‘Star Trek legend William Shatner is set to release a new heavy metal album pairing covers of staples by the likes of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, along with all-new compositions. The 94-year-old actor/musician, etc. has revealed this venture into heavier soundscapes was spurred by a guest appearance on Nuclear Messiah‘s album “Black Flame“, for which he recorded a spoken word introduction. He commented:
“When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked. It wasn’t just a track — it was a doorway. It made me want to go all the way in, bring in the best metal players I could find, and create something fearless.”
Working with that all-star collective led him to partnering with a slew of heavy metal and hard rock luminaries on covers and a a number of all-new tracks as well, including:
Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne)
Ritchie Blackmore (ex-Deep Purple/Rainbow
Henry Rollins (ex-Black Flag/Rollins Band)
Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
Wayne Kramer (MC5)
The track listing and further details are being kept under wraps for now, but Shatner did have the following to say about his passion for metal music:
“Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud. This album is a gathering of forces — each artist bringing their fire, their precision, their chaos. I chose them because they have something to say, and because metal demands honesty.”
Shatner was personally gifted a guitar by Wylde during the sessions for this record, which is eyeing a 2026 release. Shatner went on to say of this project:
“I’ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction. Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal. I am covering Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as well as a number of new songs written by my team. The whole project is destined for this year. I hope you will join me in the exploration.”
