In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at supporting the mental health and well-being of music creators, Reigning Phoenix Music has joined forces with MusiCares to launch KING ULTRAMEGA — a bold new tribute project celebrating the legacy of Chris Cornell. The project makes its debut with a powerful reimagining of SOUNDGARDEN’s classic “Rusty Cage,” released through Reigning Phoenix Music.
KING ULTRAMEGA is an all-star collective made up of original members from ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, MASTODON, and SOUNDGARDEN, along with iconic artists from across the hard rock and metal scenes. Each single will showcase a different lineup of musicians, all united in honoring Chris Cornell’s musical brilliance. At the same time, the project aims to raise vital funds and awareness for MusiCares — the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health support, addiction recovery services, and emergency assistance to those in the music industry.
Theresa Wolters, interim executive director and VP of health and human services at MusiCares, commented: “Chris Cornell’s voice and presence meant so much to so many, including all of us at MusiCares. He and his loved ones have long championed the importance of our work, and it’s deeply meaningful to see his legacy continue through a project that brings connection, awareness, and hope to the music community”.
The lineup for “Rusty Cage” consists of:
* William DuVall (ALICE IN CHAINS) – Vocals
* Bill Kelliher (MASTODON) – Guitars
* Mark Menghi (METAL ALLEGIANCE) – Bass
* Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX, PANTERA) – Drums
DuVall approaches Cornell’s towering vocal legacy with reverence and restraint. “I just leaned into my love for the song and my immense respect for Chris,” he says. “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. I had no thoughts or ambitions for this beyond our posting it on social media five years ago. But if this release can help further the good work done by MusiCares, then I’m all for it.”
Kelliher faithfully channels the song’s jagged, shifting riffs, while Menghi injects a dose of low-end swagger, including a bold bass-wah section in the song’s doom-laden second half. Benante captures Matt Cameron’s explosive style with precision and feel, staying true to the song’s “tight but loose” groove.
KING ULTRAMEGA is more than a tribute; it’s a movement. The collective will continue releasing new interpretations of Cornell’s work across SOUNDGARDEN, AUDIOSLAVE, TEMPLE OF THE DOG and his solo career, each track featuring rotating guest musicians and collaborators. Proceeds from every release will benefit MusiCares.
KING ULTRAMEGA is a passion-driven musical project honoring the life, voice, and genius of Chris Cornell, one of the most gifted artists of our time. It launches in conjunction with SOUNDGARDEN’s long-overdue induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
This project did not begin with a single, dramatic moment. Instead, it grew quietly and gradually, an organic result of years of conversations, inspiration, and deep reverence for a musician whose impact remains immeasurable.
“There is not a singular moment in time that led to this project,” says bassist and producer Mark Menghi, the driving force behind KING ULTRAMEGA. “It was a trail of events that led to the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA and the evolving creation to pay tribute to the voice of a generation”.
