King Ultramega just proved that the best tributes aren’t built on nostalgia alone—they’re built on authenticity and deep appreciation. The project’s new cover of Soundgarden’s“Birth Ritual”brings together original drummer Matt Cameron, Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale on vocals, and guitarist Joe Hottinger in a release that feels like more than just another celebrity cover. The fact that Matt Cameron actually performed this song in the original 1992 Singles film adds a layer of legitimacy that most tribute projects can’t touch. When you hear the raw power of these musicians attacking this track, it becomes clear that“Birth Ritual”was always meant to make noise.
What makes King Ultramega different from other tribute projects is their commitment to celebrating Chris Cornell’s entire creative legacy rather than just chasing his biggest hits. By bringing back surviving Soundgarden members and treating deep cuts like“Birth Ritual”with serious respect, they’re creating something that honors the band’s revolutionary approach to heavy music. The timing feels perfect too—the cover arrived one day after what would’ve been Cornell’s 58th birthday and during the 30th anniversary of the Singles soundtrack, the album that basically defined Seattle grunge and changed rock music forever.
Lzzy Hale’s approach to the vocals shows why this collaboration works so well. She doesn’t try to be Chris Cornell; instead, she finds her own way into the song while respecting the intensity he brought to every note. Combined with Hottinger’s blistering guitar work and Cameron’s anchoring drums, this version captures the raw, unapologetic honesty that made Soundgarden so revolutionary. If you’ve been sleeping on“Birth Ritual,”this cover is your reminder to dig deeper into Soundgarden’s catalog. What’s your favorite Soundgarden deep cut that deserves more love?
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Local Lawton
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