KING ULTRAMEGA launches with debut single “Rusty Cage,” a bold tribute to Chris Cornell

In a landmark collaboration to support the mental health and well-being of music creators, Reigning Phoenix Music and MusiCares have teamed up to spotlight King Ultramega, a bold new tribute project honoring the legacy of Chris Cornell. King Ultramega debuts today with a powerful reimagining of Soundgarden’s “Rusty Cage,” released via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/GKdMKFBrQpk?si=GwpzLFYzyejQg6e3

King Ultramega is an all-star collective featuring original members of Alice In Chains, Anthrax, Mastodon And Soundgarden, alongside legendary artists from the hard rock and metal worlds. With each single release King Ultramega will feature different musicians that aim to celebrate Cornell’s musical genius while raising critical funds and awareness for MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s nonprofit providing mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency services to those in the music community.

“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.”— Theresa Wolters, Interim Executive Director and VP of Health & Human Services, MusiCares

The lineup for “Rusty Cage” includes:

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.