Members of Alice In Chains, Mastodon and more unleash charity cover of Soundgarden’s Rusty Cage

The debut track has been released from new superstar Chris Cornell tribute project King Ultramega.

For this first effort – a fantastic cover of Soundgarden classic Rusty Cage – Alice In Chains’ William DuVall, Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher, Metal Allegiance’s Mark Menghi and Anthrax/Pantera’s Charlie Benante have all teamed up, helping to raise money for MusiCares in Chris’ name. It’s been unveiled in conjunction with Soundgarden’s 2025 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, and the collective’s line-up will change with the release of each new track (and we’ll get to hear covers of Audioslave, Temple Of The Dog and Chris’ solo career, as well as Soundgarden).

“I just leaned into my love for the song and my immense respect for Chris,” explains William of his impeccable vocal performance here. “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. Again, my reason for participating was simply taking on an interesting challenge when so much of the world was shut down. 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.”

Check it out:

MusiCares’ Interim Executive Director and VP of Health & Human Services, Theresa Wolters, shares: “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.”

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