William Shatner, the iconic actor best known for his role in Star Trek, has announced plans to release a heavy metal album. The project, slated for this year, will feature 35 songs and a host of guest musicians from the metal world. Shatner, who turns 95 in March, is set to cover legendary bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest.
This new musical venture continues a long history of unconventional spoken-word and musical performances from the actor, dating back to his 1969 album, The Transformed Man.
Key Takeaways
- William Shatner is releasing a 35-song heavy metal album in 2026 at the age of 95.
- The album will include covers of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden, alongside new original songs.
- The project features a large cast of guest artists from the metal community, personally selected by Shatner.
- The idea originated from a collaboration with the band Nuclear Messiah, featuring former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland.
A New Frontier for a Cultural Icon
William Shatner is embarking on a new mission, trading the starship bridge for the recording studio to create a full-length heavy metal album. The ambitious project marks another chapter in a career defined by fearless exploration, both on and off the screen.
The actor explained his motivation for delving into the genre, highlighting its expressive power. He views it as a medium where creative energy can be fully unleashed.
"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."
The announcement emphasizes that this is not a solo endeavor. Shatner has recruited what is described as a "veritable army of metal stars" to contribute to the album. Each musician was reportedly hand-picked by Shatner to help create a project that balances power with performance art.
Album at a Glance
- Artist: William Shatner
- Genre: Heavy Metal
- Track Count: 35 songs
- Content: Covers and new original material
- Collaborators: A wide array of unannounced metal musicians
The Spark of Inspiration
The genesis of this heavy metal project can be traced to a specific collaboration. Shatner was initially asked to provide a spoken-word introduction for an upcoming album by Nuclear Messiah, a band formed by former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland.
That single recording session proved to be a catalyst. Shatner described the experience as transformative, opening a door to a new creative world he felt compelled to explore further.
"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."
This initial collaboration expanded into a full-scale album concept. Rather than just a guest spot, Shatner decided to helm a massive project, bringing his unique theatrical style to a genre known for its intensity and technical skill.
Classic Covers and Original Material
While full details are still emerging, the album is confirmed to feature Shatner's interpretations of some of heavy metal's most iconic songs. He has confirmed that he will be covering tracks from genre pioneers, including:
- Black Sabbath
- Judas Priest
- Iron Maiden
In addition to these classic covers, the 35-song collection will also include a number of new songs written specifically for the project by Shatner's creative team. This blend of homage and originality promises a diverse listening experience, described as an effort in "thunder, theater, and fearless experimentation."
Shatner framed the project as another step into the unknown, a theme that has run through his entire career.
"I’ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction," he stated. "Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal. I hope you will join me in the exploration."
A History of Musical Experimentation
William Shatner's foray into music is not a new phenomenon. His distinctive spoken-word style has been a hallmark of his musical output for over five decades.
- The Transformed Man (1969): His debut album featured dramatic readings of contemporary pop songs, including a now-famous version of The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds."
- "Rocket Man" (1978): His performance of the Elton John classic at the Science Fiction Film Awards became a legendary piece of pop culture history.
- Has Been (2004): Produced by Ben Folds, this critically acclaimed album featured collaborations with artists like Joe Jackson and Aimee Mann and included a celebrated cover of Pulp's "Common People."
This upcoming heavy metal album appears to be the next logical, if unexpected, step in his long and varied artistic journey. It continues his tradition of reinterpreting popular music through his unique performative lens, this time applying it to one of music's loudest and most energetic genres.