William Shatner has announced the upcoming release of a new metal album featuring “35 handpicked metal icons.”
The 94-year-old Star Trek star, known for his dramatic spoken-word style, revealed that he’ll be covering Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden on the as-yet-untitled album, which also includes original material penned by his “team” of musicians.
“The whole project is destined for this year,” Shatner said in a press release issued by Cleopatra Records. “I hope you will join me in the exploration.”
Few details were revealed beyond that, though Shatner did discuss the project’s origin: a one-off spoken-word intro piece for Nuclear Messiah, the metal supergroup helmed by ex-Megadeth axeman Chris Poland. The experience was apparently so inspiring, Shatner set out to create a full-blown metal album of his own.
“When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked,” Shatner said. “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.”
Elsewhere in the press announcement, Shatner mused: “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 has previous experience working with metal/heavy-music artists such as Zakk Wylde, Ritchie Blackmore, Wayne Kramer, Henry Rollins, and Michael Schenker. In fact, it was a gifted guitar from Wylde that served as “deeply motivating” gesture in regards to this unexpected new musical direction.
“I’ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction,” Shatner said. “Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal.”
Additional album details — including title, tracklist, release date, lead single, and the full roster of featured artists — will be revealed soon.
