In a powerful tribute to the late Chris Cornell, members of Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Mastodon, and Anthrax have joined forces under the banner of King Ultramega, a new collective dedicated to celebrating the iconic musician’s legacy. Their debut release, a searing cover of Soundgarden’s 1992 classic “Rusty Cage,” dropped on July 18, 2025, marking a heartfelt homage to Cornell’s unparalleled influence in rock music. This project not only honors Cornell’s genius but also supports MusiCares, with all proceeds aiding musicians facing mental health and addiction challenges.
The inaugural lineup for “Rusty Cage” features an all-star cast: William DuVall (Alice In Chains) on vocals, Bill Kelliher (Mastodon) on guitars, Charlie Benante (Anthrax, Pantera) on drums, and Mark Menghi (Metal Allegiance) on bass, who serves as the project’s creative force. Mixed by Josh Wilbur (known for his work with Lamb of God and Gojira), the track stays true to the raw energy of Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger original while infusing it with the unique flair of its contributors. The release coincides with Soundgarden’s long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025, adding extra weight to this moment.
King Ultramega’s origins trace back to 2020, when Menghi recorded an early version of “Rusty Cage” with friends during the pandemic. What began as a spontaneous project evolved into a larger vision to honor Cornell’s work across Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, and his solo career. “There was no singular moment that led to this project,” Menghi shared. “It was a trail of events, driven by my own struggles and a deep reverence for Chris, that led to the formation of King Ultramega.” His personal connection to Cornell’s challenges with mental health fuels the project’s mission to support MusiCares.
The “Rusty Cage” cover, initially shared on social media in 2020, has been remixed and partially re-recorded for its official release, accompanied by a new music video that echoes the original’s imagery, including a nod to the car-crashing cabin from Soundgarden’s iconic video. DuVall, reflecting on his contribution, said, “I leaned into my love for the song and my immense respect for Chris. The instrumental track was so close to the original, I aimed to stay in that ballpark while honoring his legacy.”
Future releases from King Ultramega will feature a rotating lineup of rock and metal luminaries, including Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil, Joe Satriani, Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), and Kenny Aronoff. Each single will continue to raise funds for MusiCares, emphasizing the project’s dual focus on musical tribute and social good. Thayil, who will appear on upcoming tracks, expressed his pride: “I’m honored to record alongside these amazing musicians and celebrate Soundgarden’s legacy while supporting MusiCares.”
For Menghi, the project is deeply personal. “I went through some very difficult times in my life. I should not be here right now, but I am,” he said. “I like to think my past trials helped me understand Chris just a little, hence the formation of King Ultramega.” Every decision, from song selection to artwork, is guided by the question, “How would Chris like this?” The result is a tribute that feels authentic, raw, and respectful of Cornell’s indelible mark on music.
Fans can stream or download “Rusty Cage” on major digital platforms and watch the animated lyric video on King Ultramega’s YouTube channel. With more covers on the horizon, this collective promises to keep Cornell’s spirit alive while shining a light on mental health support for musicians. As Menghi puts it, “King Ultramega is a reminder that Chris was a true musical genius.” For longtime fans and new listeners alike, this project is a powerful testament to Cornell’s enduring impact.
For more information, visit kingultramega.com or follow @King_Ultramega on social media.
