KING ULTRAMEGA, the all-star Chris Cornell tribute project, has released „Birth Ritual,“ a reimagining of the SOUNDGARDEN deep cut from the iconic Singles soundtrack. The track features SOUNDGARDEN drummer Matt Cameron alongside HALESTORM’s Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger, with bass and production by Mark Menghi. Released one day after what would have been Cornell’s 58th birthday, the single adds a powerful new chapter to this ongoing tribute.KING ULTRAMEGA, the passion-driven tribute project honoring the life and legacy of Chris Cornell, has unveiled its latest single, „Birth Ritual“ — a reimagining of the SOUNDGARDEN deep cut originally featured on the landmark Singles movie soundtrack. The release arrives one day after what would have been Cornell’s 58th birthday, coinciding with the ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations of the film and its era-defining soundtrack.
The recording brings together an exceptional lineup: Matt Cameron, the legendary SOUNDGARDEN drummer who co-wrote and performed on the original track, rejoins the song alongside bassist and producer Mark Menghi, vocalist Lzzy Hale, and guitarist Joe Hottinger, both of HALESTORM. The result is a tribute that preserves the raw, unfiltered power of the original while injecting fresh fire into one of the most explosive moments in Cornell’s catalog.
For Menghi, the driving force behind KING ULTRAMEGA, Cameron’s involvement was non-negotiable. Having the man who performed the original live on screen in the Singles film lends the new version an undeniable authenticity. Lzzy Hale, for her part, approached the vocal with the intention of inhabiting the song rather than imitating Cornell, while Joe Hottinger delivered guitar work that balances reverence with personal expression.
„Birth Ritual“ marks the second time a member of SOUNDGARDEN has appeared on a KING ULTRAMEGA recording, following Kim Thayil’s contribution to „The Day I Tried to Live.“ Cameron himself described the new version as a „nice modern update“ that remains true to the original spirit, noting that Hale delivered an exceptional vocal performance.
Released via Reigning Phoenix Music, the single continues KING ULTRAMEGA’s mission of covering every facet of Cornell’s career — spanning SOUNDGARDEN, his solo work, and beyond — with all proceeds supporting the MusiCares Foundation.