In an inspiring blend of musical reverence and mental health advocacy, KING ULTRAMEGA has emerged as a powerful tribute project honouring the iconic Chris Cornell. Backed by Reigning Phoenix Music and the Recording Academy’s MusiCares, KING ULTRAMEGA debuts with a fiery reimagining of Soundgarden’s classic “Rusty Cage”, available now on all major streaming platforms.
👉 Watch ‘Rusty Cage’ (Official Lyric Video):
🎧 Stream it here: https://kingum.rpm.link/rustycagePR
This isn’t just a cover—it’s a movement. KING ULTRAMEGA brings together an all-star lineup of musicians from legendary bands including Alice In Chains, Mastodon, Anthrax, and Metal Allegiance, with each track in the project rotating musicians to reimagine songs from Cornell’s extensive and emotionally resonant catalogue—including his work with Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, and his solo career.
The Lineup on “Rusty Cage”
- William DuVall (Alice In Chains) – Vocals
- Bill Kelliher (Mastodon) – Guitars
- Mark Menghi (Metal Allegiance) – Bass
- Charlie Benante (Anthrax, Pantera) – Drums
DuVall handles the vocal legacy of Cornell with both power and grace, noting:
“I just leaned into my love for the song and my immense respect for Chris. Since the instrumental track Bill, Charlie, and Mark sent hewed so closely to the original, I thought it best for me to stay in that ballpark as well. Again, my reason for participating was simply taking on an interesting challenge when so much of the world was shut down. But if this release can help further the good work done by MusiCares, then I’m all for it.”
Guitarist Bill Kelliher channels the jagged brilliance of the original track with sharp precision, while Menghi’s bass injects swagger and soul—especially in the doom-laden second half. Benante captures the controlled chaos of Matt Cameron’s original drumwork with a mix of power and groove.
Music with a Mission
The heart of this project lies in its purpose—raising critical funds and awareness for MusiCares, the non-profit branch of the Recording Academy that offers a vital safety net for music professionals. This includes support for mental health services, addiction recovery, and emergency aid.
“Chris Cornell’s voice and presence meant so much to so many, including all of us at MusiCares,” said Theresa Wolters, Interim Executive Director and VP of Health & Human Services at MusiCares. “It’s deeply meaningful to see his legacy continue through a project that brings connection, awareness, and hope to the music community.”
KING ULTRAMEGA promises to continue its tribute to Cornell with more singles featuring new guest musicians, highlighting the enduring influence of his music while championing the well-being of those who create it.
This is more than a tribute—this is a movement.
Stay tuned for future releases from KING ULTRAMEGA and support a project that not only honours one of rock’s greatest voices but also uplifts the community he loved.
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