In an interview shortly before the release of the album, drummer Brad Wilk said: "Audioslave the band has arrived.

[3] On May 4, 2005, the band traveled to Havana, Cuba, to spend some time interacting with Cuban musicians[4] before playing a concert in the city on May 6.

[7] Many songs from Out of Exile were performed live for the first time at the concert, which was held three weeks prior to the release of the album.

[20] Slant Magazine said Out of Exile had "the sound of a band coming into its own",[21] and Allmusic praised the album as "lean, hard, strong, and memorable.

[24][25] The album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, indicating sales of a million units.