Source: Blabbermouth.net
According to The Pulse Of Radio, a scientific research vessel that will monitor water quality in Washington state’s Puget Sound has been given the name SoundGuardian in honor of local Seattle musical legends SOUNDGARDEN. Drummer Matt Cameron commented: “We’ve won Grammys and a few awards through the years, but this is a real special one because it’s tied into our city and the culture that we have here. So we’re very proud to be a part of it. We love the natural resources here and are in tune with keeping our environment safe and this vessel will certainly help out in this endeavor.”
Guitarist Kim Thayil added, “And there’s a strong sense of pride and honor with the civic mission. These are issues that are obviously of concern, especially if you have kids. There’s a strong sense of civic pride in regards to Seattle and the Northwest.”
Both Thayil and Cameron were on hand last Wednesday (June 29) for the launch of the vessel, which will answer environmental emergency calls apart from monitoring.
The ship replaces the Liberty, an older vessel that has been used since 1977 to monitor the Puget Sound.
Singer Chris Cornell recently said that SOUNDGARDEN is “in the middle of writing songs” and that the band will record a new album after he finishes his current solo tour.
SOUNDGARDEN reunited in 2010 after a 13-year layoff, touring and then eventually writing new material that became the basis for 2012’s “King Animal”, its first new studio album in 16 years.