Soundgarden to Release Telephantasm September 28

First, the disappointing news: Telephantasm isn't a new studio record. It won't include a single new song from the reformed Soundgarden. It'll have just one previously unreleased tune, "Black Rain," shuttered since the Badmotorfinger sessions. (Which means it's probably thunderous.)

Second, the excellent news: Telephantasm is a Soundgarden record and Soundgarden is together. And, in the same announcement (below), the Lollapalooza-bound band revealed that it will also soon be issuing its first DVD. Undoubtedly that will include footage from Soundgarden's April 16 Showbox return de force, captured in these stills.

Here's the band's official announcement, posted last night:

It is with great pleasure that we can finally let you all know what we have been working on. On September 28th, we will be releasing a new retrospective called Telephantasm. It includes songs from all of our albums and E.P's, including "Black Rain", an unreleased track from the Badmotorfinger sessions. Plus, we are releasing our first ever DVD which will include never before seen videos, and much more.

We have partnered with Guitar Hero 6 to launch Telephantasm simultaneously with the launch of the new game. Which means if you buy Guitar Hero 6 for the week of September 28th you get a copy of Telephantasm as well. Of course, there will be vinyl, collectors editions, deluxe packages and more.

The pessimist in me worries that Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd, and Matt Cameron won't stay together long enough to release a record of new material. That there will be some insurmountable creative or personal conflict that will again send the guys packing their gear. (No, I don't believe for a second the reunion is fueled by finances.) The optimist looks forward to another couple of smallish Seattle shows, a full tour, and an eclectic, heavy new album. Both parts are crossing fingers that I'll actually, finally witness the band play live.

One other thing from the cynic: Must all rock bands integrate Guitar Hero (and its gaming kin) into their releases? I guess it probably helps sales, but it just makes me yawn.