KING ULTRAMEGA, the all-star tribute project honoring the music and legacy of Chris Cornell, returns with its latest single, “Birth Ritual,” a reimagining of the SOUNDGARDEN deep cut originally featured on the legendary Singles movie soundtrack. Arriving one day after what would have been Cornell’s 58th birthday, the release also lands amid the continued celebration of Singles’ 30th anniversary, adding another layer of meaning to a track forever tied to the film, its era-defining soundtrack and the Seattle sound Cornell helped shape.

The new version brings together Matt Cameron, the legendary SOUNDGARDEN drummer who co-wrote and performed on the original track, Mark Menghi (bass & producer), and Lzzy Hale (vocals) and Joe Hottinger (guitar) of HALESTORM. The result is a tribute that honors the song’s raw power while bringing fresh fire to one of the most explosive moments in Cornell’s catalog. The result is a tribute that honors the song’s raw power while bringing fresh fire to one of the most explosive moments in Cornell’s catalog.

For Menghi, KING ULTRAMEGA has grown into something larger than a covers project.

“KING ULTRAMEGA has become more than a cover project; it feels like a living tribute to Chris Cornell’s entire creative spirit,” says Menghi. “If you notice the trend of KING ULTRAMEGA releases thus far, we cover all aspects of Chris’ career—spanning different albums, bands and solo records—with no more than one song from any given release. ‘Birth Ritual’ was originally featured on the legendary Singles movie soundtrack, and it has always been one of my favorite SOUNDGARDEN songs. It was important to me to give a tip of the cap to a phenomenal film—which Chris famously cameos in—and a soundtrack that perfectly defined that entire era. I still have my original VHS of the movie! Even our artwork for this release is a direct nod to the movie’s fictional band, ‘CITIZEN DICK.’”

When it came time to build the lineup for “Birth Ritual,” Cameron’s involvement was essential.

“Bringing in Matt was essential,” Menghi continues. “Having the guy who actually lived that experience—and is famously in the movie performing the OG version of this song live from behind the drum kit in one of the scenes—gives our version an undeniable, authentic energy. Getting to lock in on bass with Matt driving the drums was an absolute dream. Pairing our rhythm section with the sheer power of Lzzy and Joe took this track to the stratosphere. Lzzy completely channels that raw Cornell vocal grit, and Joe’s guitar work is just blistering. Together, I believe we honored the history while bringing fresh energy to it.”

“Birth Ritual” also marks the second time a member of SOUNDGARDEN has performed with KING ULTRAMEGA, following Kim Thayil’s appearance on “The Day I Tried to Live.”

“Humbled, grateful, and completely surreal,” Menghi says. “Between having Matt on ‘Birth Ritual’ and Kim Thayil laying down guitars on ‘The Day I Tried to Live,’ it’s an absolute full-circle moment for me. SOUNDGARDEN has been woven into my creative DNA since a very young age. To have the very architects of that definitive Seattle sound validate what we are doing by stepping into our world and re-recording these tracks with us... it’s truly insane to think about. I’m just incredibly thankful for the opportunity.”

The "Birth Ritual" Lineup Is:

Vocals: Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM)
Guitars: Joe Hottinger (HALESTORM)
Bass: Mark Menghi (METAL ALLEGIANCE)
Drums: Matt Cameron (SOUNDGARDEN)

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