As the phenomenally talented King Midas of the music industry, Timbaland has worked with almost too many musicians to name, effectively turning each of their songs to gold. Never discriminating against artists based on genre or level of experience, Timbaland has worked with both newcomers and the established alike, and within the realms of pop, hip-hop, and rap. Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Alliyah, and Missy Elliott are among his more well-known collaborations; however, some of the lesser-known partnerships include works with Bjork, Jennifer Lopez, and Duran Duran.

How long can one man live on the cutting edge without getting too close to it and finally teeter off the charts? Hasn’t he already devised every possible formula whose end result ultimately equates a chart-topper? Apparently, Timbaland’s brand of genius is anything but ephemeral. The release of his first rock album, Scream, which he produced for ex-Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell, will undoubtedly propel both into uncharted territory.

Many of Timbaland’s couplings initially raise some eyebrows, as is the nature of those who are truly avant-garde and visionary. Scream, however, is raising a lot more than eyebrows. It’s raising angry voices. Many Soundgarden and Audioslave fans, and those who hark back to the raw roots of rock, are showing reactions that range from devastation to disappointment, to disgust. Some are even regarding Chris Cornell as one of the biggest sell-outs of this era. Wherever your loyalties, preconceptions, or grudges lie, the fact remains that this album is going to be chock-full of good music.

Perhaps the fact that I’m a sucker for both alternative rock and heavy, electronic beats makes me a little bit biased. Maybe the promise that this album will have a “psychedelic,” ambient feel strikes my fancy. Still, I honestly believe that Timbaland and Chris Cornell each bring what the other is lacking to the table. Timbaland produced a long string of singles, but I can’t say I know the name of even one of his albums. Scream, in part inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall, is said to be a comprehensive piece that will wrap listeners up in an entire experience. Chris Cornell, on the other hand, evidently could not go on with the same old sound any longer, and nothing forces inspiration to the surface like a change of pace.

The album is set for a March 9th release, and I’m willing to bet that the resulting Scream will be one of approval instead of one of rejection.