King Ultramega have released a powerful new single, a cover of “Preaching The End Of The World”, recorded in loving memory of Chris Cornell while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health services, addiction recovery support, and emergency assistance to members of the music community.
Originally written and performed by Chris Cornell, “Preaching The End Of The World” remains one of the most emotionally resonant songs of his solo career. The new interpretation from King Ultramega preserves the emotional core of the original while expanding its sonic landscape with layered guitars, cinematic keyboards, and a dynamic, atmospheric arrangement.
The recording features vocals by Ian Thornley of Big Wreck, guitars by Pete Thorn, bass by Mark Menghi, keyboards and synth by Dave Kerzner and Frank Mitaritonna, and drums by Kenny Aronoff. The track was produced by Mark Menghi, engineered by Frank Mitaritonna, Dave Kerzner and Mark Menghi, mixed and mastered by Josh Wilbur, with cover artwork and video created by Costin Chioreanu. Original music by Chris Cornell.
Speaking about joining the project, Ian Thornley said: “Pete Thorn is a dear friend and fellow Canadian who I know played with Chris Cornell for many years. He’s a great musician, and we’re always looking for projects to do together, so it was a quick ‘yes’ from me.”
Kenny Aronoff shared: “I wanted to be part of this project because I know Mark was involved, and I’ve always been a huge fan of anything Chris Cornell on so many levels. “Preaching The End Of The World” is an amazingly beautiful song, and Chris’s vocal performance is one of the most passionate and emotional vocal performances I have ever heard.”
Producer and bassist Mark Menghi reflected on the song’s meaning, saying, “It’s a song about loneliness and searching for connection, something I can relate to. Just listen to the lyrics of this song. Chris is authentic, emotional, and vulnerable.”
Pete Thorn also looked back on performing the song live with Cornell. “‘Preaching The End Of The World’ is a beautiful song that I always enjoyed performing with Chris during my time on tour with him. I remember a show in Tel Aviv where he talked about writing it during a dark time, but ended by saying, ‘but I made it!’ I always think about that in a positive way. He made it for a long time, and we should all be thankful for that.”
Discussing the musical direction, Menghi added: “When I chose this song for King Ultramega, I had a late 60s Beatles production vibe in mind. I tried to honor what made Chris’s original recording so special, not only instrumentally but in the production as well.”
Ultimately, the musicians view “Preaching The End Of The World” as a defining piece of Chris Cornell’s artistic legacy, and hope this tribute both honors his songwriting and helps support members of the music community through MusiCares.
The LP featuring “The Day I Tried To Live” and “Rusty Cage” is available exclusively on the Reigning Phoenix Music EU and US webstore, Soundgarden webstore, and King Ultramega webstore.
A limited run of 500 purple vinyls (available to US purchasers) and 300 lilac vinyls (available to European purchasers) are available.
