SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: AUDIOSLAVE – OUT OF EXILE (REMASTERED)

AUDIOSLAVE
OUT OF EXILE (REMASTERED)
UNIVERSAL

In 2024, Audioslave, the collaboration between Chris Cornell and Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford, returned with their second album, Out Of Exile. The album developed upon the ferocious sound established two years prior on their debut, self-titled album. Out Of Exile, for the very first time, has now been remastered with its first ever vinyl pressing, available in standard black and a limited D2C black liquid-filled pressing inspired by the album artwork.

Upon returning to the record, it is impossible not to get swept up in the absolute whirlwind that is “Your Time Has Come.” As an opener, this song captures the energy that made Audioslave so special and remains one of the strongest, most hard-hitting songs on the record that has garnered a tragic new meaning when reflecting upon the 2017 passing of Cornell at the age of 52. In many ways, Out Of Exile sees Audioslave double down on the elements of their previous album – the riffs are crunchier but there is even more room for atmospheric and haunting melodies. The title track stands as a testament to this, as well as the band’s ability to craft anthemic choruses. As always, the chemistry between the band, but especially Cornell and Morello, shines. Out Of Exile provides a far more melodic direction for the band as they push outwards towards the boundaries of their sound. I’d go as far to say that it was this very exercise in songwriting that led to one of the best vocal deliveries from Cornell across his stellar career.

This idea proves to be ever more true as the album continues to unfold. Across the tracklisting’s dozen songs, there is the spacious soundscapes of “Be Yourself,” the gentle sway of “Doesn’t Remind Me,” and the jangly “Heaven’s Dead,” each midtempo rockers that see the band emerge from softer verses before erupting into momentous and volatile choruses. This is a dynamic that the band plays with effectively and builds upon a more reflective tone that was used much more sparingly on their debut. That is not to say that Out Of Exile is short on rockers; “The Worm” and “Man Or Animal,” in addition to the two opening tracks, see the band revel in a sense of sheer power. While I thoroughly enjoy this album still to this day, one song stands out as an underrated gem: “#1 Zero.” This is a song that takes the midtempo dynamic previously discussed and spins it in a more alternative direction with a series of meandering verses before diving headfirst, seemingly out of nowhere, into the album’s most crushing riffs and one of Morello’s strongest solos on the record.

Is Out Of Exile the definitive Audioslave collection? No, that remains their explosively incendiary eponymous debut. Does Out Of Exile expand on their sound in a meaningful way, delivering a versatile body of work that demonstrated a greater level of integrity to the band, establishing them as a cut above most other supergroups? Absolutely. While the reissue of Out Of Exile would have greatly benefited from the addition of some archival material – particularly something live – the first ever vinyl pressing of this record is long overdue. Perhaps Out Of Exile (Remastered) will light a spark that will lead to further releases from the band to allow for fans to continue to celebrate the esteemed legacies of both Audioslave and Chris Cornell.

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