Soundgarden Featured in Upcoming ‘Guitar Hero’

The real news isn't that recently reformed band Soundgarden will be putting out a new compilation, 'Telephantasm,' on Sept. 28 and that the collection will feature one previously unreleased song. The interesting element is that the band will bundle one million copies of the album with the new video game 'Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock,' which also comes out Sept. 28, marking the first time an album will be simultaneously released and packaged with a video game launch.

'Telephantasm' includes the unreleased track 'Black Rain,' which was recorded during the sessions for the 1991's 'Badmotorfinger.' The disc also features top-charting hits and an assortment of lesser-known songs. But back to the video game release. The first million copies of 'Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock' in North America will contain a 12-song retrospective disc exclusive to 'Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock' for one week (until Oct. 5). Additionally, fans will get access to the band's new album as downloadable content for the game. The 12-song disc won't be available at retail outlets until Oct. 5.

In addition, A&M/UMe will release an expanded version of 'Telephantasm' on Sept. 28 that will include a double-disc with 12 additional tracks, five of which are previously unreleased. That's in addition to Soundgarden's first-ever DVD, featuring 20 videos, 13 of which have never been seen. The company will also release a deluxe three-LP vinyl edition and an individually numbered Super Deluxe Collector's Edition, which will include two CDs, the limited-edition DVD, three heavy vinyl discs, a collectible poster, lithos and more. These three expanded versions will be available at all music retail outlets and on the band's website.

Soundgarden's first show in 12 years was April 16 at the Showbox Theater in Seattle, and the band recently headlined Lollapalooza. Look for more dates in the weeks ahead.