-03}}</ref> Morello's innovative guitar solos and the rhythm section of Wilk and Commerford.<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with Brad Wilk|author=Parillo, Michael|publisher=''[[Modern Drummer]]''|url=http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001513|accessdate=2007-08-20}}</ref> Morello, although stating he "never felt musically limited" in Rage Against the Machine, did say that he had "a lot more scope to explore with Audioslave" and a "wider musical territory".<ref>Sidwell, Jason. "Tom Morello." ''[[Total Guitar]]''. August 2003, Iss. 113.</ref> This meant that the instrumentalists had the opportunity to write slow and melodic songs, something they had not done before. As opposed to de la Rocha's lyrics, Cornell's were mostly apolitical; Morello referred to them as "haunted, existential poetry".<ref name="Christianity Today – Audioslave – Audioslave review">{{cite web|title= Audioslave – Audioslave review|author=Breimeier, Russ|publisher=''[[Christianity Today]]''|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/glimpses/2003/audioslave.html|accessdate=2007-09-23|year=2003}}</ref> They were characterized by his cryptic approach, often dealing with themes of [[existentialism]],<ref name="Plugged In Online - Audioslave Comes 'Out of Exile'"/>, love, [[hedonism]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Album reviews - Audioslave - Out Of Exile|publisher=[[Virgin Media]]|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/music/reviews/albumreviews/audioslave_outofexile.php|accessdate=2007-09-23}}</ref> [[spirituality]] and [[Christianity]].<ref name="Christianity Today – Audioslave – Audioslave review"/> Critics were not often impressed with Cornell's lyrical work; its detractors usually deemed his songs clichéd and meaningless. Audioslave's first two albums drew influences from 1970s hard rock such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, and from the members' previous bands (the grunge of Soundgarden and the [[funk metal]] of Rage Against the Machine).<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with Tim Commerford of Audioslave|author=Gabriella|publisher=NY Rock|url=http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/2003/audioslave_int.asp|accessdate=2007-08-20|date=2003-01}}</ref> For ''Revelations'', which was influenced by 1960s and 70s funk, soul and R&B music, Morello used vintage guitars and amplifiers, and Cornell adopted his "seventies funk and R&B-flavor vocals".<ref>{{cite web|title=Tom Morello Swings His Hammer|author=Rogulewski, Charley|publisher=''Rolling Stone''|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10146985/tom_morello_swings_his_hammer?rnd=1146173101411&has-player=true&version=6.0.12.872|accessdate=2007-08-20|date=2006-04-27}}</ref> The guitarist also cited [[Sly & the Family Stone]], [[James Brown]] and [[Funkadelic]] as a reason for the funk overtones on the album.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Guitarist: 'We've Been Very Unafraid Creatively'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=57992|accessdate=2007-08-20|date=2006-09-08}}</ref> Just as Rage Against the Machine did, Audioslave also included the statement "All sounds made by guitar, bass, drums, and vocals" in their albums' booklets as Morello's guitar work often caused listeners to believe that the band used [[Sampling (music)|samples]], [[synthesizer]] effects or different [[Turntablism|turntable techniques]] to produce certain sounds.<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave Guitarist Tom Morello: 'I'm A Great Believer In A Good Riff'|date=2006-01-06|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060111084622/http://ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/audioslave_guitarist_tom_morello_im_a_great_believer_in_a_good_riff.html|url=http://ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/audioslave_guitarist_tom_morello_im_a_great_believer_in_a_good_riff.html|archivedate=2006-01-11}}</ref> ===Songwriting and recording process=== All of Audioslave's lyrics were written by Cornell, while all four members—as a band—were credited with writing the music. Their songwriting process was described by Wilk as "more collaborative" and "satisfying" than Rage Against the Machine's, which was "a battle creatively".<ref name="Kevin Murphy - Audioslave – Classic Rock">{{cite web|title=Audioslave – Classic Rock|author=Murphy, Kevin|publisher=Kevin Murphy|url=http://mysite.verizon.net/res8xin8/id23.html|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> Cornell also felt the same way; he saw Soundgarden's songwriting method inferior to Audioslave's.<ref name="Kevin Murphy - Audioslave – Classic Rock"/> Rick Rubin, producer of the band's first two albums, was also lauded as "a great collaborative partner" and was likened to "the [[fifth Beatle]]" by Tom Morello.<ref name="MTV News - Audioslave's Morello Says New LP Feels Less Like Soundgarden + Rage">{{cite news|title=Audioslave's Morello Says New LP Feels Less Like Soundgarden + Rage|author=Moss, Corey|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489715/20040726/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2004-07-29}}</ref> The time spent on songwriting by the band was always short. They wrote 21 songs in 19 days for the first album, and exceeded that rate for the second album by having a song or sometimes two written every day.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave 'Surprised' By Adventurous New Songs, Morello Says|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1485673/20040311/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2004-03-11}}</ref> This method was adopted for the third album as well.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Crank Out A Song A Day, Explore New Sounds|author=Harris, Chris|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1512814/20051102/audioslave.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-11-02}}</ref> Cornell's battle with drug addiction and alcoholism was a defining factor in the writing and recording process of the debut album. The singer admitted that he was "never able to write effectively" while drinking,<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave's Cornell given a new lease on life|author=Elfman, Doug|publisher=reviewjournal.com|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-14-Thu-2005/living/26252849.html|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-04-14}}</ref> and attended rehab after recording ''Audioslave''. Although Morello stated that ''Revelations'' was "the first record [Cornell] didn't smoke, drink or take drugs through the recording", he later corrected his statement by saying: "Chris was stone sober during the making of our Out of Exile album. Chris was also sober during the making of Revelations and prior to recording he gave up smoking as well."<ref>{{cite news|title=Slaves To The Music'|publisher=theage.com.au|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/slaves-to-the-music/2006/08/24/1156012641945.html?page=2|accessdate=2008-04-28|date=2006-08-25}}</ref> ==Politics== While Rage Against the Machine's music was politically influenced, Audioslave's originally was not. Cornell stated he did not want to become the new singer of Rage Against the Machine or any political band, but he would play benefits the other band members wanted to play.<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview With Tim Commerford Of Audioslave (unedited)|author=McKay, Chris|publisher=Concert Shots|url=http://www.concertshots.com/audioslave_interview_unedited.htm|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-02-24}}</ref> Despite his reluctance to write political lyrics, he himself never discounted the possibility; he already touched upon political issues in ''Audioslave'''s "Set It Off"—a song inspired by 1999's [[WTO]] riots (the "[[WTO Ministerial Conference of 1999 protest activity|Battle of Seattle]]")<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave: Unshackled, Ready To Rage (cont.)|author=Moss, Corey; Parry, Heather||publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/audioslave/news_feature_112202/index3.jhtml|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref>—then later wrote an anti-war song, "Sound of a Gun", and what Morello called "the most political song Audioslave's ever written", "Wide Awake" for ''Revelations''.<ref name="MTV News - New Audioslave LP: 'Led Zeppelin Meets Earth, Wind & Fire'"/> "Wide Awake" was an attack on the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush administration]]'s failure to act over the consequences of [[Hurricane Katrina]]. The band was openly anti-[[George W. Bush|Bush]] and against the [[Iraq War]] from the beginning; on [[March 17]], [[2003]], only hours after President Bush announced plans to invade Iraq, the band performed live in Hollywood with messages reading "How many Iraqis per gallon?" and "Somewhere in [[Texas]], a Village is Missing an Idiot", scrolled across the stage.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave's Free Speech|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=10670|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2003-03-19}}</ref> The music video for "Doesn't Remind Me" was also critical of the Iraq war. Wilk called Bush "a fucking scam" in an interview, criticizing the Bush administration's rationale for war in Iraq.<ref>{{cite web|title=Audioslave stays focused|author=Hammer, Steve|publisher=''[[NUVO (newspaper)|NUVO]]''|url=http://www.nuvo.net/archive/2005/11/09/audioslave_stays_focused.html|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-11-09}}</ref> [[Image:AudioslaveMorelloAxisofJustice.jpg|thumb|left|Guitarist [[Tom Morello]] with [[Not in Our Name]] volunteers at an Axis of Justice tent at the [[July 13]], [[2003]] [[Lollapalooza]] festival in [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], [[Ohio]].]] During the time of the second album's release several politically-charged Rage Against the Machine songs resurfaced in Audioslave's live set. Although the members committed to not making political statements during their Cuba tour, Commerford stated in an interview that the concert made Audioslave more politically active than Rage Against the Machine ever was.<ref>{{cite news|title=Audioslave Get Political In Their Own Way|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=42885|accessdate=2007-08-25|date=2005-10-14}}</ref> While in Cuba, Cornell said that he takes "every aspect of human life" into consideration, when it comes to writing lyrics, and that he would write about the experience in a song, or more songs.<ref name="Rolling Stone - Airborne With Audioslave"/> This culminated in the political influences on ''Revelations'', although he did not write about Cuba specifically. He asserted that he felt Audioslave can be a band like [[U2]], which is "not overtly political, but [[Bono]] gets a lot done".<ref name="Rolling Stone - Airborne With Audioslave"/> That year, the band played at two more concerts organized to raise political awareness: [[Live 8]], which aimed to end global poverty, and the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert, [[ReAct Now: Music & Relief]]. Audioslave was prominently involved in the [[Axis of Justice]], a non-profit organization formed by Tom Morello and [[System of a Down]]'s [[Serj Tankian]] to "bring together musicians, fans of music, and [[grassroots]] political organizations to fight for [[social justice]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Mission|publisher=[[Axis of Justice]]|url=http://www.axisofjustice.org/mission.htm|accessdate=2007-08-25}}</ref> Axis of Justice tents were set up at almost every Audioslave show, and with the exception of Commerford all band members appeared on the ''[[Concert Series Volume 1]]'' CD/DVD charity album released in 2004. ==Discography== {{main|Audioslave discography}} '''Studio Albums''' *2002: ''[[Audioslave (album)|Audioslave]]'' *2005: ''[[Out of Exile]]'' *2006: ''[[Revelations (album)|Revelations]]'' ==References== {{reflist|3}} ==External links== {{commons|Audioslave}} *[http://www.audioslave.com Official site] *{{MySpace-music|audioslave|Audioslave}} *{{last.fm}} *{{AMG Artist|sql=11:kxfixqw0ldke|artist=Audioslave}} <br/> {{Audioslave}} {{featured article}} [[Category:2000s music groups]] [[Category:California musical groups]] [[Category:Hard rock groups]] [[Category:Interscope Records artists]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 2001]] [[Category:Post-grunge groups]] [[Category:Quartets]] [[Category:American rock music groups]] [[Category:American alternative rock music groups]] [[Category:Supergroups]] [[Category:Los Angeles musical groups]] [[ca:Audioslave]] [[cs:Audioslave]] [[da:Audioslave]] [[de:Audioslave]] [[es:Audioslave]] [[fr:Audioslave]] [[gl:Audioslave]] [[ko:오디오슬레이브]] [[id:Audioslave]] [[is:Audioslave]] [[it:Audioslave]] [[he:אודיוסלייב]] [[lt:Audioslave]] [[hu:Audioslave]] [[nl:Audioslave]] [[ja:オーディオスレイヴ]] [[no:Audioslave]] [[uz:Audioslave]] [[pl:Audioslave]] [[pt:Audioslave]] [[ru:Audioslave]] [[sq:Audioslave]] [[simple:Audioslave]] [[sk:Audioslave]] [[sr:Одиослејв]] [[fi:Audioslave]] [[sv:Audioslave]] [[th:ออดิโอสเลฟ]] [[tr:Audioslave]]