A new all-star collective named King Ultramega, featuring a stunning roster of rock and metal royalty, has launched a new project to honor the life and musical legacy of the late Chris Cornell. The project’s first offering, a potent cover of the Soundgarden classic “Rusty Cage,” was released today, with all proceeds benefiting the MusiCares Foundation to support musicians struggling with mental health and addiction. You can listen to it down below.
The inaugural lineup for “Rusty Cage” brings together William DuVall of Alice In Chains on vocals, Bill Kelliher of Mastodon on guitar, Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera on drums, and project mastermind Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance on bass.
Lending the project a profound sense of legitimacy, the tribute has received the official blessing and participation of Soundgarden‘s own guitarist, Kim Thayil, who will appear on future releases.
For Menghi, who spearheaded the project, Thayil‘s involvement was the key. “Once Kim got involved and re-recorded one of his own songs, I knew something was brewing,” Menghi said.
In a statement, Thayil expressed his gratitude for the tribute to his late bandmate. “I’m super honored to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the King Ultramega project,” he said. “I’m equally proud that it celebrates Soundgarden in this tribute to the songwriting of Chris. Ultra-admirably, everyone’s participation is supporting the work of the MusiCares Foundation.”
The project, which launches in conjunction with Soundgarden‘s long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is a deeply personal one for Menghi. “I went through some very difficult times in my life. I should not be here right now, but I am,” he shared. “I like to think my past trials and tribulations helped me understand Chris just a little, hence the formation of King Ultramega.”
He emphasized that the goal was never to reinvent Cornell’s work, but to honor it with respect, always asking the guiding question, “How would Chris like this?”
“It really is only about honoring the legacy of Chris Cornell. Nothing more,” Menghi stated.
“Rusty Cage” is the first of many planned releases from the rotating King Ultramega collective. Future tracks are set to feature an incredible lineup of artists, including Joe Satriani and Alissa White-Gluz, among many others.
You can visit their website and find more information about the project.
