Brann Dailor, the drummer and vocalist for the metal band Mastodon, has recently lent his voice to a heartfelt cover of “Dead Wishes,” a song originally by the late Chris Cornell. The track comes from Cornell’s 2015 solo album, Higher Truth, and is part of a tribute project called King Ultramega. This project was created by Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance to honor the legacy of the Soundgarden frontman.
The recording features not only Dailor but also renowned drummer Kenny Aronoff. Dailor expressed deep respect for Cornell, calling the opportunity to cover one of his songs an incredible honor. He admitted that he initially hesitated, worried about doing justice to such a revered artist. However, he saw the challenge as a chance to pay tribute to one of his favorite musicians and vocalists.
King Ultramega is more than just a tribute; it also supports MusiCares, the charitable organization affiliated with the Recording Academy. MusiCares provides assistance to musicians in times of need, making this project both a celebration of Cornell’s artistry and a way to give back to the music community.
Songs about wishes often explore themes of hope, longing, and reflection. “Dead Wishes,” in particular, holds emotional weight as it comes from an artist known for his powerful voice and deeply personal lyrics. By covering this song, Dailor connects with those themes while honoring Cornell’s influence on rock and metal music.
Tribute songs like this serve a dual purpose: they keep the memory of beloved artists alive while introducing their work to new audiences. Through projects like King Ultramega, fans and fellow musicians alike can celebrate the impact of figures like Chris Cornell who have shaped modern music.
This collaboration highlights how music communities come together to support each other and remember those who have passed on. It also underscores the ongoing relevance of songs about wishes — not only as artistic expressions but as meaningful gestures that resonate beyond their original release.
As fans listen to Dailor’s rendition of “Dead Wishes,” they are reminded of Cornell’s enduring legacy and the power of music to connect people across time and space. The project promises to inspire others in the industry to continue honoring influential artists while contributing to worthy causes like MusiCares.
