Soundgarden have announced that they are heading back into the studio to record a new album.

The band, who played their first gig in twelve years in their original line-up last April, revealed the news over their website.

"Over the past few months, we've been busy jamming, writing and hanging out together - exploring the creative aspect of being Soundgarden. It feels great. We have some cool new songs that we are going to record very soon. Thank you for all of the support!"

Guitarist Kim Thayil had previously hinted last year that the band may record a new album.

Soundgarden's last studio album ’Down On The Upside’ was released in 1996. The band released the retropsecitve ‘Telephantasm' in September.

(by Holly Frith)