Meet KING ULTRAMEGA: The Ongoing, Star-Studded CHRIS CORNELL Tribute Band For Charity

In a powerful new partnership aimed at uplifting the mental health and well-being of music creators, Reigning Phoenix Music and MusiCares have launched King Ultramega — a bold, all-star tribute project celebrating the legacy of the late Chris Cornell. The project kicks off with a thunderous reimagining of Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage", available now via Reigning Phoenix Music.

King Ultramega features an impressive lineup of rock and metal legends, this time uniting William DuVall of Alice In Chains on vocals, Bill Kelliher of Mastodon on guitar, Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance on bass, and Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera on drums.

With each single, King Ultramega will rotate its lineup to spotlight different artists, drawing from Cornell's extensive catalog across Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, and his solo work. Proceeds from every release will go directly to MusiCares, the Recording Academy's nonprofit providing vital mental health, recovery, and emergency support services to the music community.

William DuVall delivers a vocal performance that honors Cornell's iconic range without overshadowing it, opting for subtlety and emotional honesty. "I just leaned into my love for the song and my immense respect for Chris," he said. "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."

Originally recorded five years ago during lockdown, the track was never intended for anything more than a social media post — but with this official release, it's been repurposed for a greater cause.

Theresa Wolters, Interim Executive Director of MusiCares, emphasized the emotional weight behind the project: "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."

Future releases will continue to reinterpret Cornell's body of work with new collaborators, shining light on his genius while raising awareness and funds for mental health services that remain critical for artists in today's industry.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Cornell or discovering his music through this reimagining, King Ultramega delivers both a heartfelt homage and a much-needed push for change in how the music world supports its own.