Right, I'll be one of the few here to give this one props!

The difficulty for some will be the ability to divorce this from Audioslave as there's certainly some similarities outside of just the vocals. But not enough for this to be anything other than a Soundgarden album. Also for a band with such a strong back catalog anything less than sensational may disappoint but as usual that is both unfair to the band and to the listener (IMO of course). Perhaps too not heavy enough for fans of BadMotorFinger and what came before but certainly should please fans of Superunknown and DownOnTheUpside...

Personally love all their eras and while King Animal took a few spins to properly click, I farking love this and the more I listen the more this improves.

Two complaints (and only two) being track 10, Halfway There while doesn't suck just doesn't sound like a Soundgarden track and more along the lines of a Cornell solo tune (considering music and lyrics are credited to Cornell that makes sense LOL)... And the running order. First track and single Been Away Too Long works way better if tucked away on the second half of the record but again, that's just my take on things ;)

Non state Actor is absolutely great as is By Crooked Steps, A Thousand Days Before one of the best tunes from the gang period (seems to be a fan favorite too) and while on the slow side, Blood On The Valley Floor has an underlying BadMotorFinger kinda vibe about it, a real treat! Bones Of Birds another treat while not as instant as previous ballads such as Black Hole, Burden etc it is still magnificient, and Black Saturday is cracking with its acoustics and nod to previous such material... The chorus to Worse Dreams reminds of Pearl Jam but the atmosphere is true Soundgarden and after initial hesitation Taree has become a favorite! Personally find Rowing very cool even if for just being different and Eyelid's Mouth works in much the same way both having a chant kinda chorus approach in fact I reckon had either of those opened the album running order for me at least would been near perfect but again just my 2c...

Anyway add to that some stellar artwork classy lyrics and great production and King Animal in the very least sees Soundgarden back and defenitely on track! Here's hoping they tour down here again and they continue to release new material in the coming years! I'd rate it at least an 8 maybe more ;)