Thayil shares the story of how he and his Soundgarden bandmates--Hiro Yamamoto, Ben Shepherd, Matt Cameron, and Chris Cornell--faced the triumphs and challenges on the road to their historic and influential rise. His storytelling channels the essence of Soundgarden's era-defining sound--one that's supercharged with raw creativity and unapologetic lyrics--and explores the ways that Soundgarden was shaped by the diverse backgrounds of its creators: Thayil's Indian heritage and founding bassist Hiro Yamamoto's Japanese background added unique dimensions to the band's identity, influencing not only their music but also their experiences in the industry.

For Soundgarden fans and '90s alternative rock enthusiasts, A Screaming Life not only gives behind-the-scenes access to one of the most revered bands, but it also demonstrates the power music and its creators have to transform culture.