We saw it coming, but it’s still a little melancholy. Matt Cameron is following through on an earlier announcement, and is taking a break from Soundgarden. Life marches on, a replacement is lined up, but there’s no denying that Cameron will be sorely missed.

It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Cameron perched on the Soundgarden drum throne. Listen to any top Soundgarden track, and you’ll hear Cameron – he joined the band two years after they formed, and has played on every major release since, including King Animal, their 2012 reunion album.

Of course, this move has a solid reason behind it. After Soundgarden’s breakup in 1991, Cameron signed on with another Seattle outfit – the nascent world-beating grunge group Pearl Jam. So we’ll excuse him for having other commitments.

Fortunately, a replacement has been found, and a darn good one. Matt Chamberlain is taking over the vacant position. Chamberlain’s name might not be a household one, but he has a formidable reputation as a session drummer, having played with everyone from Elton John to Kanye West. The sticks are in good hands, time to start getting excited for the upcoming tours.