In a move that will surprise only those Audioslave [ tickets ] fans who haven't been paying attention, former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell [ tickets ] can now be referred to as "former Audioslave frontman," as well.

"Due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences, I am permanently leaving the band Audioslave," Cornell said in a prepared statement released Thursday (2/15) afternoon. "I wish the other three members nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors."

Cornell simultaneously announced a May 1 release date for his sophomore solo effort, "Carry On." The disc, which is his first solo collection since 1999's "Euphoria Morning," was produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones). Among the album's 14 tracks is the cut "You Know My Name," a song that first turned up in last year's James Bond flick, "Casino Royale."

Alongside the set's 13 original tracks will be Cornell's "slow-grind cover of Michael Jackson 'Billie Jean' that gives the familiar song a completely new feeling," according to a press release.

Audioslave--which, in addition to Cornell, also featured Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello (guitar), Tim Commerford (bass) and Brad Wilk (drums)--released three albums, the most recent of which is last year's "Revelations." Questions about the group's future began to crop up when the band announced that it had no plans to tour behind the set, and that Cornell was working on a solo album.

Fueling the breakup rumors was last month's announcement that Morello, Commerford and Wilk will reunite with Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha--who exited the group in 2000, and has hardly been heard from since--for what the band has billed as a one-off performance at this summer's Coachella festival. No word from the Rage camp yet about whether the group might consider forging on after Coachella in light of Cornell's departure from Audioslave.

Meanwhile, Morello is devoting his attention as of late to his own solo project; billed as The Nightwatchman, he'll release his debut disc, "One Man Revolution," April 24, according to Epic Records.