*Reigning Phoenix Music*

Amid the early lockdowns of 2020, musicians from major rock bands teamed up virtually to record covers, one of the most notable being a rendition of Soundgarden’s “Rusty Cage.” That collaboration has now been formally released under the name King Ultramega, a moniker that nods to the Soundgarden albums Ultramega OK and King Animal.

The lineup includes Alice in Chains’ William DuVall, Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher, Anthrax’s Charlie Benante, and Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance. Initially shared only on social media, their cover of “Rusty Cage” has been reintroduced with a broader purpose: to honor Chris Cornell and benefit the Recording Academy’s MusiCares foundation.

“My reason for participating was simply taking on an interesting challenge when so much of the world was shut down,” DuVall explains. “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.”

The King Ultramega Soundgarden tribute also coincides with the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2025, adding further significance to the timing.

Future King Ultramega releases are in the works and will feature new artist collaborations—including Soundgarden’s own guitarist, Kim Thayil.

“I’m super honored to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the King Ultramega project,” Thayil says. “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.”

Content for this summary was derived from original reporting by ABC Audio, as featured on 105.7 The Point