William Shatner Embarks on Heavy Metal Journey with All-Star Album
William Shatner, the iconic actor best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, is set to release a heavy metal album featuring a remarkable lineup of metal legends. The project, announced in February 2026, marks a surprising yet compelling new chapter in Shatner’s diverse career.
A Gathering of Metal Titans
The album boasts collaborations with 35 hand-picked metal icons, including Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society), Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow), Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream), Wayne Kramer (MC5), and Henry Rollins (Black Flag, The Rollins Band). Blabbermouth reports that Shatner personally selected each artist for their distinct voices, fearlessness, and credibility.
Beyond Spoken Word: A History of Musical Exploration
While widely recognized for his acting, Shatner has a long-standing, albeit unconventional, history with music. He released his debut album, The Transformed Man, in 1978, and has since collaborated with artists like Iggy Pop, Brad Paisley, and Joe Walsh. Stereogum notes his previous perform often blends spoken-word intensity with cinematic atmosphere, exemplified by his 2004 album Has Been, which featured a unique rendition of Pulp’s “Common People” produced by Ben Folds.
Covers and Originals
The upcoming metal album will feature both covers of classic metal tracks from bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden, as well as original compositions. Loudersound highlights that the project was inspired by Shatner’s narration of the intro to Nuclear Messiah’s upcoming album, Black Flame, sparking his desire to delve deeper into the genre.
Shatner on the Project
“Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud,” Shatner stated. “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.” He describes the album as a high-voltage cinematic experience, filled with sharp turns, dark humor, raw emotion, and unexpected beauty.
A Continued Legacy
At 94 years old, Shatner continues to defy expectations and explore new creative avenues. Beyond his musical pursuits, he holds the distinction of being the first actor from the Star Trek universe to travel to space, joining Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin crew in 2021. Live for Live Music reports that Shatner was, until recently, the oldest person to journey into space.
The album is slated for release later in 2026 via Cleopatra Records.