"Screaming Life" is the debut EP by the American rock band Soundgarden, released in October 1987 through Sub Pop Records. It marked the beginning of Soundgarden's recording career; as such, it played a crucial role in the evolution of the band’s sound. This album showcased their early grunge/metal sound which would come to define them as one of the pioneers of the grunge movement.
The album, produced by Steve Fisk and engineered by Jack Endino, primarily featured compositions by frontman Chris Cornell and guitarist Kim Thayil. It includes six tracks, namely "Hunted Down," "Entering," "Tears to Forget," "Nothing to Say," "Little Joe," and "Hand of God." Notably, the track "Nothing to Say" gained considerable reputation and was hailed as a standout, even being featured on the band's later compilation album, "Screaming Life/Fopp."
"Screaming Life" was well-received and drew attention to the Seattle scene in its nascent years with its distinctively heavy, intense sound. Soundgarden later went on to achieve considerable worldwide success and was one of the first bands in the fledgling grunge movement to sign to a major label.
Consistent with their style, "Screaming Life’s" cover art was created by renowned local artist Natasha Shneider, who presented the band’s love for surreal visuals vividly. In a broader perspective, this EP is an important piece in the annals of not just Soundgarden's discography but also to the wider grunge genre, providing a sneak-peak into Soundgarden's creative process right at the inception of their journey.
