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Chris Cornell Tribute Project Unveils “Birth Ritual” Featuring Lzzy Hale and Matt Cameron: Stream
The Chris Cornell tribute project King Ultramega has released a new single, a cover of Soundgarden's progressive metal track "Birth Ritual", continuing its ongoing series of releases honouring the late singer. The recording brings together several notable musicians with direct ties to Cornell and his bandmates, and is being singled out for a standout vocal performance intended to pay fitting tribute to one of rock's most celebrated singers.
The track features Soundgarden's own drummer Matt Cameron, alongside Halestorm's Lzzy Hale on vocals and Joe Hottinger on guitar, with King Ultramega curator Mike Menghi on bass. Hale, who previously appeared on the project's cover of "Loud Love", said she wanted to "meld his incendiary words with my soul", while Hottinger described using an unfamiliar guitar tuning and specific amp choices to capture the song's character. "Birth Ritual" originated as a Badmotorfinger-era outtake before appearing on the Singles soundtrack and later on the rarities compilations Telephantasm and Echoes of Miles; other King Ultramega releases so far include covers of "Rusty Cage", "The Day I Tried to Live" and "Dead Wishes".
In short
- King Ultramega releases Chris Cornell tribute cover of "Birth Ritual"
- Features Matt Cameron, Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger, Mike Menghi
- Part of ongoing tribute series including "Rusty Cage" and "Loud Love"
Explained simply
Chris Cornell was the lead singer of Soundgarden, one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s, known for his powerful, soaring vocals. He died in 2017 and remains a celebrated figure in rock history.
King Ultramega is a tribute project dedicated to recording new versions of Soundgarden's songs, bringing together various guest musicians who had connections to Cornell and his bandmates. The project aims to honour Cornell's legacy through fresh studio interpretations of the band's classic material.
"Birth Ritual" is a Soundgarden composition that originated as an outtake before appearing on later compilations and soundtracks. The recording reunites Soundgarden's drummer Matt Cameron with contemporary vocalists and musicians, bringing together a surviving band member with newer artists to celebrate Cornell's influence.