Revelations

It's easy to assume that the Rage Against the Machine/Soundgarden supergroup has finally turned into an actual working band -- either that or the group is working hard to get to the end of their contract so they can go their separate ways. Here, the two are integrated fully into a distinctive sound, one that's tight and focused, one that's aggressive but not overly heavy. By putting emphasis on rhythm, Audioslave displays an overt funk and soul influence here, which is a surprise...

Out of Exile

Unlike the first record, Out of Exile sounds like the product of a genuine band, where all four members of the band contribute equally to achieve a distinctive, unified personality. It's still possible to hear elements of both Rage and Soundgarden here, but the two parts fuse relatively seamlessly, and there's a confidence to the band that stands in direct contrast to the halting, clumsy attack on the debut.

Audioslave

I've always been a Soundgarden fan, yet I wasn't never really was hip to the Rage Against the Machine. Out of curiosity, I got this album. Not bad, yet not the greatest music I ever heard. Former Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell sounds great and RATM's Tom Morello's guitar playing in sensational. So what's there not to like? Just couldn't put my finger on it...