King Ultramega , a new supergroup formed by members of Alice In Chains , Anthrax , Mastodon , Soundgarden , and heavyweight guests from hard rock and metal, officially debuted with a powerful tribute to Chris Cornell : a new version of "Rusty Cage," a Soundgarden classic. The release is part of a campaign with MusiCares, a Recording Academy foundation dedicated to the mental health and well-being of the music community.
The collective proposes to release new versions of songs by Soundgarden, Audioslave , Temple of the Dog , and Cornell's solo career. Each single features a different lineup, always prioritizing a sincere tribute to the vocalist, considered one of the greatest names in rock in recent decades.
On their debut single, William DuVall (Alice In Chains) handles the vocals with intensity and respect. Bill Kelliher (Mastodon) plays guitar, Mark Menghi ( Metal Allegiance ) commands the bass, and Charlie Benante (Anthrax, Pantera ) takes on the drums. The group maintains the essence of the original track but infuses it with a new energy and unique nuances.
The project goes beyond music. All proceeds from the releases will be donated to MusiCares, supporting initiatives focused on mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency assistance for musicians.
A tribute that connects generations.
Mark Menghi conceived KING ULTRAMEGA during the pandemic, bringing together musician friends to record "Rusty Cage" as a form of expression and catharsis. The project grew to include names like Kim Thayil (Soundgarden), Joe Satriani , Alissa White-Gluz ( Arch Enemy ), and other artists. They all share the purpose of celebrating Chris Cornell and contributing to the music community.
Menghi emphasizes: “We don’t want to reinvent Chris’s work. We seek to honor his memory and influence. Each musician brings their own personality, but always with respect for Cornell’s legacy and the goal of helping those in need.”
The group chooses the repertoire instinctively, valuing the inspiration of the moment and the personal connection with Chris Cornell's music. New singles are already on the way, always maintaining the collaborative and rotating spirit of the project.
King Ultramega is more than just a musical tribute. The supergroup has become a movement of hope, inspiration, and care. By remembering Cornell's genius, the band encourages discussion about mental health and reinforces the importance of mutual support for fans and artists.
Check out the single:
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