American rock band Soundgarden formed in Seattle, in 1984. The band consisted of Chris Cornell on vocals, Kim Thayil on lead guitar, Matt Cameron on drums (from 1986) and Hiro Yamamoto on bass guitar.

Soundgarden were one of the principal bands to come out of the alternative rock, grunge style that developed in the area and centered around the record label Sub Pop.

When Nirvana and Pearl Jam broke into the mainstream Soundgarden followed. The band's albums include Badmotorfinger and Superunknown, with Black Hole Sun being their most famous single.

Soundgarden split in April 1997 citing the pressure of touring and differences over musical direction. Chris Cornell continues to record solo material.