'Slave' 4 U

OUTSHINED Still, some experts think Audioslave's album could ultimately outperform Rage's past work, which includes two triple-platinum albums. ''I expect it will sell to the existing Rage fans, but the music may be more accessible and reach a wider audience,'' says Bob Bell, new-music buyer for the Wherehouse Music chain. Indeed, judging from the single -- and unfinished demos for the rest of the album that leaked to the Internet this summer -- Cornell's presence forced the ever-inventive but riff-heavy Rage (guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk) to explore radio-friendly musical concepts like melodies, chord progressions, and even ballads.

What's more, Cornell has already seen wider success than his new bandmates. Soundgarden's biggest album, '94's ''Superunknown,'' outsold any Rage release, hitting quintuple-platinum status. And the hits he wrote and sang -- among them ''Black Hole Sun,'' ''Rusty Cage,'' and even ''Hunger Strike,'' his duet with Eddie Vedder -- continue to get radio play. Add that history to Rage's rhythmic drive and guitar heroics, and the result may be a group that -- at least commercially -- is more than the sum of its parts. ''You have this bridge-building band that combines a grunge icon with a rap-rock icon,'' says Radio & Records' Kerr.

SUPERUNKNOWN Despite such high hopes, the future of Audioslave is far from certain. First of all, interpersonal relationships within Rage Against the Machine were famously contentious -- in eight years, they released only four albums, one of which was all cover versions. And since Cornell and Rage have already broken up, canceled a tour, and reconciled before even releasing an album -- a rare feat -- it's hard to say whether this assemblage will even last.

One wild card is Rage's radical past. Cornell was never politically outspoken, and it's not clear that he shares the hard-left views that defined Rage Against the Machine. ''I actually think that's the interesting question: How does Chris fit into that?'' says Kerr. ''That's where you could see the impending breakup.''

Another key question is whether Audioslave are willing to promote this record. No tour has been announced, and the band has yet to grant interviews (an Epic Records spokesperson was unable to comment for this story). Live 105's Axelsen says that the band members need to work hard to help listeners get used to their new sound. ''I feel it's still somewhat of an odd mix. I think it's gonna take some time for this band to be embraced and accepted by the fans and critics.'' KROQ's Worden adds that the band's live show may be the ultimate test. ''That's going to be a huge piece of the puzzle, but I expect good things out of it.'' That is, unless they force Cornell to sing ''Bulls on Parade.''